They may look funny and unserious, but they are smiling to the bank and living large with assets running iinto billions of Naira.
According to Naijabrain, this is the latest list of 6 comedians that tops the earning list.
Ali Baba
Ali baba tops the list as the richest comedian in Nigeria if not the whole of Africa. He once had a two year endorsement deal with a multi-national firm worth N100 million. Over the years he has invested in banking, events management and entertainment businesses.
Acclaimed as the godfather of Nigeria comedy, Ali Baba is credited with starting the revolution that brought in a wave of comedians like Basket mouth, Julius Agwu etc.
Bright Okpocha (aka Basket Mouth)
Basket Mouth is one of Nigeria's most recognisable faces in comedy. His annual income cosists of several endorsement deals. He has been the longest serving Glo ambassador. His "Basket mouth Uncensored" sells out annually in locations like South Africa, London US. He has remained consistent in the comedy industry. His annual income(life performances, endorsement deals, TV shows) is estimated in the range of N150 - N250 million with his flagship "Basket mouth Uncensored" show pulling in over N100 million per annum.
Julius Agwu
The Rivers State born comedian is vastly talented person combining his comedy with acting and occasional song-making. In 2013, re leleased his single "rejuvenate" & "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 Life Entertainment along with choice properties in several states. He is rumored to be well connected politically and he is now eyeing a political position in the upcoming elections.
The 40-year-old makes his money from live shows, advertisements and endorsements. He made about N20 million when he launched his book recently. Estimated annual Income is between N150 - N200 million.
Francis Agoda(aka I Go Die)
The comedian, I Go Die is also a business extraordinaire. The United Nations Millenium Development Goal Ambassador is believed to own a few businesses which includes a property ,real estate and a table water company nearing completion. The Delta State born comedian acquired N14 million worth Cadillac Escalade Hybrid 2012 model(platinum edition) and a Range Rover Evogue.
His annual income is estimated to be aboutN200 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 Nigeria Breweries over the past few years. He earns between N100 150 milion per annum.
Ayo Makun(AY)
AY is thought to makeN1-N2 million per show and runs AY Live Events which basically is an event 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 discover fresh talents. He recentlyopened a night club.
He pulls atleast N150 million per annum.