Find Out Who Tops The List Of 6 Highest Earning Comedians In Nigeria

They may look funny and unserious, but they are laughing to the bank
and living large with assets running into billions of Naira. Capturing
aptly Ali Baba, the father of stand-up comedians in Nigeria quote, he
said"comedy is a funny business, a very big business."
According to Naijabrain, this is the latest list of 6 comedians in
Nigeria that tops the earning list.
Ali Baba
Ali Baba is the richest comedian in Nigeria if not the whole of
Africa. He once had a two year endorsement deal with a multinational
firm worth N100 million. Over the years he has invested in banking,
events management, and entertainment/recreation businesses.
Acclaimed as the godfather of Nigerian comedy Ali Baba who is also
known as Atunyota Alleluya Akporobomerere (what a mouthful) is
credited with starting the revolution that brought in a wave of
comedians such as Basket Mouth, Opa Williams, Julius Agwu, Okey
Bakassi, Gandoki, Gbenga Adeyinka D 1st etc.
Ali Baba took comedy business to another height in 1998 when he
registered his company,"Ali Baba Hiccupurathird."That same year he
erected three billboards in strategic locations in Lagos: Ozumba
Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island; Osborne Road, Ikoyi and in Marina. He
paid N150, 000 for each billboard per year for two years. The
billboard carried a simple message,"Ali Baba –Being Funny Is Serious
Business."
Bright Okpocha (aka Basketmouth)
Basketmouth is one of Nigeria's most recognisable faces in comedy. His
annual income consists of several endorsement deals, Globacom (He has
been the longest serving Glo ambassador) and several more.
His'Basketmouth Uncensored'sells out annually in locations like South
Africa, London and the United States. He has been one of the most
consistent comedians in the comedy industry. He has also invested in
brick and mortar businesses like night clubs. His annual income (life
performances, endorsement deals, TV shows etc) is estimated in the
range of N150 – N250 million with his flagship'Basketmouth
uncensored'showed pulling in over N100 million per annum.
Julius Agwu
The Rivers state born comedian is a vastly talented person combining
his comedy talents with acting and occasional song-making. In 2013 he
released two singles'rejuvenate'and'mama soup'and took his growing
comedy show 'Crack ya Ribs' to London. He also organised the'Laugh for
Christ Sake'show. He owns real laugh entertainment an event management
firm along with choice properties in several states. he is rumoured to
be well connected politically and eying a political position in the
upcoming elections.
The 40 year old makes his money from live shows, his hosted show
'Crack Ya Ribs' and advertisement endorsements. He made around N20
million when he launched his book at age 40 recently. Estimated annual
revenue is between N150 – N200 million
Francis Agoda (aka I Go Die)
The comedian I Go Dye is also a businessman extraordinaire. The United
Nations Millennium Developmental Goal Ambassador is believed to own a
few businesses which include a property and Real Estate Company and a
bottling water company nearing completion. The Delta State-born humour
merchant acquired N14 million worth White-Diamond Cadillac Escalade
Hybrid 2012 Model (Platinum Edition) and a reported N7 million worth
Range Rover Evogue.
His annual income is estimated to be around N200 million
Gbenga Adeyinka
Gbenga as well as being a comedian is a well known event anchor and
MC. He has a show Laffmatazz and anchors a very healthy number of
political and social events all year round. He has a very lucrative
deal with Nigerian Breweries over the past few years. He earns between
N100 – N150 million per year.
AY
AY is thought to make N1 – N2 million per show and runs A.Y. Live
events which basically is an event's organiser and management firm.
His AY show won Best TV Comedy show in 2008; his monthly AY's Open Mic
Challenge has also provided an avenue to unearth fresh talents. Linked
to owning a club (or at least working on launching one) he pulls in at
least N150 million per annum.
Viewers, do you agree with this list or you think otherwise?