Encomium
Comedy, no doubt, has become big business in Nigeria. Like music, the industry is currently enjoying massive patronage from within and outside the country. The humour merchants don’t only charge millions of naira for shows, they now represent different brands – and all these activities do not come for free, as they smile to banks, cruise around in exotic cars, and live in wondrous mansions.
Many days back, an online portal published the list of richest Nigerian comedians, which was later investigated and verified by ENCOMIUM Weekly. The names, which we modified to top 5, sparked controversies, especially on the social media, as well as some of the comedians, who are not comfortable with the rating.
However, some of the comedians ENCOMIUM Weekly spoke to on this ranking expressed displeasure about the ranking, adding that it should be a private issue.
Below is what they told ENCOMIUM Weekly about their sources of income…
ALI BABA
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, Lagos mansion where he lives is said to be worth over N150 million.
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. It is estimated that he performs at a minimum of two events monthly at an average of N4 million per event.
All efforts to speak with Ali Baba proved abortive, but his Personal Assistant (PA) said he’s not available. We also sent questions to his email address, which were not responded as at the time of filing this report.
‘GOD HAS BLESSED ME’ – 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 N150 and N200 million. His wondrous edifice in Benin City is worth scores of millions of 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.
How does it feel being a top comedian?
Getting into comedy is not by accident. God has blessed me with it. I discovered myself from my tender age. I believe it’s a way of life. It’s lucrative.
What is your minimum charge when you started comedy and what’s the minimum you charge now?
When I started, I didn’t know there was money in it. I was paid N100 for my first show around 1993, and that was like a billion naira. It really motivated me. Now, I can’t really say how much I charge, depending on what my management says to me, and that would be based on negotiation. Sometime I do it for free or charity, and at times, I get paid.
What else do you do aside comedy?
I run an entertainment company.
‘I am not comfortable about the list’ – BASKETMOUTH
Basketmouth has been associated with many companies, signing 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 Africa, the United Kingdom, and even in far away America, and on his Basketmouth Uncensored platform, the comedian has been so consistent since he came to limelight.
His annual income may be in excess of N192 million, while endorsement deals run into over N100 million annually. His international show, Basketmouth Uncensored, rakes in an estimated N70 million. This artiste makes over N260 million annually.
In an interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly, Basketmouth said he’s not comfortable with the list.
You’re rated one of the richest comedians, how does it feel?
I am not comfortable about the list. Even if it’s, I am not going to disclose my wealth, all the things I have. It’s strictly my private life. I work hard to provide shelter for my family, I am not in competition of the richest comedians.
What is your minimum charge when you started comedy and what’s the minimum you charge now?
At my first show, I was paid N150. But today, my minimum performance fee is N4 million.
What else do you do aside comedy?
I have a company I run. It’s called Barons World Entertainment. It’s a wholly Nigerian entertainment company that has contributed immensely to the growth of the entertainment industry locally in Nigeria and parts of Africa and internationally in the UK, parts of Europe and USA. It’s even bigger than the Basketmouth brand. The company has been in existence for only six years and in this period successfully organized some of the best large scale concerts, private parties and corporate events in Nigeria.
‘I claim it in Jesus name’ – JULIUS AGWU
Julius Agwu is arguably one of the few comedians that has contributed greatly to the entertainment industry, especially comedy. We gathered that Julius Agwu made over N20 million 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 4 Christ Sake. He is reputed to own properties in three 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 N2 and N3 million per event, and his annual take-home is estimated at N180 million while his personally organised events are estimated to be about N140 million annually.
He spoke with ENCOMIUM Weekly…
You’re rated one of the richest comedians, how does it feel?
I claim it in Jesus name. It’s the prayer of everybody to become rich. However, I am not sure if I am that rich, because I still work hard to take care of my family. I am a simple man, and I thank God where I am today.
What gives you money?
Entertainment generally. That’s where I make my money. Not only in comedy, because I am into different genres. I am gradually coming back into acting.
What is your minimum charge when you started comedy and what’s the minimum you charge now?
The minimum I charge when I started was free. And the minimum I charge now is free because we do a lot of shows for free.
AYO MAKUN (AY)
Since his foray into this money making business, he has risen faster than anticipated with a performance fee that is between N1 and N2 million per event, while his A.Y Live events organised annually rakes in N160 million annually. He is said to be earning N120 million annually.
His net worth is put at N400 million. He is also working on his MVP club and also runs an event company. He also has fleets of cars and properties at Lekki, Lagos.
When ENCOMIUM Weekly contacted the comedian, he declined comment. “I am not interested.”
– RASHEED ABUBAKAR
