Ask Nigerians their favourite comedians and I bet each one will mention at least five of them. But do you know that some of your favourite comedians are very wealthy? Do you know the richest comedian in Nigeria?
Nigeria is ranked number one on the list of happiest people in the world according to a publication released by the BBC in 2003. Although Nigeria has since dropped to 85th in the world, we are ranked number 2 among the happiest people in Africa after Mauritius. Thanks to Nigerian comedians, the rest of the world sees us as fun-loving, entertaining, loud and carefree.
Comedy is a multi-billion naira industry in Nigeria. Gone are the days when comedians are seen as lazy, never-do-wells or useless jokers. With the popularity of comedy series, stand-up comedy shows, and Instagram short skits, Nigerian comedians are cashing out daily. Nigerians love anything or anyone that can make them laugh. They will rather spend millions to secure tables of four, five or six and V.I.P. sections than anywhere else. So, let’s take a look at the top 10 richest comedians in Nigeria.
Top 10 richest comedians in Nigeria in 2022
1. AY Makun: N3.2 billion
Ayodeji Richard Makun, popularly known as A.Y, is the richest Nigerian comedian with a net worth of N3.2 billion. AY is a Nigerian actor, radio and TV presenter, writer, producer, movie director and businessman. But he first gained prominence as a comedian in Nigeria. AY started his career as a personal assistant to Nigerian comedy legend Alibaba and grew to become one of the best comedians in not just Nigeria but in Africa. His contribution to the industry took him to the top list of the richest comedians in Nigeria.
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2. Ali Baba: N3 billion
Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome aka Ali Baba is regarded as the father of modern comedy in Nigeria. Ali Baba is the second richest comedian in Nigeria with a net worth of N3 billion. The Warri-born comedian is also a Master of Ceremonies (MC) and an accomplished actor. Although he was born into a royal family, Ali Baba chose comedy as a profession. He began his professional career performing at corporate events, appearing on television and shows. As one of the pioneers of the comedy industry, Ali Baba mentored other comedians by organizing annual stand-up comedy shows. He remains the most awarded Nigerian comedian with about 15 awards.
3. Basket Mouth: N2 billion
Bright Okpocha, stage name Basket Mouth, takes third place among the richest comedians in Nigeria. His net worth is estimated to be about N2 billion. Born in Lagos State by parents from Abia State, South-East Nigeria, Basket Mouth began his career as a rapper. He released his debut album titled, Horoscope from his own record label, Barons World Entertainment. However, most of his wealth and contributions come from comedy where he has organized and featured in stand-up comedy shows, video skits as well as comedy movies.
Although some of his jokes are controversial, he has been a favourite of many Nigerians. Basket Mouth has won the National Comedy Award and the awards for Best Stand-up Comedian of the Year in 2005 and 2006 respectively. He was also nominated in the 2021 maiden edition of The Humour Awards Academy alongside fellow comedian Mr Funny. Basket Mouth plays Frank in Africa Magic show “My Flatmates” and has also produced the popular movie Ghana Jollof.
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4. I Go Die: N2 billion
Francis Agoda, popularly known as I Go Die, has an estimated net worth of N2 billion, making him the fourth richest comedian in Nigeria. I Go Die started his career as a presenter at Mock News in Delta State broadcasting service, alongside his friend Otagware Onodjeyeke popularly known as I Go Save before transitioning into stand-up comedy. At first, he was receiving N1000 per show. But his consistency and obvious talents drew him to the hearts of Nigerians.
I Go Die got his biggest break at Nigeria’s biggest stand-up comedy show, Night of A Thousand Laughs in 2000. Ten years later, he was honoured as the most outstanding on the show. Soon, he became a prominent face in Nigerian comedy shows and has grown into one of the wealthiest comedians in the country. I Go Die is also a motivational speaker, writer and social crusader.
5. Bovi: N1.5 billion
Bovi Ugboma is a Nigerian stand-up comedian, actor and writer with an estimated net worth of N1.5 billion. Born in Benin City, Edo State, Bovi began his professional career by starring in the popular sitcom, Extended Family. He also co-wrote and produced the show. However, he got his big break as a stand-up comedian in Nite of 1000 Laughs organized by Opa Williams in 2013. He has since hosted his own show called Bovi-Man on Fire where he featured international superstars like Ashanti and Ja Rule. In addition, Bovi returned to the movie industry as he premiered his own movie It’s Her Day in 2016. In 2018, he also produced the comedy series Back to School which is very popular due to rib-cracking acts by other comedians like I Go Save, Efe, Omini, Odogwu and many others.
6. Okey Bakassi: N800 million
Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule, popularly known as Okey Bakassi, is the seventh richest comedian in Nigeria with about N800 million net worth. Okey Bakassi is also an actor and a TV presenter. He ventured into politics when he was appointed as the Special Senior Assistant to the Imo State Governor on entertainment.
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7. Gbenga Adeyinka: N500 Million
With a net worth of N500 million, Gbenga Adeyinka takes eighth place on our list. Born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, first worked as a corporate affairs manager in an engineering firm. Then he got his big break in comedy when he hosted the popular shine shine bobo promo for ‘Star Game Show’. Gbenga Adeyinka has also anchored Television programmes for AIT, Galaxy TV, MBI, and Africa Magic on DSTV. He has anchored many prominent events in and outside Nigeria. Gbenga now has a farm food company named Aduni Adeyinka foods which he started during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
8. Gordons: N400 Million
Godwin Komone, popularly known as Gordons, has done well for himself despite coming from a poor background. Gordons started comedy when he joined a popular Delta state-based Gospel music comedy group known as D.C Envoy. The group took their shows to campuses when they got admission into the University. Since then, Gordons has hosted many comedy shows across the country and the world. His net worth is estimated at N400 million.
9. Akpororo: N350 Million
Born Bowoto Jephthah Oluwatiseyifumi Tanimola in Warri, Delta State, Akpororo began his career as a local gospel musician. In 2008, he participated in the National Comedy Challenge by Opa Williams and won the Calabar zone of the competition. He then moved to Lagos in 2009 and contested twice in the AY’s Open Mic Challenge. He came second on his first try and then won the competition on his second one. Since then, he has performed in several shows including AY Live, Basketmouth’s Laff and Jam, Akpororo vs Akpororo, The Experience etc. Akpororo’s net worth is estimated to be about N350 million.
10. Buchi: N350 Million
Onyebuchi Ojieh, popularly known by his stage name, Buchi, completes our top ten richest comedians in Nigeria list. Buchi officially began his comedy career in 2008 after another comedian Tee-A invited him to his show Tee-A Live N Naked. He also met comedy veteran Ali Baba and Opa Williams who gave him a spot on the Nite of A 1000 Laughs show. Buchi is also an actor and stars as Obus in the popular comedy TV show, My Flatmates. His net worth is estimated to be about N350 million.
