When
comedy started gaining recognition in Nigeria in the 1980s, those on the scene
then would rather prefer to lean more on the business side of Mastering a
Ceremony (MC) than mainly cracking jokes.
The
likes of Mohammed Danjuma of blessed memory, Ali Baba, Ibokoko, Barsorge,
Agoma, Alarm Blow, and a few others were those who saw it all.
However,
at the time when everyone thought it scornful to be addressed as a comedian but
would prefer the MC tag, Ali Baba came up courageously and creatively in the
late 80s/early 90s, and subsequently changed history by pioneering stand-up
comedy.
He
saw the immense business opportunities in the industry and took advantage of
the market.
Today,
the amount of money comedians charge per show surpasses the annual income of a
regular banker.
Many
of them are even getting richer and splurging on everything from plush
estates, to dream cars while some are donating to charity as well.
ALI
BABA
The
story of comedy in Nigeria will not be complete without the name, Ali Baba.
Born, Atunyota Alleluya Akporobomerere, Ali Baba is described today as the
godfather of Nigerian comedy. He indeed, started a revolution that inspired
some big names in the industry.
He
started comedy business in Ekpoma in 1987. In 1990, he came to Lagos and
after being rejected by his father who preferred him to become a lawyer, he
made his first million.
When
he landed Ojota, he had only N15 with him, and in 1998, he erected three
billboards in strategic locations in Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Marina with the
message-Ali Baba-Being Funny Is Serious Business.
That
strategy turned comedy into an appealing and lucrative business. Today, Ali
Baba is not only the King of Comedy, he is rated as the richest comedian in the
continent of Africa. He worths billions of naira.
Ali
Baba who performs for government and the nouveau rich is also a lover of
luxurious automobiles. He has over 10 customised exotic cars aside owning
choice properties in Abuja, Lagos, Delta and Port-Harcourt. His interests also
span across investment in the banking sector, event management, fashion,
hospitality, import and export business.
JULIUS
AGWU
The
fact that Julius Agwu is one of the most sought after comedians in Nigeria
today did not come on a platter of gold. From all indications, the Choba
born artiste is so many things rolled into one. He is an actor, a musician, a
compere and an entrepreneur.
From
a humble beginning in Choba, Port-Harcourt where he began his career, Agwu is
one of the very few comedians who are living large in Nigeria.
Right
from his village when he began hawking, he would as a matter of habit stop by
at the market square to mimic a popular drug vendor known as Uncle JB thereby
attracting passers by who would laugh off their worries and still stop to watch
him mimic different characters wherever they come across him.
As
a result of his daily hawking, he became a perpetual late comer to school and
for his punishment, his teacher would tell him to entertain the class before
taking his seats. Even at that tender age, Agwu was also a chorister in his
local church and ranked amongst the best male vocalist.
Later
in life, he originated what is known today as musicomedy. In 2000, his first
album, Okombo which was inspired by Awilo Logomba and enjoyed nationwide and
beyond, received lots of nominations. He went ahead to release another
successful album, ‘My Style’ in 2003 and ‘D’ Genius’ in 2010.
Today,
the success story of Agwu fondly called the D Genius continues as he handles
many A-list events in Nigeria and beyond. Agwu has taken comedy shows to
different parts of the world like Atlanta, Maryland, London, among others.
Foremost amongst his annual comedy shows are; Comedy Train, Crack Ya Ribs and
Laff for Christ Sake.
A
graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt, Agwu is the
MD/CEO of Reellaif Limited, a music sand movie production company. He is also
an entertainment consultant and motivational speaker. He is also a
philanthropist and cruises in state of the art cars. He is happily married with
two children.
BASKETMOUTH
For
many, Bright Okpocha popularly known as Basketmouth is rated to be the second
richest comedian in the country today after Alibaba. This assertion may likely
be borne out of his numerous national and international endorsement deals which
includes Globacom and Virgin Atlantic.
Some
even ranked him as Nigeria’s biggest comedy brand as he has been breaking into
international mainstream comedy shows, earning thousands of dollars. For
instance, four years ago, he was voted second Best Comedian in Africa by MNET’s
Studio 53 Extra. He has recently performed series of comedy shows in major
cities in the United States of America, London, South Africa.
For
the last five years, Okpocha has earned higher than any comedian in the
country.
Impressively
successful in his profession, the spontaneous and talented comic act who
started out as a rap artiste also had a rough road to stardom. Many people
contributed to the success of Okpocha when he was coming up.
In
2000, after a standing ovation performance, he had to beg an artiste, Six Foot
Plus for transport fare to go home to his Railway Compound where he was
staying.
Earlier,
in 1988, he was to be paid N10,000 to perform at a sent forth event until Tony
Tetuila put in a word for him and his fee was raised to N30,000.
He
was in high spirit when he got home and gave his mother N25, 000 and went to
then Tejuosho Yaba market with the remaining N5,000 to buy a shirt, pants
and shoes for his first big show.
All
that as it is often said are history as the Abia State born multimillionaire
comedian rakes over N80m from his ‘African Kings of Comedy’, ‘Lord of the Ribs’
and ‘Basketmouth Uncensored’ shows.
The
‘AY’ Brand
Ayo
Richard Makun, better known as AY, is another successful show host who is
skilled in his art. The Delta State born stand-up comedian had been into
showbiz for several years before his path crossed with that of his mentor, Ali
Baba in 2005.
The
Theatre Arts graduate of the Delta State University gained fame through
impersonating Rev. Chris Okotie in his hilarious jokes. By 2006, AY was named
the Best Up-Coming Comedian in Nigeria.
Before
taking comedy as a career, AY once tried his hands in dry cleaning, bar
tending, scavenging, and barbing.
The
comedian who has also featured in several home videos is well known for his
live shows as well as his television programme, The AY Show. The TV show won
the Best TV Comedy Show in 2008, while he was awarded a UN Peace Ambassador in
2009 after winning six different awards in 2008.
The
multitalented comedian rakes in millions of naira from organising shows within
and outside the country.
He
also has endorsement deals from multinationals worth several millions of naira.
From 2007 to 2012, AY was reported to have earned over N230 million from
different shows and endorsements. In 2007, he held Lagos spellbound when the
second edition of AY Live, Lagos Invasion drew a record crowd forcing him to do
two shows instead of one, as planned.
He
added a luxury Range Rover Sport, worth N18 million, to his fleets of cars some
months ago. Like his mentor, Ali Baba, AY has huge investment in real estate,
event management, Fashion outlets, and hospitality.
Recently,
the multiple award-winning stand-up comedians in collaboration with Sun
International, operators of the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino teamed up to
put up the AY Comedy Club dubbed as, The AY’s Open Mic Comedy Club. The show is
a monthly comedy and variety show that entertains a distinct audience of high
class.
Also,
through his monthly AY’s Open Mic Challenge that holds every third Sunday at
The National Theatre, Lagos, AY has become the ‘father’ of many up-coming and
established acts. The show has discovered the likes of Seyi Law, Elenu, Emeka
Smith, MC Shakara and a host of others.
I
GO DIE
When
Comedian I go Die first came into the comedy scene,his long neck and hungry
look made people laugh at him whilst he told his jokes. In fact, he looked like
a joker trying to earn a living and was nicknamed ‘tolotolo’neck.
Today,
the joke is on those who laughed at him.He is rolling in big bucks. Few years
ago, he splashed a whooping N21 million on two luxury automobiles to add to his
posh wonders-on-wheels. He was on a two months Europe tour few years ago,
performing in France, Holland, Germany, Spain and Belgium.
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. Sources close to the comedian said, he owns
real estate investments, including a property in Delta and Lagos.
Last
year, he acquired a N30 million white and ash with red interior Rolls Royce
Phantom,a wonder on wheels fit kings!
Aside
from this, I Go Die has investments totalling into millions of naira, something
he never dreamed of as a child who grew up lacking the basic things in life.
The
rib-cracker who has been enjoying the best of time with his comedy in and out
of the country, no doubt, is one of the best acts in the industry.
Gbenga
Adeyinka D 1st
Gbenga
Adeyinka D 1st, is a top act in the Nigerian comedy industry. He runs a
television show and publishes a comedy magazine, called Laffmattaz.
The
multi-talented comedian, who has bagged over 40 awards and recognitions, earns
million of naira from his partnership with the Nigerian Breweries, maker of
Star Larger.
From
the Star TV game show, to Star Trek, Star Mega Jamz, and now Star Fortune
Promo, the ‘Comedian of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR)’ has earned about
N200 million for the seven years business relation with the Nigerian Breweries.
He owns several exotic cars and two houses each in Lagos and Ogun States
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