It is no longer news that the Nigerian Comedy industry is a goldmine. The Industry has been responsible for establishing a few numbers of millionaires and celebrities in the country. With data obtained from reliable sources on the web, we have decided on the top 20 richest comedians in Nigeria.
But Before diving into the list, it is imperative to take a look at the metamorphosis of the Nigerian Comedy Industry. The commercialization of the industry was nonexistent, 60 years ago. It has however grown to be 3rd largest Entertainment industry in Nigeria, generating an income of over ₦50 billion annually.
The Industry is in its third generation phase and has been able to amass the stipulated wealth, thanks to endorsements from Multinational brands. Also, many of the stakeholders are now hosting their independent comedy shows, thereby generating a fortune in the process. According to a Vanguard report in 2014, Basketmouth’s Uncensored show records a minimum of ₦100 million generated revenue annually.
Also, many of these comedians have begun to digitalize their art, thanks to platforms like Instagram and YouTube, and have been able to make millions in the process. Some others ventured fully into Filmmaking, Comedians like AY, Basket Mouth, and Bovi, have been able to generate a huge amount of their wealth by venturing into filmmaking. With all that being said, here is a list of the richest comedians in Nigeria.
1. AY Makun (₦3.2 Billion)
Legendary comedian Ay Makun is the richest comedian in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of ₦3.2 Billion. AY, who doubles down as a Producer and an actor generated most of his wealth due to his significant contribution to the entertainment and Comedy Industry. He is generally regarded as a businessman than a Comedian due to his involvement in several firms and entities across the entertainment industry.
Aside from being the host and producer of the biggest comedy show in Africa, AY Live. Ayo Makun has also left a mark on the Nigerian movie industry as a producer and actor in some of the highest-grossing movies in the country. Despite starting his career as PA to Alibaba, the Nigerian comedy Legend, AY Makun has proven himself as one of the greatest to do it in the country.
Ayo Makun is also the Chief Executive Officer of Corporate World Entertainment, Nigeria. The media and entertainment Organization is responsible for packaging and hosting live events across the country. He also owns a clubhouse and the AY “Open Mic Challenge”, an entertainment platform, intended to pave the way for upcoming comedians.
2. Ali Baba (₦3 Billion)
The Nigerian Comedic Legend, Alibaba Akpobome with an estimated et Worth of ₦3 billion takes second place among the richest comedians in Nigeria. Alibaba is generally regarded as a comedic god-father for carving a niche for comedy in the Nigerian Entertainment industry.
Although born into a royal family, Ali Baba began his professional career performing at corporate events and appearing on television and shows. He became more prominent and began hosting several comedy events across the 36 States of the federation. He is the most-awarded comedian in the country with over 15 accolades to his name.
Being one of the pioneers in the industry he established an annual comedy event called Spontaneity for thriving and budding comedians to make a name. One of the notable proteges to come out of the platform is the popular Woli Arole, who was a finalist in the 2016 edition of the competition.
3. Basket Mouth (₦2 Billion)
Bright Okpocha popularly known as Basket Mouth takes the 3rd position on the list of the richest comedians in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of ₦2 Billion. Although he ventured into the Nigerian entertainment industry as a rapper, Basket mouth registered himself as one of the greatest the comedy industry has ever seen thereby making a fortune in the process.
He has organized popular stand-up comedy concerts like Basketmouth Uncensored across the globe. In 2005 and 2006, Basketmouth won the National Comedy Award and the awards for Best Stand-up Comedian of the Year. He was nominated in the 2021 maiden edition of The Humour Awards Academy alongside fellow comedian Mr. Funny.
4. I Go Dye (₦2 Billion)
Francis Agoda, popularly known as I Go Dye began his career presenting Mock news at the Delta State Broadcasting Service, alongside his friend Otagware Onodjeyeke popularly known as I Go Save before venturing into Stand-up Comedy.
Starting his career as a Standup comedian, I go Dye noted that he was paid one thousand Naira per show. He has since then organized several international comedy shows such as “I Go Dye Standing”, which was held in several countries across the world
He was also featured in one of Nigeria’s biggest comedy shows Night of A Thousand Laughs where he was eventually honored as the most outstanding comedian to have been on the stage for ten years. Internationally, I Go Dye performed at the UNESCO Cultural Week in Paris, France, and the MTV Africa Music Awards.
As of the time of this report, Francis Agoda a.k.a. I Go Dye has a net worth of ₦2 billion which places him among the richest comedians in Nigeria
5. Bovi (₦1.5 Billion)
Bovi Ugboma – with a Net Worth of 1.5 billion – takes fifth place among the richest comedians in Nigeria in 2023. He began his career in 2007 as an actor starring in a Nigerian sitcom titled Extended Family, thereby registering himself as a prominent actor.
He however furthered his career as a Standup Comedian the following year, performing in Nights of a Thousand Laugh, one biggest comedy shows in the country. Bovi held his first stand-up special at the prestigious Eko convention center and has since then registered his name as one of the biggest in the Industry.
He has organized popular stand-up comedy concerts like Bovi: Man on Fire across the globe. Bovi also ventured into acting and film-making. His first movie It’s Her Day grossed 55 million Naira at the Nigerian box office. He was nominated for the AMVCA awards as the best actor in a comedy in 2017.
6. Julius Agwu (₦1 Billion)
Julius Agwu is one of the pioneers of the comedy industry in Nigeria. He has managed to rack up an impressive net worth of ₦1 Billion. Like many people on this list, he began his career as an actor but found his breakthrough in the comedy industry.
Aside from having a successful career as a comedian, Julius is also the CEO of Reellaif Limited, a music, and movie production company. The firm is responsible for the production of successful comedy shows like Crack Ya Ribs, Laff 4 Christ’s Sake, and Festival of Love.
7. Teju baby Face (₦ 1 Billion)
Teju Babyface born as Gbadewonuola Olateju Oyelakin is a Nigerian standup comedian, talk show host, producer, and writer. He is popular for pioneering the late-night TV show in the Nigerian TV space with The Teju Babyface Show in the year 2010. He is also known by many in Nigeria as The King of Talk.
Teju began his entertainment career in 1999 after playing the lead role in director Tade Ogidan’s movie franchise Diamond Ring. He appeared in a couple of other television series, before diverting into Comedy. Upon his graduation, from the University of Lagos, he devoted himself completely to becoming a standup comedian and had his first notable performance on The Nite of a Thousand Laffs.
In the following years, Teju grew to be one of the reckoning comedians in the country. In 2010 He began his his franchise The Teju Babyface Show for television, which has gone on for more than 11 seasons Aside from his legendary status as the King of Talk, Teju is one of the richest comedians in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of N 1 Billion.
8. Okey Bakassi (₦800 Million)
Okey Bakassi began his career at Rivers State University where he formed a group called ‘Theatre Colleagues’ to act and entertain the university community.
He is more popularly known as an actor than a comedian, due to his success. In 2014, he won the “Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo)” category at the 2014 edition of the Best of Nollywood Awards for his role in the film Onye Ozi.
After graduating from the University, Okey relocated to Lagos to pursue an acting career, where he landed his first television production before getting a breakthrough in Comedy. Due to his successful entertainment career, he was appointed as the Special Senior Assistant to the Imo State Governor on entertainment. Over his career, he has amassed a net worth of ₦800 Million, making him one of the richest comedians to emerge from Nigeria.
9. Gbenga Adeyinka (₦700 Million)
With a net worth of ₦ 700 Million, the Ogun State-born comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka makes the list of the richest comedians in Nigeria in 2022. Gbenga who refers to himself as the Grand Comedian of Nigeria (GCON) is also one of the pioneers in the industry.
Before his career as a comedian, Gbenga worked as a corporate affairs manager in an engineering firm. He began his entertainment career as an Anchor for several television programs and attained the limelight with his “Shine Shine Bobo promo” for ‘The Star Game Show.
He has since then anchored numerous programs and events in and outside Nigeria. Gbenga Adeyinka is also the first to publish a comedy magazine in Nigeria known as Laffmattazz. He founded Aduni Adeyinka Foods, a food company during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
10. Gordons (₦700 Million)
Godwin Komone popularly known as Gordons takes the ninth position among the richest comedians in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of ₦700 Million. The famous comedian emerged when the popular Delta state-based Gospel music comedy group known as D.C Envoy came into prominence.
After coming into Prominence, Gordons tested his hand on several projects before finally breaking through in comedy. He has since hosted many comedy shows in Nigeria and across the World and is also one of the major stakeholders in the Night of A Thousand Laughs franchise, one of Nigeria’s biggest comedy shows.
Aside from his successful Comedy career, Gordons has established himself as a notable entertainment and television personality, therefore venturing into other fields such as television presenting, hosting, and music management. It is not too far to say that he has become an inspiration to many aspiring entertainers
11. Klint Da Drunk ( ₦600 Million)
Afamefuna Klint Igwemba popularly known as Klint da Drunk is a veteran entertainer and one of the richest comedians in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of ₦500 Million. He is popularly known for his unique style of comedy, which is often characterized by stuttering delivery, slurred speech, and comical Facial expressions.
Klint began his comedy career in the late 90’s, Performing in small-scale live shows. He became more prominent after his unique performance in ‘Night of Thousand Laugh’ a popular comedy show in the early 2000s. He has since gone on to share the stage with many of Nigeria’s biggest comedians.
Klint sealed his legendary status after winning the Award for the Best Stand-up Comedian in Nigeria at the Nigerian Entertainment Award In 2009. He has since won numerous awards and has also performed in Numerous Countries including the United Kingdom, The United States, and Canada.
12. Helen Paul (₦ 500 Million)
Veteran Female Comedian, Helen Paul, with an estimated net worth of ₦ 500 Million takes her throne as the richest female comedian in Nigeria. She was popularly known as Tatafo, thanks to her witty comic behavior and her voice range that makes her sound like a child.
Helen began her entertainment career as a freelance and full-time presenter at several media houses in Nigeria. These include Lagos Television (LTV 8), Continental Broadcasting Service (CBS), and M-Net. She however gained prominence as a naughty comic character on the radio program Wetin Dey on Radio Continental 102.3FM, Lagos.
Helen was known on the program as “Tatafo”, a witty kid who addresses and lampoons societal issues in a satirical manner. She also presented programmes on TVC and Naija FM 102.7. Aside from her successful career as an entertainer, Helen is also an entrepreneur, whose business spans several industries.
Paul opened a bridal and fabric boutique in Lagos in 2012 called Massive Fabrics and Bridals. She has since proceeded to open three other outlets of the boutique in different parts of Lagos. In 2014, she opened a film and theater academy, the Helen Paul Theater and Film Academy.
13. Seyi Law (₦500 Million)
Idileoye Oluwaseyitan Lawrence Aletile more popularly known as Seyi Law is a Nigerian Actor, MC, and one of the richest comedians in the country, with an estimated net worth of ₦450 Million. He is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost comedians, who paved the way for the recent generation.
Seyi began his professional comedic career in 2007, right after he came into popularity by winning the AY Open Comedy competition in September of 2006. He has since then featured in numerous comedy shows in Nigeria and abroad. He also hosts an annual comedy tour in and outside Nigeria.
Apart From Comedy, Seyi Law has also appeared in a couple of Nollywood movies such as Prophet Nebu, My Wife and I, Hustle and the Wedding Party. His outstanding act and personality have earned him a couple of awards; one of which is the ‘Most Outstanding Comedian’ award by Comedy Infusion in 2015.
14. Akpororo (₦400 Million)
Akpororo rounds off the list of the top 10 richest comedians in Nigeria with an impressive net worth of ₦400 Million. He started off his comedy career at the National Comedy Challenge by Opa Williams and went on to win the Calabar zone of the competition.
He also contested twice in the AY’s Open Mic Challenge, coming second on his first try and winning the competition on his second try. In 2013, he rose to fame following his performance at “Basketmouth’s Laff and Jam” show and has since then been one of the comedians the country reckons.
In 2014, he hosted his first major comedy show “Akpororo vs Akpororo” at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre. The maiden event saw the attendance of notable musical acts and comedians. Akpororo also delved into acting, starring in the films Headgone and The Antique; with the former earning him three nominations at the 2015 Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards.
15. Princess (₦ 400 Million)
Damilola Adekoya popularly as the Comedian Princess joins The list of the richest comedians in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of ₦400 Million. Princess alongside Helen Paul is one of the few women who broke into the Nigerian Comedy Industry at a time when it was dominated by men and was barely commercialized.
Princess before her interest in comedy had started acting in Movies and television Drama as far as the age of six. She made her first appearance in the Drama, “Half Human – Half Animal” and since then featured in numerous iconic and notable television programmes such as Flat Mates, Super Stories Mama and Private Lies, etc.
Princess began Comedy when she met Wale Adenuga, the producer of the popular and comical Nigerian Television Series Papa Ajasco. According to reports, Wale Adenuga who likely saw comical makeup before anyone else, advised her to take a career in comedy rather than acting. Thanks to Adenuga’s advice, Princess is no doubt one of the biggest forces in the comedy industry.
16. Buchi (₦ 350 Million)
Onyebuchi Ojieh, popularly known by his stage name Buchi is a Composer, actor, and one of the richest comedians in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of ₦ 350 Million. He is popularly known for his unique style of comedy, which is a blend of music, drama, and satire.
Buchi began his comedy career in 2008 after he was introduced to comedian Tee A, who invited Buchi to his show Tee-A Live N Naked Show in Lagos. His performance at the show gave him popularity, led to meetings with other comedians such as Ali Baba, and invitations to other comedy shows such as Nite of A 1000 Laughs.
In 2010, Buchi hosted his first Comedy show, and the footage as his debut comedy album titled “Comedian Buchi Live in Port Harcourt” Both the show and the album attained huge success, thereby establishing Buchi as one of the top Comedians in the country.
17. Kenny Blaq (₦ 300 Million)
With an estimated net worth of ₦300 Million, Otolorin Kehinde Peter, popularly known as Kenny Blaq Joins the list of the richest comedians in Nigeria. The 31-year-old Comedian is also popular for his unique style of comedy, which is a combination of music, satire, and spoken word poetry.
Kenny Blaq began his entertainment career training as a compere and presenter at the FRCN training school in Lagos after having had a stint with SMA FM, a college community-based radio station. He however diverted into comedy in 2008, performing in local events and venues. In 2011, he participated in and won the national comedy challenge and has since begun to experience exponential growth.
Kenny hosted his self-titled comedy concert The Oxymoron Of Kennyblaq, in 2016 which won Best Comedy Show at the 2017 and 2018 Naija 102.3 FM Comedy Awards. He has also performed in notable events such as the Unlock Naija Independence celebration and Africa Magic Owambe Finale.
Blaq’s first internationally headlined event was staged at the Indigo O2 on 30 September 2018, titled “Kenny Blaq ‘State of Mind’, further solidifying his name as one of Nigeria’s finest comedy exports. In 2021, his comedy special debuted on Netflix, making him the Nigerian comedian to successfully sign a distribution with the popular video streaming Platform.
18. Funny Bone (₦ 300 Million)
Chibunna Stanley popularly known as Funny Bone makes the list of the richest comedians in the country, with an estimated net worth of ₦ 300 Million. He is also a prominent Nollywood actor and MC, popularly known for his wit, humor, and satire.
Like numerous comedians on this list, Funny Bone began his career, by participating in Opa Williams’s Nite of a Thousand Laughs. He rapidly gained popularity for his style of Comedy and has since performed in various shows, comedies, and events, in and outside Nigeria.
Funny Bone has also hosted numerous comedy shows in and outside and has also released numerous comedy albums such as Funny Bone: The Chronicles of Ushebebe Live In 2016; Funny Bone; The Good, The Bad and the Funny In 2017 and Funny Bone Live at The Apollo in 2018.
He has also been featured in numerous movies such as Finding Odera (2022), Aki and Pawpaw (2021), Progressive Tailors Club (2021), Desperate Houseboys (2021), and many others. He is a recipient of numerous awards including The Nigerian Entertainment Award and the AMVCA Best Actor in a Comedy category award.
19. I Go Save (₦ 200 Million)
Otaghware Otas Onodjayeke, known by his stage name Igosave is a Nigerian comedian from Delta State. He is one of the richest comedians in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of (₦ 200 Million). As earlier stated he began his career presenting Mock news at the Delta State Broadcasting Service, alongside his friend Francis Agoda, popularly known as I Go Dye before eventually venturing into Comedy.
Igosave first comedy Performance was at one of the 2000 editions of the Nite of a 1000 Laughs show, organized by Opa Williams. During the show, he worked alongside other comedians, such as I Go, Dye, bovi, Buchi (comedian), Basketmouth, Ali Baba, Teju Babyface, and others
He has since grown gradually to be one of the reckoning forces in the Nigerian Comedic Industry, hosting and organizing different shows across the country such as the annual Igosave Unusual. Like most comedians on this list, he has been featured in a few movies and television series such as The Johnsons and The Fake Prophet.
20. Pencil (₦ 200 Million)
Ogechi Nwanevu Cyril, better known by his stage name Pencil is a popular Nigerian stand-up comedian, with an estimated net worth of ₦ 200 Million. He is not just one of the richest comedians in the country but also one of the youngest and most popular, with millions of followers across social media platforms.
Pencil began his entertainment career making comedy skits across social media platforms. He however became peominenet after winning the AY Open Mic Challenge in 2010. He has since performed in notable events in the country and worked with prominent names across the industry.
Pencil has since registered himself as one of the biggest names in the industry, running an annual comedy show tagged Pencil Unbroken. Aside from his fulfilling comedy career, he also founded Elven O2 Entertainment company, a creative production company, with an interest in visual storytelling and broadcasting.