Comedians are meant to be funny. Yes, the stand-up comedians dominating Nigeria’s humor 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 comedians in Nigeria in terms of their assets, the money they charge per show, the various products and corporate endorsements they represent, and their established brands from which they make steady income.
Ali Baba: with over thirty of performing on stage and hosting events for almost all Nigeria’s Presidents and present one, Ali Baba sits at the apex. Even former President Olusegun Obasanjo once jokingly accused him of being overpaid for his performance. His Lekki mansion where he lives is said to be worth over N300million.
Ali Baba makes his money through a chain of businesses in Lagos; as a reputed motivational speaker, a professional comedian who is majorly patronized by almost all the big brands and political bigwigs in the country. His net worth is estimated to be N3billion. 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 N400million per annum.
Basket mouth: He has been associated with many companies, signing different endorsement contacts 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-Africa, London, America, and on his Basket mouth uncensored platform; the comedian has been so consistent since he came into limelight.
His assets are estimated to be worth N2billion. His annual income may be in excess of N192million, while endorsement deals run into over N120million annually. His international show, basket mouth uncensored rakes in an average of N100million. He makes an estimated sum of N360million annually.
I Go Dye:United Nations Millennium Development Goal Ambassador, Francis Agoda fondly called I Go Dye is the C.E.O of Revamp Construction Company which deals in real estate and road construction. An estimate of his annual income stands between N350milion and N500million; while his net worth is valued at over N2billion. With properties in choice areas across Nigeria, and fleet of luxury cars, he is the man to beat. He has a special performing relationship with almost all the governors in the country. His business empire increases everyday. Presently, he is constructing a water bottle company, Franstel Natural Bottle Water.
Julius Agwu: He made over N20million alone from the launch of his book when he turned 40. He has properties scattered across 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 organizing two events yearly; Crack Your Ribs and Laugh for Christ Sake. He owns 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 2-3million naira per event, and his annual take-home is estimated at N180million; while his personally organized events are estimated to be about N140million annually. His net worth value is valued to be N1.5billion.
AY: Since his foray into this money making business, he has risen faster than anticipated with a performance fee that is between 1-2million naira per event; while his A.Y Live events organized yearly rakes in about N160million. He is said to be earning N280million annually. His net worth is put at N800million naira. He is also working on his MVP club and also runs an event company. He has fleets of cars and properties in Lekki.
Gbenga Adeyinka: No comedian anchors events more 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 a 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 an equipment and events company. He also hosts his television show “Time-Out” with Tee A. He anchors mainly heightened events and also does his private businesses.
BOVI: he is probably the hottest kid on the block right now. The Delta-State Comedian has anchored major events, from Rhythm Unplugged, Man on Fire, Colourful World of more concerts, and many others. He also owns a TV show. He has made a lot of money lately from events.
YAW: Yaw is into the big league with a choice property in Lagos. He also makes money from his MTN endorsement deals, radio presentations, radio hypes, anchoring events, equipment leasing and other business.
Culled from nairaland.com
