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
(Vanguard) 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.
[Vanguardngr]
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