Who are the richest standup comedians in Nigeria in 2023? Here is a list of the top 10 highest-paid and wealthiest comedians in Nigeria.
Nigeria can boast of being one of the best countries in Africa blessed with gifted, talented, and creative young Comedians as comedy is becoming the new business in the country.
Aside from comedy, Nigerian is indeed a blessed country filled with young talents ranging from the Music industry, Movie industry, Comedians, footballers, and boxers.
Currently, the Nigerian comedy scene is divided into two, namely social media comedy and live comedy which is also known as stand-up comedy. Nigerians have seen growth in both social media and stand-up comedy scenes.
Stand-up comedy is a comedy performance where a comedian performs in front of a live audience, often addressing them directly from the stage. The performer is known as a comic, comedian, or simply stand-up.
Social media comedy involves releasing short, well-edited, and thoughtful content on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.
We can think of names like Nasty Blaq, Sydney Talker, Taaooma, SamSpedy, Mr. Macaroni, Mark Angel, and a host of others who are successful and has also made cool cash, built houses, bought brand new cars from doing comedies on social media. You can check out the Top 10 richest Instagram, and YouTube comedians in 2023.
When it comes to stand-up comedy, there are gurus who are renowned and among the richest comedians in Nigeria with a lot of local and international accolades.
In this article, TheDistin will share with you the top 10 richest stand-up comedians in Nigeria who have had sold-out live concerts and have contributed to the growth of the entertainment industry in Nigeria.
The Top 10 Richest Stand-Up Comedians In Nigeria In 2023
Below is the list of the 10 richest stand-up comedians who perform in front of a live audience, often addressing them directly from the stage and their estimated net worths in dollars.
1. Ali Baba – $7.7 million
It is easy to say that without Ali baba, there wouldn’t be a comedy industry in Nigeria. Ali Baba was born Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome into a royal family in Warri, Delta state.
Ali baba ranks as the 1st richest Comedian in Nigeria in 2023. Ali Baba made the list of the top richest comedians in Nigeria in 2023 because of his large estate and contribution to the Nigerian comedy industry.
Ali Baba is also the most-awarded Comedian in Nigeria, with over 15 accolades to his name.
The legendary Comedian has also received the Paul Harris Fellowship (2018) from Rotary International.
He is the founder and owner of Alibaba Hicuppuray 3rd, a registered company devoted to his activities as a comedian.
Ali baba has been honored by many institutions like the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
All these have helped him earn so much money to become one of the richest comedians in Nigeria in 2023.
What is Ali Baba’s net worth? Ali Baba has earned so much money increasing his net worth to become the first richest comedian in Nigeria in 2023. He is estimated to be worth at least $7.7 million.
2. AY – $6 million
Ayo Makun, also known as AY, is a famous Movie producer, actor, and comedian. AY made a list of the Top 10 richest comedians in Nigerian 2023 because of his significant contribution to the Nigerian comedy and entertainment industry.
AY is the second richest comedian among the top ten richest comedians in Nigeria, with a vast net worth.
Though AY gained prominence as a comedian and PA to Alibaba, he has featured and produced high-grossing Nigerian movies like Merry men, 30 days in Atlanta, 10 days in Sun City, and a trip to Jamaica.
Asides from being the richest comedian in Nigeria, AY can easily pass as the most famous comedian in Nigeria because of his numerous comedy show – the largest in Africa.
AY has used his platform to bring up many stand-up comedians in Nigeria; AY has also won numerous comedian of the year award.
Apart from being the host and producer of AY Live, the largest comedy show in Africa, AY smiles to the bank through his numerous movie projects like 30 Days in Atlanta – the highest-grossing movie of all time in 2015.
AY also produced A trip to Jamaica – another high-grossing movie.
AY is the Chief Executive officer of Corporate world Entertainment, producing many Nigerian movies and comedy shows. All these have increased AY’s net worth to make him the undisputed richest comedian in Nigeria for 2023.
What is AY comedian’s net worth? Nigerian comedian AY has an impressive net worth of $6 million. The majority of his fortune is from comedy with few from his endeavors.
3. Basketmouth – $5 million
Bright Okpocha, AKA Basketmouth, hails from Abia state in Nigeria. The UNIBEN graduate is a known brand and the 3rd richest comedian in Nigeria in 2023.
Basketmouth made the list of the top 10 richest comedians in Nigeria in 2023 based on his net worth. He began his career in entertainment by venturing into rap music before his journey into comedy.
Basketmouth studied sociology and anthropology at the University of Benin.
Basketmouth is known for hosting popular stand-up comedy concerts like Basketmouth uncensored, which has been a success across the globe.
He also appears in the Africa Magic Show ‘My Flatmates’. Basketmouth also started his comedy mini-series titled ‘Papa Banji’, which premiers on YouTube.
The Nigerian comedian also owns Barons World Entertainment’s record label, which launched his debut music album.
What is Basketmouth’s net worth? Nigerian comedian Basketmouth has an estimated net worth of $5 million as of 2023, making him the 3rd richest Nigerian comedian.
4. I Go Dye – $5 million
Francis Agoda, AKA I go Dye is a famous Nigerian comedian who ranks as the 4th richest comedian among the top ten richest comedians in Nigeria in 2023.
The name ‘I Go DYE’ stands for Initiative guide on developing youth endowment.
The famous comedian from Delta hosts many comedy shows under his label ‘Igodye standing’ comedy shows.
I Go Dye met the first executive Governor of Delta State, Olorogun Felix Ibru as a young child after his exhibition of a hovercraft ship, radio transmitter, hairdryer, projector, electric, solar table fan, and flying helicopter.
The feat made him the first African child to have built a flying helicopter and moving hovercraft ship. I Go Dye secured a scholarship to study structural engineering at New York University.
He used his comedy and publications to describe the problems faced by people in rural areas while growing up.
As the 4th richest comedian among the top ten richest comedians in Nigeria in 2023, I Go Dye has gathered significant wealth that increased his net worth.
At the early stage of his career, I Go Dye secured a contract from Prest Motel in Benin City to perform as a stand-up comedian.
I Go Dye starred in Africa’s biggest comedy show, Night of A thousand laughs, during its 2000 edition.
In 2015 he got a contract from NIDOE France to perform at the UNESCO Cultural Week in Paris; he has also performed alongside Akon, Boyz II Men, 50-Cent, Rick Ross, The Game, and Kelly Rowland.
What is I Go Dye’s net worth? Nigerian comedian, I Go Dye has an impressive net worth of $5 million.
5. Julius Agwu – $3.6 million
Julius Agwu is one of the pioneers of Nigerian comedy. He is one of the early Nigerian comedians that earned so much wealth to increase their net worth.
The great old-time comedian is the sixth richest comedian among Nigeria’s top ten richest comedians in 2023.
Julius Agwu was born and raised in Port-Harcourt city. He started his career as a stage actor before his breakthrough in the comedy industry.
The old fashion comedian studied Theater Arts at the University of Port Harcourt.
Being listed among the top ten richest comedians in Nigeria, many will be wondering about Julius Agwu’s source of income. The comedian is the CEO of Reellaif Limited, a music, and movie production company.
Julius Agwu was also the producer behind successful comedy shows like Crack Ya Ribs, Laff 4 Christ’s Sake, and Festival of Love.
What is Julius Agwu’s net worth? Owning a production company, and being one of the country’s biggest stand-up comedians, Julius Agwu has an impressive net worth of N800 million, a big amount, to become the fifth richest comedian in Nigeria in 2023.
6. Okey Bakassi – $1.8 million
Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule, popularly known as Okey Bakassi, was born on October 23, 1969. He is the 6th richest comedian in Nigeria.
Okey Bakassi Is a stand-up comedian and an actor ranked among the richest comedians in Nigeria for 2023. The Nollywood actor and comedian studied at River State University of Science & Technology.
He participated in many comedy shows during his school days, entertaining the whole university. The school comedy shows helped him pursue his career in acting.
Okey Bakassi won many awards in the entertainment industry, including the “Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo)” category at the 2014 edition of the Best of Nollywood Awards.
Okey Bakassi has earned so much money that pushed his net worth to a big amount through TV presentations, acting, MC, and comedian.
The famous Nollywood superstar has hosted multiple shows as a stand-up comedian or MC. When appointed as the Special Senior Assistant to the Imo State Governor on entertainment, Okey Bakassi also entered the political terrain where he earned another huge income.
Okey Bakassi’s past political seat and career have helped him earn a $1.8 million net worth to become one of the richest comedians in Nigeria in 2023.
7. Bovi Ugboma – $1.4 millon
Among the top ten richest comedians in Nigeria in 2023 is Bovi. Bovi is a comedian, TV presenter, actor, and host. Bovi is the 7th richest comedian in Nigeria for 2023.
His career has been a story of success and fame. Bovi Ugboma is a native of Delta state Nigeria and had his breakthrough in the Nigerian entertainment industry through his popular sitcom, ‘Extended family’.
Bovi wrote and produced the sitcom in 2007, which received a positive review in 2008.
He has been a famous face during the headies award; he has been a regular host – four (4) times in a row.
Bovi’s debut sitcom, Extended Family, was a success that brought him to the limelight. As a comedian, Bovi has successfully hosted Bovi Man on Fire.
From 2014 to 2019, Bovi Man on Fire has been a success across Lagos and different cities in the United States, London, Melbourne, and Toronto.
Bovi’s first movie, It’s Her Day’, premiered on 9 September 2016; the film raised over 55 million in cinemas.
In 2018, the great comedian started his miniseries ‘Back to School’, which airs on youtube. The miniseries Banana Republic is another film work owned by Bovi Ugboma – all on YouTube.
Bovi’s talent, creativity, and effort have earned huge wealth to become one of the richest comedians in Nigeria in 2023.
His franchise and YuTube rights are a stable income source that increased his net worth to 1.4 million.
8. Gbenga Adeyinka – $1.2 million
On the top 10 richest comedians in Nigeria for 2023, Gbenga Adeyinka ranks as the 8th richest comedian in Nigeria.
Gbenga Adeyinka, born in Ogun state, tags himself as GCON (Grand Comedian of Nigeria). He studied English at the University of Lagos.
The great comedian speaks different Nigerian languages, which has improved his success in the comedy industry.
Gbenga Adeyinka has worked as an anchor for different TV stations like AIT, Galaxy TV, MBI, and Africa Magic.
Adeyinka has also spearheaded many rich ceremonies within and outside Nigeria. He is the first comedian to publish a comedy magazine (Laffmattazz) in Nigeria.
In August 2020, Adeyinka went into farming and started a new food company called Aduni Adeyinka foods, which helped increase his net worth to $1.2 million, becoming the 8th richest comedian in Nigeria.
9. Gordons – $1.1 million
Godwin Komone is a Nigerian comedian popularly known as Gordons. Gordons is the 9th richest comedian among the top ten richest comedians in Nigeria in 2023.
Gordons is a native of the Urhobo, a tribe in Delta state Nigeria.
The famous comedian emerged when the popular Delta state-based Gospel music comedy group known as D.C Envoy came into prominence.
Before his breakthrough in stand-up comedy, he worked as a pastor which earned him so much money.
Gordons has hosted many comedy shows that have earned him so much wealth to become one of the richest comedians in Nigeria, including Gordons Comedy Clinic, with more than 4 editions to his name.
He has been a regular in AY Live Shows, A Night of a Thousand Laughs, and others. Gordons has also anchored many comedy shows and events within and outside Nigeria.
10. Akpororo – $1 million
Bowoto Jephthah Oluwatiseyifumi Tanimola was born on October 3, 1989. Bowoto, popularly known as Akpororo, is the 10th richest Comedian in Nigeria for 2023.
From an impoverished background, the rich comedian made his money through his comedy career to become one of the richest comedians in Nigeria in 2023.
Akpororo, a native of Ondo state, was born and brought up in Warri, Delta. He began his career as a local gospel musician around 2008 before pursuing a career in comedy after moving to Lagos.
Akpororo won AY’s Open Mic Challenge in his second trial; he then came to the limelight in 2013 after performing in “Basketmouth’s Laff and Jam” show.
The comedian is married to Josephine Ijeoma Abraham – a lady from Enugu state, Nigeria.
Akpororo has performed regularly in AY Live shows. The talented singer has used his gift to host events and stand-up comedy.
One thing that has increased his net worth to become the 10th richest comedian in Nigeria is his 2-year endorsement deal with Airtel Nigeria.
He has also bagged many ambassador deals since he came into prominence, like the Fedan Investment Limited (FIL) ambassadorship deal.
He has made so much money from his career to become one of the richest comedians in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of $1 million.
Below is the full list of the top 10 richest stand-up comedians in Nigeria and their estimated net worth in 2023…
| Rank | Name | Net Worth In USD |
| 1 | Ali Baba | $7.7 million |
| 2 | AY Comedian | $6 million |
| 3 | Basketmouth | $5 million |
| 4 | I Go Dye | $5 million |
| 5 | Julius Agwu | $3.6 million |
| 6 | Okey Bakassi | $1.8 million |
| 7 | Bovi Ugboma | $1.4 million |
| 8 | Gbenga Adeyinka | $1.2 million |
| 9 | Gordons | $1.1 million |
| 10 | Akpororo | $1 million |
Conclusion
From the above list of the top 10 richest comedians in Nigeria in 2023, many Nigerian comedians grew up in Warri. The pidgin English spoken in the Niger Delta could be a factor.
The list of the top 10 richest comedians is proof that the Nigerian comedy industry has been thriving for the past 15 years and may continue along with the same trend.