Over the years, Nigerian comedians have evolved from being ordinary stand-up comedians to investors. Most of them have other businesses that add to their wealth. This has led to Nigerian comedians ranking among the richest celebrities, and with time, they will join the richest people in Nigeria. To find out who the richest comedian is in Nigeria, we will look at their net worth and sources of income.
Sometimes, when you look at the wealth of Nigerian comedians, you may start wondering if it’s only comedy that gives them such great fortunes and riches. Your doubts and wonderings will be completely cleared in this article as we unravel so many other things our rich comedians do that give them money that has never crossed your mind. Here are the top 20 richest comedians in Nigeria and their sources of wealth.
1. Alibaba (Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome)
- Net Worth: $7.7 million
- Age: 58 years old
- Year they Started/became active in comedy: 1990/1991
- Other Sources of Income: Alibaba Hiccupurray 3rd, Live Shows, TV, and Radio Shows, Acting, Other Businesses
- Best Known For: The Wedding Party, Head Gone, My Guy movies, GCFR jokes
Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, whose stage name is Alibaba, is a graduate of Religious Studies from the then University of Bendel. He has been in the comedy business for over 30 years, and that is why he is referred to as the Godfather of comedy in Nigeria. Alibaba is an inspiration behind comedy in Nigeria as he inspired many comedians who are in the business today.
You may not have known that aside from being a pack of jokes, Alibaba is also a serious businessman who makes his money through a chain of businesses in Lagos. He is a reputed motivational speaker, a professional comedian patronized by almost all the country’s big brands and political masters. He began his career with event performances, TV and radio shows, and then he established Alibaba Hiccupurray 3rd to make comedy a profitable venture.
He once had a 2-year endorsement deal with a multinational firm worth N100 million. Over the years, he has invested in banking, events management, entertainment/recreation businesses. It is estimated that he performs in a minimum of two events weekly at an average rate of 4 to N4.5 million per event. That would add up to about N400 million per annum. This contributes a chunk of his net worth.
Alibaba’s Awards and Achievements
In the course of his career, Alibaba has bagged some awards and has achieved great feats. Here are some of the awards he has received so far and his achievements.
- Comedian of the Decade in the 2009 National Daily Award
- Invaluable Contribution to the Entertainment Industry in the 2006 City People Entertainment award
- An award for helping the growth and developments of the Comedy Industry in Nigeria in the 2008 Diamond Award for Comedy
- An award In Commemoration of his 20 years on stage in the 2010 Comedy for Change award.
- Award of Excellence by the Lagos State University in 2006
- Enablers Merit Award by RCCG in 2007
- An Award in Recognition of his solid support to young entrepreneurs by Eric’s Entertainment Inc in 2006
- An award for his invaluable contribution to the Entertainment Industry in the 2006 City People Entertainment Awards
- Outstanding Performance in the 2001 Laughter Awards – Baziks Theatre Abuja
- In 2009, he was inducted into the Johnnie Walker’s Striding Man society
- Alibaba was the first comedian to ring the Year-End Closing Bell of the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 2012
- He received Paul Harris Fellowship by Rotary International in 2018 for his contributions to the Nigerian Comedy industry.
2. AY (Richard Ayodeji Makun)
- Net Worth: $6 million
- Age: 52 years old
- Year they Started/became active in comedy: 2000
- Other Sources of Income: Acting; Movie and Comedy Shows Production; Media Company
- Best Known For: AY Live, AY Open Mic Challenge, A Night of a Thousand Laughs comedy show.
Richard Ayodeji Makun, popularly known as AY, is the owner of AY Live Shows, which won Best TV Comedy show in 2008 and reportedly generates over N160 million every year. He is in very high demand in the comedy/entertainment industry and charges not less than a million naira for just an appearance.
AY started comedy while still in the university and professionalized it after school. First, he worked for Alibaba as an assistant, then he got an opportunity to perform on stage, then at A Night of a Thousand Laughs in 2009, and the rest is history. To remain relevant in the industry, AY has many investments in the comedy industry, some of which are AY Shows, AY’s Crib, AY Open Mic Challenge, among other businesses. As an actor, he has produced and starred in movies like 30 Days in Atlanta, Being Mrs. Elliot, and The Wedding Party.
AY’s Awards and Achievements
Being one of the most sought-after comedians and one of the richest comedians in Nigeria, AY has many awards and achievements for his contributions to the entertainment industry. Some of his awards and achievements include the following.
- Comedian of the Year in the 2008 Arsenal Award for Excellence
- Comedian of the Year in the 2008 Diamond Awards for Comedy
- Most Creative Entrepreneur of the Year (comedy category) in the 2013 Creative Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (CEAN) awards
- Comedian of the Year in the 2010 Nigerian Entertainment Awards
- Best Event AY Live in the 2018 NELAS Awards held in the United Kingdom
- In 2009, he was made the U.N Peace Ambassador
3. Basketmouth (Bright Okpocha)
- Net Worth: $5.1 million
- Age: 45 years old
- Year they Started/became active in comedy: 1999/2000
- Other Sources of Income: Endorsement Deals, Comedy Live Shows, Acting, Record Label
- Best Known For: Basketmouth Uncensored, Papa Benji comedy web series
Bright Okpocha, famously known as Basketmouth, is one of the Nigerian comedians who did not have comedy as their first career choice. He loved rapping and beating drums. He started drumming in 1991 and Rap in 1994. The comedian formed two rap groups that were not successful. He came into the entertainment industry fully in 2000 with his appearance in Lagbaja’s Gra Gra music video and performed in the comedy show A Night of a Thousand Laughs. From then on, he remained in the spotlight and is one of the best comedians in Nigeria.
Apart from comedy, another major source of Basket mouth’s wealth is his numerous deals with top reputable companies like Globacom Ltd., Amstel, etc. More than any other Nigerian comedian, Basketmouth remains the toast of reputable brands in Nigeria. He founded a record label in 2014 called Barons World Entertainment. Also, his Basketmouth Uncensored, a show that holds within and outside the country (South Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom), is reportedly earning him an annual income of over N160 million. With total annual revenue of over N360 million. All these have contributed immensely to his $5.1 million net worth, therefore making him one of the richest comedians in Nigeria.
Basketmouth’s Awards and Achievements
Basketmouth, like other celebrities, has been awarded for his contributions to the entertainment industry on several occasions. Below is a list of some of his awards and achievements so far in the industry.
- Most Creative Comedian of the Year in the Nigerian Entertainment Awards
- Savannah Pan-African Comic Awards in the 2017 Savannah Comic Choice Awards held in Johannesburg, South Africa
- Best Comedian of the Year in the National Comedy Awards
- Best Stand-up Comedian of the Year in 2005 and 2006
4. I Go Dye (Francis Agoda)
- Net Worth: $4.8 million
- Age: 54 years old
- Year they Started/became active in comedy: 1994/2000
- Other Sources of Income: Real Estate, Construction Company
- Best Known For: Igodye Standing comedy show
Francis Agoda, also known as I Go Dye, is one of the most popular Nigerian comedians. He is also a U.N Ambassador as well as a Real Estate Manager. Seeing him do what he does best, crack jokes, you think it just ends there, not at all. I Go Dye owns a real estate, property, and road construction company, Revamp Construction. He is still working on setting up another company, Franstel Bottled Water. All these, among his other businesses, contributed greatly to his net worth and have earned him a spot as one of the richest comedians in Nigeria.
Awards and Achievements
I Go Dye has earned some awards and recognitions as a result of his contribution to the entertainment industry. Below is a list of some of his awards.
- In 2017, he won the Delta Role Model Award
- African Best Comedian
- He won the Niddo Spain Award for his contribution to Nigeria’s Culture and Art.
- Africa Best Comedian
- Nigerian Best Comedian Award
- For his contribution to Nigerian culture and art, he received the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation of Europe-SPAIN Award.
- United Nations Development Ambassador
- He won the ambassador award on #MadACT Make a difference Against Corruption Today dedicated to Nigeria pensioners by the Ukaid and Youth Alive Foundation.
- United Nations World Habitat Ambassador
5. Julius Agwu
- Net Worth: $3.6 million
- Age: 51 years old
- Year they Started/became active in comedy: 1996
- Other Sources of Income: Acting, Singing, MC, Event Anchor, Writing
- Best Known For: Laff 4 Christ’s Sake, Crack Ya Ribs, and Festival of Love
Julius Agwu is an outstanding Nigerian standup comedian, singer, MC, and actor. As a child, he belonged to the choir and was great at singing. He could not go into singing fully at first because of his love for comedy and acting. Just like singing, Julius Agwu started comedy at an early age too. He would make his classmates laugh at the demand of the teacher before they learned for the day. However, he started his career in comedy professionally in 1996 when he was featured in the first edition of A Night of a Thousand Laughs.
It is interesting to note that Julius Agwu, in all his seemingly unserious and jocular nature, is a genius who has authored a book. His book, Jokes Apart, earned him not less than N20 million. The comedian has tangibly invested in humor. He is the CEO of Real Laff entertainment company, organizers of Crack Your Ribs and Laugh for Christ’s Sake. These events bring him over N140 million annually, with a performance fee between N2 to N3 million. With all these investments and business ventures, Julius has been able to garner an estimated net worth of $3.6 million and occupy a spot in the list of the top 20 richest comedians in Nigeria.
Julius Agwu’s Awards and Achievements
Here’s a list of some of the awards won by the comedian Julius D’Genius.
- He was given honorary citizenship by the City of River Dale in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.
- He received Double Honors at the 19th African Film Awards in 2015
- International Recognition Award for his contributions to the development of the Entertainment Industry and his resourcefulness in 2012 by the African Achiever’s Award
6. Helen Paul
- Net Worth: $3.5 million
- Age: 46 years old
- Year they Started/became active in comedy: 2005
- Other Sources of Income: Entrepreneurship, Singing, Acting, TV Presenting
- Best Known For: Jara TV show, Damage, A Wish, Mama Put movies
Helen Paul, also known as Tatafo, is a Nigerian comedian, singer, and actress. In addition, she is a TV presenter and host. The comedienne started as a voice-over artist and backup singer before going into comedy and acting. As a presenter, she has presented for media houses like Lagos Television (LTV 8), Mnet (Jara), and Continental Broadcasting Service (CBS). Helen got a lot of fame from performing at the radio program Wetin Dey as Tatafo, a comic and naughty character. In 2005, she did the opening part of Psquare’s song “Tell us a Story.” She started her comedy career while still a student at the university. Her versatility in the entertainment industry has made her more popular and earned her a lot of money.
As a successful businesswoman, Helen has succeeded in establishing several boutique businesses in Lagos State, Nigeria, and two boutiques in America. She owns a film academy called Helen Theater and Film Academy, located in Lagos State, Nigeria. All these and a host of endorsement deals have contributed to the $3.5 million net worth she enjoys today and qualify her to be among the richest comedians we have in Nigeria.
Helen Paul’s Awards and Achievements
For her numerous contributions to the entertainment industry, Helen Paul has bagged some awards and recognitions. Below is a list of some of her awards and recognitions.
- Female TV Presenter of the Year in the 2012 Exquisite Lady of the Year Award
- Outstanding TV Presenter (female) (Entertainment/Talk Show) in the 2014 Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA)
- Comedienne of the Year in the 2012 African Fim Awards (Afro-Hollywood, UK)
- Female Comedian of the Year in the 2011 City People Entertainment Magazine Award
- Award of Honor in the 2019 RCCG Teap Teens Conference
7. Teju Babyface (Gbadewonuola Olateju Oyelakin)
- Net Worth: $2.4 million
- Age: 45 years old
- Year they Started/became active in comedy: 2000
- Other Sources of Income: Writing, Acting
- Best Known For: The Teju Babyface Show
Gbadewonuola Olateju Oyelakin, popularly known as Teju Babyface, is a Nigerian comedian, producer, talk show host, and writer. He started his career in the entertainment industry in 1999 with the lead role in the movie Diamond Ring. However, he decided to go into comedy after he graduated from the university. He then featured in the 2000 edition of A Night of a Thousand Laughs and continued in the comedy path.
As a writer, Teju has written two books, which were merged and republished under the title Secrets Of The Streets: Twenty-Three Secrets For Making Money With Your Talent That You Will Never Learn In School. He owns a mentoring academy website, which was formerly called the Teju Babyface Mentorship Academy but is now called the Mentorship Foundation Africa. The comedian also owns a company called Teju Babyface/ Class Act Entertainment Limited, a company in charge of TV shows.
List of Some of Teju’s Awards and Achievements
Below is a list of some of his awards.
- Best Comedy Show in the 2010 Naija Awards
- Wedding Planner and Wedding M.C. of the Year in 2009
- Outstanding Support in the 2010 ACCA Nigeria
- Male Achiever of the Year in the 2012 City People Awards
- TV Program of the Year in 2012 Nigerian Broadcast Merit Awards
- Inspiring Television Program in the 2010 Bold Inspiration Awards
- TV Personality of the Year in the 2011 Mode Men Magazine
- He received a Certificate of Honor in 2012 by the Success Digest Enterprise Awards
8. Okey Bakassi (Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule)
- Net Worth: $1.9 million
- Age: 54 years old
- Year they Started/became active in comedy: 1993
- Other Sources of Income: Writing, Acting, TV Hosting, MC
- Best Known For: Onye Ozi, Price of Deceit movies, Stand-up Comedy
Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule, famously known as Okey Bakassi, is an accomplished actor and stand-up comedian. He was the special assistant on Entertainment Affairs to the former governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim. Okey Bakassi also anchors high-level social events and is ranked among the richest comedians in Nigeria at the moment.
Apart from acting and comedy, Okey is also a writer. He has authored a book with the title Memoirs of an African Comedian. He has garnered enough money to rank among the richest comedians in Nigeria.
List of Okey’s Awards and Achievements
- Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) in the 2014 Best Nollywood Awards
- Best Actor in Comedy in the Africa Movie Academy Awards
- African Best Comedian of the Year in the Nigerian Entertainment Awards
9. Bovi (Bovi Ugboma)
- Net Worth: $1.4 million
- Age: 44 years old
- Year they Started/became active in comedy: 2007
- Other Sources of Income: Writing, Acting
- Best Known For: Bovi: Man on Fire comedy show
Bovi Ugboma is one of the richest comedians we have in Nigeria. He is a comedian, writer, and actor. He started his career in the entertainment industry in 2007. He wrote and produced a sitcom called Extended Family. His comedy shows Bovi Man on Fire was taken to the world by the one-man special, Bovi himself. He traveled to London, the United States, Toronto, and Melbourne before bringing it back to Nigeria in 2017. He began to School series in 2018.
In an interview, Bovi revealed that comedy and entertainment is the only source of income he has. The Delta-born Nigerian comedian is also an actor as he stars in Nollywood movies like My Village People, It’s Her Day. He is making it in recent times, both in the area of finance and popularity. His efforts have earned him some awards and many other achievements.
Bovi’s Awards and Achievements
- Most Popular Comedian in the 2021 Net Honours
- Comedian of the Year in the Culture People awards
- Best Youth Comedian in the STandup Comedians Award
- Comedian of the Year in the Awards Ghana
10. Gbenga Adeyinka
- Net Worth: $1.2 million
- Age: 55 years old
- Year they Started/became active in comedy: 1991
- Other Sources of Income: Writing, Acting, MC, Event Anchor, TV, and Radio Presenting, Agriculture
- Best Known For: Laffmattazz, Shine Shine Bobo promo for Star Game Show,
Gbenga Adeyinka is a Nigerian comedian, radio and TV presenter, and writer. In addition to being a comedian is a well-known event anchor and MC. He has a touring and music show Laffmattazz. Laffmattazz is also the name of the first comedy magazine in Nigeria, of which Adeyinka is the editor. The comedian anchored various TV programs for Africa Magic, Galaxy TV, and AIT, and political and social events all year round. He hosted the annual Star TV Game on Nigeria’s major NTA network. Adeyinka has had a very lucrative deal with Nigerian Breweries over the past few years. These investments have contributed a lot to his net worth and afford him a position in our list of the richest comedian in Nigeria.
Awards and Achievements
- In 2021, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award for being an Outstanding Stand-up Comedian of the Decade.
- Most Outstanding Comedian of the Year in 2019 All Color Award
- Comedian of the Year by Pink Awards International
- Honored for his contributions to the Comedy Sector in the 2021 City People Awards
11. Mark Angel and Emmanuella
- Net Worth: $1.2 million
- Age: 32 and 13 years old
- Year they Started/became active in comedy: 2013 and 2015
- Other Sources of Income: YouTube, Scriptwriting, Video Production
- Best Known For: Mark Angel Comedy
Mark Angel and Emmanuella are two comedians that revolutionized the comedy industry. Their popularity grew from making short comic YouTube videos. At first, they earned mainly through YouTube. With their efforts and hard work, they made it to where they are today. People were intrigued by the age and level of intelligence of little Emmanuella when she started the comedy shows, which brought more viewers to their official channel. Later on, their popularity grew and was not just restricted to YouTube alone. In 2018, they signed a mouthwatering deal with Disney for Emmanuella to star in Disney Film.
Awards and Achievements
Young and talented Emmanuella has attained some heights her predecessors in the entertainment industry have not in years. They have made names for themselves and qualified the be among the richest comedians in Nigeria. Here are some of her awards, achievements, and recognitions.
- Emmanuella received the Top Subscribed Creator Award in the 2016 inaugural ceremony of the Sub-Saharan African YouTube Awards.
- Emmanuella was named the Best New Comedienne and Princess of Comedy.
- Their YouTube channel (Mark Angel’s YouTube channel) was the first African comedy channel to have garnered 1 million subscribers. And now, they have over 7 million subscribers.
- Emmanuella won the G-Influence Niger Delta Special Talent Award.
12. Gordons (Godwin Komone)
- Net Worth: $972,000
- Age: NA
- Year they Started/became active in comedy: 2005
- Other Sources of Income: MC, TV Presenting
- Best Known For: Gordons Comedy Clinic
Godwin Komone, popularly known as Gordons, is a comedian, MC, singer with a heartwarming success story. He suffered to see himself through school and, at some point, take care of his family. Firstly, he organized some private lessons and got paid for them just to survive. Then, he started his career in music, singing in the church. Moreover, he wanted to be a pastor, but it didn’t work out for him, then he joined comedy. This is one of the reasons why he says Halleluiah in his jokes. He has featured in comedy shows like A Night of a Thousand Laughs and AY Shows.
Gordons has a comedy show called Gordons Comedy Clinic, which generates more funds for him and at the same time serves as a platform to dish out his comedy to the world. He is also a TV presenter who has participated in and anchored a good number of shows. All these contribute to his net worth and qualify him to be one of the richest comedians in Nigeria.
Awards and Achievements
- Best Standup Comedian in Nigeria in the Nigeria Entertainment Awards
13. Akpororo (Bowoto Jephthah Oluwatiseyifumi Tanimola)
- Net Worth: $850,000
- Age: 54 years old
- Year they Started/became active in comedy: 2008
- Other Sources of Income: Music, Acting
- Best Known For: Akororo vs. Akpororo
Akpororo is a Nigerian comedian, actor, and vocalist who started his career as a gospel singer. He switched his career to comedy after participating and winning the Calabar zone of Opah Williams National Comedy Challenge in 2008. He then contested twice in AY’s Open Mic Challenge and won on his second try. However, he was brought into the spotlight in 2013 when he performed at Basketmouth’s Laff and Jam show. From then, his popularity grew, and he expanded his boundaries.
He started his comedy show, Akpororo vs. Akpororo, in 2014 and had many celebrities in attendance and famous comedians and singers performed at the opening. In addition to his comedy career, he explored the acting world and starred in movies like The Antique and Head Gone. He now ranks among the richest comedians in Nigeria.
Awards and Achievements
- Best Comedic Act in the 2015 Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards
- Best Comedian of the Year in the 2014 Naija FM Comedy Awards
- He has also received seven other nominations
14. Buchi (Onyebuchi Ojieh)
- Net Worth: $850,000
- Age: 45 years old
- Year they Started/became active in comedy: 2008
- Other Sources of Income: Writing, Acting
- Best Known For: Night of A Thousand Laughs
Onyebuchi Ojieh, popularly called Buchi, is a Nigerian comedian, writer, actor, and composer. He started his journey as a comedian in 2008 after he had graduated from the university. In 2008, he was invited to Tee-A Live N Naked comedy show, where he met Alibaba and Opa Williams. Then he was allowed to perform at “A Night of a Thousand Laughs” comedy show. Since then, he has performed on other platforms alongside other comedians like Bovi, Basketmouth, and I Go Dye.
Awards and Achievements
Buchi has received some awards in the course of his career. Some of these awards are;
- Youth Award
- Standup Comedian of the Year
15. I Go Save (Otaghware Otas Onodjayeke)
- Net Worth: $500,000
- Age: 44 years old
- Year they Started/became active in comedy: 2000
- Other Sources of Income: Comedy Show Production, Acting
- Best Known For: Igosave Unusual comedy show
Otaghware Otas Onodjayeke, famously known as I Go Save, started his comedy career as a kid with his friend I Go Dye. They performed mock news on occasions and got sprayed’ some other times they get paid. However, they got separated when they entered the university and each started his separate career. I Go Save continued comedy until he was brought to the spotlight by Opa Williams’ Night of a Thousand Laughs in 2000. To remain relevant in the industry, I Go Save started his comedy show called “Igosave Unusual” in 2009. He has been performing on several platforms and with several notable comedians.
Awards and Achievements
Due to his efforts in the entertainment industry, I Go Save has been given some awards and recognitions, some of which are;
- Comedy of the Year in Pink Awards Nigeria
- Comedian of the Year in the NDDA Award
- Comedy of the Year award in Akwaba Awards Ghana
- Best Youth Comedian in the Daniel Merit Award
16. Real Warri Pikin (Anita Alaire Afoke Asuoha)
- Net Worth: $300,000
- Age: 33 years old
- Year they Started/became active in comedy: NA
- Other Sources of Income: Dancing, Event Anchoring, Endorsements, Production, Business
- Best Known For: Real Talk With Real Warri Pikin, School of Thought, Real Warri Pikin Unfiltered
Anita Alaire Afoke Asuoha, popularly called Real Warri Pikin, is a Nigerian comedienne, on-air personality, and dancer. She started her career in the entertainment industry as a dancer. The comedienne competed for the Glo Rock’ N’ Rule dance competition in 2008 and emerged the winner. As part of her reward, she was made a Globacom ambassador in 2009. Again, she participated in The Maltina Dance All family competition in 2011 and emerged the second overall best in her family. She later entered into comedy.
In her efforts to remain relevant in the industry, the Real Warri Pikin has performed in many comedy shows ranging from AY Show, Akpororo vs. Akpororo, Warri Again, and Man on Fire shows. She has also launched her series titled School of Thought. Also, she hosts a radio show called “Real Talk With Real Warri Pikin,” aired on Max 90.9 FM, Abuja. She also hosted one of the biggest shows in Warri in August 2021, called Real Warri Pikin Unfiltered. In addition to all these, Warri Pikin recently launched a clothing line. She is a successful entertainer and has garnered a lot of fans and wealth to herself, which has qualified her to be on our list of the richest comedian in Nigeria.
Awards and Achievements
Added to the already mentioned achievements of this young and talented comedienne, there are some awards to her name. Below is a list of some of the awards she has received so far.
- Humanitarian Celebrity of the Year Award in the 2020 La Mode Awards
- Influential Personality of the year in the 2021 DENSA Awards
17. Sirbalo (Obotuke Timothy Ochuko Sirbalo)
- Net Worth: $250,000
- Age: 32 years old
- Year they Started/became active in comedy: 2016
- Other Sources of Income: Acting, Script Writing, Directing
- Best Known For: Sirbalo Clinic; Sirbalo and Bae
Obotuke Timothy Ochuko Sirbalo, famously called Sirbalo, is a Nigerian comedian, writer, and actor. He started his career in 2014 as a Nollywood editor. In 2016, he joined the comedy movement as a director and editor. Later in 2017, he made his acting debut in Nollywood movies. Some of the films he starred in are Okafor’s Law, 10 Days in Sun City, My Village People, and Bling Lagosians. Sirbalo posts his short comedy videos and series on his YouTube page, Instagram, and Facebook accounts. Within a short while in the entertainment industry, the industrious comedian has made a name for himself, money and has qualified to be among the richest comedians in Nigeria.
18. Lasisi Elenu (Nosa Afolabi)
- Net Worth: $184,600
- Age: 33 years old
- Year they Started/became active in comedy: 2017
- Other Sources of Income:
- Best Known For: Wide mouth performance filter on social media, Mama and Papa Godspower comedy series.
Nosa Afolabi, popularly known as Lasisi Elenu, is a Nigerian compere, actor, comedian, and musician. He is one of the most followed social media influencers with over 75k followers on TikTok. Before comedy, Lasisi was a musician. He explored the music world before joining the comedy business. As a comedian, he has done well to make his brand known and viewed by many. In addition to his comedy career, the versatile young man is also an actor. He has starred in movies like The Ghost and the Tout, Made in Heaven, and The Razz Guy.
Awards and Achievements
Lasisi is one of the most industrious comedians in Nigeria. As a comedian, he has achieved a lot to distinguish him from the crowd. He has received some nominations and awards in the course of his years in the entertainment industry.
- He was nominated for the Prize for Comedy in 2018 The Future Awards Africa.
- Lasisi Elenu was also listed among the Top 25 Under-30 Nigerian Superstars in 2020
19. Broda Shaggi (Samuel Animashaun Perry)
- Net Worth: $170,000
- Age: 30 years old
- Year they Started/became active in comedy: 2018
- Other Sources of Income: Singing, Acting
- Best Known For: Oya Hit Me skits, Jesu in Mushin
Samuel Animashaun Perry, better known as Broda Shaggi, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, actor, and comedian. He was greatly influenced by his father, who was a drama teacher when he was alive. He started doing comedy way before he joined the entertainment industry. Although he has talent in other careers like Fine art and singing, he prefers comedy to all of them. It was the comedy skit Jesu in Mushin that sold him as a comedian, and he has continued to do justice to the Agbero role he plays in his comedy videos.
More so, He has many songs to his name and has starred in several Nigerian movies. Some of his songs are “Black Skin Boy,” “Kwarantine,” “Ori,” “Okoto,” among others. Some of the movies he starred in are Ghetto Bred, Namaste Wahala, Day of Destiny, Dwindle, and Fate of Alakada.
Awards and Achievements
Here’s a list of some of the awards and nominations Broda Shaggi has bagged over the years.
- He was nominated for the Most Popular Comedian in the 2021 Net Honours
- Creative Arts Award by the Lord’s Dry Gin
- The comedian also won an award from The Headies
20. MC Lively (Michael Sani Amanesi)
- Net Worth: $125,000
- Age: 31 years old
- Year they Started/became active in comedy: 2015
- Other Sources of Income: Acting
- Best Known For: Agidi comedy skits
Michael Sani Amanesi, famously known as MC Lively, is a Nigerian comedian and actor. Although he is a lawyer, MC turned down his Call to Bar after graduating with a law degree just for his comedy career. He started his career in comedy in 2015 and was brought to the limelight with his comedy skit titled Agidi. He is good at combining his facial expressions and funny statements to make people laugh their hearts out.
In addition to comedy, MC Lively is also an actor. Since it is not too difficult for comedians to fit into acting, we see many of them combining the two careers. MC Lively stars in both comic and non-comic movies and fits in well in them. Some of the movies he starred in are Fate of Alakada, Seven and a Half Date, Lagos Real Fake Life, and Introducing the Kujus.
Awards and Achievements
Below is a list of some of the awards bagged by MC Lively.
- Comedy Act of the Year in the City People Music Award
- The Royal African Youth Leadership Award by Ooni od Ile-Ife
Five Upcoming Comedians to Watch Out For
Having gone through our list of the 20 richest comedians in Nigeria, it is worthy to note some of the upcoming comedians in the industry that are pulling their strings and will someday be among the richest in the country. Here’s a list of five upcoming comedians to watch for.
- Mama Uka (Odinaka Chukwueze)
- Aloma Isaac Junior
- Isbae U/Bae U Barbie (Adebayo Ridwan)
- Cute Abiola
- Brainjotter
List of the 20 Richest Comedians in Nigeria
- Alibaba – $7.7 million
- AY – $6 million
- Basketmouth – $5.1 million
- I Go Dye – $4.8 million
- Julius Agwu – $3.6 million
- Helen Paul – $3.5 million
- Teju Babyface – $2.4 million
- Okey Bakassi – $1.9 million
- Bovi – $1.4 million
- Gbenga Adeyinka – $1.2 million
- Mark Angel and Emmanuella – $1.2 million
- Gordons – $972,000
- Akpororo – $850,000
- Buchi – $850,000
- I Go Save – $500,000
- Real Warri Pikin – $300,000
- Sirbalo – $250,000
- Lasisi Elenu – $184,600
- Broda Shaggi – $170,000
- MC Lively – $125,000
FAQs
Who is the Biggest Skit Maker in Nigeria?
Brother Shaggi (Samuel Animashaun Perry) is the biggest skit maker in Nigeria with over 12 million Instagram followers and 1.8 million subscribers on YouTube.
Who is the Biggest Nigerian Comedian?
Ali Baba is the biggest and richest comedian in Nigeria based on his net worth which is estimated at $7.7 million
Which Comedian has the Most Followers on Instagram in Nigeria?
AY (Ayodeji Makun) is the Comedin with the most followers in Nigeria in 2024. He won the award for the comedian with the Highest Followers on Social Media live at The 2023 Nigeria Social Media Awards.
Who is the Richest Comedian in Nigeria?
Ali Baba is the richest comedian in Nigeria based on his net worth which is estimated at $7.7 million