Comedians
are meant to be funny, right? Yes, the stand-up comedians dominating Nigeria’s
humour business landscape are funny quite alright on stage, but very serious in
business.
With assets
running into billions of naira, they are light years apart from the past crops
of old comedians who wait on people for meager rations of life.
They may
look funny and unserious, but they are cavorting to the bank and living their
dreams. Ali Baba, the father of stand-up comedians in Nigeria, aptly captured
in words, the profitability of comedy business when he said: “comedy is a funny
business, a very big business.”
After a
careful study of the careers of these successful comedians, Showtime came to
the conclusion that a number of them are outstanding. Here are the top 10 in
this branch of entertainment in terms of their assets, the money they charge
per show, the various products or corporate endorsements they did, and their
established brands from which they make steady income.
Alibaba:
With over
thirty years of performing on stage and hosting events for almost all Nigeria’s
former presidents and the present one, Ali Baba sits at the apex. Even
President Olusegun Obasanjo once jokingly accused him of being overpaid for his
performance. His Lekki mansion where he lives is said to be worth more than
N300 million alone.
Alibaba
makes his money through a chain of businesses in Lagos: as a reputed
motivational speaker, a professional comedian patronised by almost all the big
brands and political bigwigs in the country. His net worth is estimated to be
over 3 billion naira. It is estimated that he performs in a minimum of two
events weekly at an average rate of 4 to 4.5million naira per event. That would
add up to about 400 million naira per annum!
Basketmouth:
He has been
associated with many companies, signing different endorsement contracts in the
last six years. He also has an impressive list of branding deals with Amstel
Malta, Globacom Ltd. and a host of others. With his sold-out shows in South
African, London, and even in far away America, and on his Basketmouth
Uncensored platform, the comedian has been so consistent since he came to
limelight.
His assets
are estimated to be worth 2 billion naira. His annual income may be in excess
of 192 million, while endorsement deals run into over 120 million annually. His
international show, Basketmouth Uncensored, rakes in an estimated 100million
naira. This artiste makes over 360 million annually.
I Go Dye:
United
Nations Millennium Developmental Goal Ambassador, Amb. Francis Agoda, fondly
called I Go Dye is the C.E.O of Revamp Construction Company, a property, real
estate and road Construction Company. An estimate of his annual income stands between
350 and 500million naira, while his net worth is valued at over 2 billion
naira. With properties in choice areas across Nigeria, and fleet of luxury
cars, he is the man to beat. He also has a special performing relationship with
almost all the governors in the country. His business empire is increasing
every day. Presently, he is constructing a bottle water company, Franstel
Natural Bottle Water.
Julius Agwu:
He made over
20 million naira alone from the launch of his book when he turned 40. He has
properties scattered all over the country, a state-of-the-art audio and video
studio, and more political affiliates than any other comedian.
For over a
decade now, Julius Agwu has been organising two events: Crack Your Ribs and
Laugh for Christ Sake. He is reputed to own properties in 3 states in Nigeria,
and is also the C.E.O of Real Laff Entertainment Company which is an event
management firm. His performance fee is between 2 to 3million naira per event,
and his annual take-home is estimated at 180million while his personally
organised events are estimated to be about 140 million annually. His net worth
is valued to be 1.5 billion naira.
AY:
Since his
foray into this money making business, he has risen faster than anticipated
with a performance fee that is between 1 and 2 million naira per event, while
his A.Y Live events organised annually rakes in 160 million annually. He is
said to be earning 280 million naira annually. His net worth is put at 800
million naira. He is also working on his MVP club and also runs an event
company. He also has fleets of cars and properties at Lekki area in Lagos.
Gbenga
Adeyinka:
No comedian
anchors more events than him presently. He is constantly busy and a top choice
with politicians.He has properties and several business interests besides his
Laffmattaz which is always a sold out show with more than 5000 people in
attendance every year
Okey
Bakaasi:
He anchors
upscale events steadily and must have made huge money from politics too as
Senior Special Assistant on entertainment in Imo State. He has a mansion in Imo
State and Canada.
TEE-A:
A highly
gifted wedding MC, he has equipment and an events company. He anchors mainly
heightened events and also does private businesses
BOVI:
He has made
a lot of money lately from events, adverts and tours. He is probably the
hottest kid right now.
YAW
Yaw is into
the big league with a choice property in Lagos. He also makes money from MTN
adverts, radio presentations, radio hypes, anchoring events, equipment leasing
and other businesses.
