Nigeria's Top Comedians.

Nigeria's Top Comedians Living Large

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.

These wealthy Comedians are proof that Nigeria is a blessed entertainment industry.