Nigerian comedians laughing their way to the bank

Nigerian comedians, the current crop, which currently do mostly stand-up shows, are a fairly recent development in the nation’s showbiz sector. While in the past, they have included TV stars like Zebrudaya, Samanja, Baba Sala and others, the arena has changed with the times, seeing contemporary laugh-mongers evolve to become multi-media stars. Today, thanks to […]

Nigerian comedians, the current crop, which currently do mostly stand-up shows, are a fairly recent development in the nation’s showbiz sector. While in the past, they have included TV stars like Zebrudaya, Samanja, Baba Sala and others, the arena has changed with the times, seeing contemporary laugh-mongers evolve to become multi-media stars.
Today, thanks to sold-out shows at massive venues, multi-million naira endorsement deals and MC gigs, comedy is one of the most lucrative parts of the entertainment business. The top players, including Ali Baba, Okey Bakassi, Bovi, Klint Da Drunk, Princess, Basketmouth and some more, all command stratospheric paychecks.
Of course, with multi-million naira salaries, a multi-million naira lifestyle is bound to follow. Many top comedians have become celebrities in their own right, and live the part, buying expensive automobiles and big, classy mansions in highbrow areas. Some of the smart ones among them, with sold-out shows and juicy endorsement deals from corporate organisations, have branched out to add real estate, event planning, training, and more to their retinue of skills.
Daily Trust began with the undisputed top-earner, Ali Baba, whose manager said in a phone chat charges about one million naira to two million naira for a two-hour gig hosting a wedding. She said corporate events attract a higher bill, including flights, accommodation and others. “Booking needs to be done in advance, as we’re usually swamped,” she said. Referred to as the ‘godfather of comedy’ by many, he is believed to be one of the richest comedians in Nigeria, with industry insiders frequently citing nine-figure sums.
While Ali Baba’s talent speaks for itself, fans say his humility and charm make his jokes irresistible. Similarly, another charismatic comedian is Okey Bakassi, who at a time was appointed Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment to a state governor and is said to own choice property in Imo State. He confirmed that his price tag is within the range of one and a half million naira to two million naira. “But the money isn’t the most important part, mind you,” he told Daily Trust. “It’s whether or not your fans – or clients – are satisfied, then everything else follows,” he said.
One of the most popular females in the sector, comedienne Princess (born Damilola Adekoya) is also in high demand. Described as having an earthen, girl-next-door appeal, she is constantly working big ensemble shows around Nigeria.
Some more comedians in the top-earners’ club include the weirdly-named I Go Dye, whose net worth is said to run into eight figures, and his penchant to honour the invitations of powerful individuals, including governors.
Comedians tend to have show brands they exploit, like Julius Agwu and his constantly sold-out shows, including ‘Crack Ya Ribs’, making him rank among the richest in Nigeria. With a state-of-the-art visual and audio studio, he also rakes in millions of Naira. He is reported to charge close to N3million per show, but Daily Trust could not verify that. His annual gross is believed to be in the 9-figure zone, said to be the closest to Ali Baba’s.
Other successful comedians include A.Y, whose successful ‘AY Live’ show rakes in over a hundred million naira. He is also the owner of a night club called MVP. There is, also, Gbenga Adeyinka, who is a favourite of politicians in the South-West, where he hosts star-studded events and political gatherings.
Carrot-topped comedian Basketmouth is also a top contender, whose shows are a massive draw, and video clips from there frequently going viral. He is also said to earn nine-figure grosses annually. His packed shows are also major attractions wherever he is hosting them. Plus the fact that he seems to get more endorsement deals than any other comedian in Nigeria.
Rising stars – and upcoming top-earners – include Tee A, whose specialty seems to be anchoring weddings, probably informing his choice to float an event-planning company. Then there’s Bovi and his juicy endorsement deals, as well as Yaw, a radio presenter-turned- -humour-merchant, who is said to enjoy many endorsement deals including a sizeable one with a telecoms giant.
The industry, turning out many millionaires, is thriving, with the aforementioned professionals becoming in a little time Nigeria’s most successful entertainers, even performing across Africa. Stand-up comedy, emerging as Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999, has become the nation’s third-biggest entertainment sector, after Nollywood and music. And as it grows, so do the top comedians laugh, all the way to their various banks.