Here is the thing about comedy in Nigeria: it has quietly become this massive money-making machine that nobody really talks about enough. I mean, we went from guys cracking jokes in small halls to… well, millionaires.
It’s actually crazy when you think about it. These aren’t just people who make us laugh anymore, though they’re damn good at that. They’re running businesses, they’re influencers, they’re in movies, they’re producing content… some of them are basically entertainment conglomerates at this point.
And the diversity? Man. We have our traditional stand-up guys who’ve been grinding for years, then digital creators who also just… figured it out. Like, some of these people built entire empires with just their phone cameras. Instagram skits, YouTube channels, Facebook videos; don’t think suddenly everyone’s global though ’cause these things take hard work. Basketmouth’s been doing this forever, but then you have Sabinus and Mr Macaroni, who basically conquered the internet in what feels like five minutes.
Top Richest Comedians In Nigeria
1. Mark Angel — $6.5 Million
2. Broda Shaggi — $5.5 Million
3. AY (Ayo Makun) — $5 Million
4. Mr Macaroni — $5 Million
5. Sabinus (Mr Funny) — $4.5 Million
6. Sydney Talker — $4 Million
7. Basketmouth — $3.9 Million
8. Nasty Blaq — $3.5 Million
9. Brain Jotter — $3 Million
Top 10 Richest Comedians In Nigeria
I spent way too much time trying to get accurate numbers here (converting naira to dollars is… a headache), but I think I’ve got a decent picture of who’s really making bank in 2025.
1) Mark Angel — $6.5 Million
This guy basically invented online Nigerian comedy, or at least perfected it. Mark Angel Comedy isn’t just a channel; it’s like a content factory. He is so smart– the boss figured out that family-friendly content travels better internationally. Emmanuella became this global sensation, Success too, and Mark Angel’s just sitting there collecting checks from YouTube, Facebook, brand deals…
But here’s what I respect: he didn’t stop at skits. Built an actual studio, trains other creators, and does production work. The man is thinking long-term. $6.5 million makes sense when you see how consistent and smart he’s been about this whole thing.
2. Broda Shaggi — $5.5 Million
Samuel Perry… okay, this one caught me off guard initially. But when you break it down, it makes total sense. Started with those agbero characters on Instagram, which were hilarious, by the way, but then… movies, music, live shows, endorsements. The guy refuses to stay in one lane.
I think that’s what separates him from others. Some comedians stick to skits, some do just stand-up. Broda Shaggi does everything, and apparently does it well, because $5.5 million doesn’t lie. Though I’ll admit, some of his career moves confused me at first… but clearly, he knows what he’s doing.
3. AY (Ayo Makun) — $5 Million
Now this… this is old money in Nigerian comedy terms. Big man has been around forever, no stopping. AY Live is basically the comedy event in Nigeria; I mean, it’s been running for years, and people still pack venues.
And the movies! 30 Days in Atlanta was everywhere. A Trip to Jamaica, too. Plus all the hosting gigs, endorsements… the man’s diversified like crazy. Real estate, too, apparently. For someone who’s been this consistent for this long, $5 million isn’t a surprise. Experience pays, literally.
4. Mr Macaroni — $5 Million
‘Ooin, you’re doing well’— if you know, you know. Honestly, Mr Macaroni’s rise has been… well, it’s been something to watch. Those character skits hit different because they’re not just funny, they’re… real? Like, he talks about stuff we all see and experience.
What gets me is how quickly he built this into a proper business. Consider Mr. Macaroni Entertainment, Nollywood appearances, events, etc. – you start to understand why he’s on the list. The numbers don’t lie, and his content connects with people in a way that translates to serious money.
5. Sabinus (Mr Funny) — $4.5 Million
The brand deals came fast after he started comedy in 2019. And honestly? His skits were good. Relatable, funny, quotable. Tech companies, betting, finance… everyone wanted a piece of that reach. Plus, Nollywood started calling, international shows… $4.5 million for someone who’s been at the top for like five years?
Everything feels really fast-paced, I mean, his success. But one thing I’ve realized is that you never undermine the hard work behind the scenes. His success wasn’t luck. Success, consistency, and efficiency– these words describe his journey so far.
6. Sydney Talker — $4 Million
Sydney’s been consistent since… 2016? Something like that. Those exaggerated expressions, the way he captures everyday Nigerian struggles… it works. The calculated steps he took after his success in comedy are so wise. ‘What are they?’ You ask.
Neville Records? That was a move. Signing Khaid, who actually blew up… that’s business thinking. $4 million shows he’s not just creating content, he’s building an entertainment company. Smart diversification, that’s undeniable.
7. Basketmouth — $3.9 Million
Now here’s the thing with Basketmouth; he’s the veteran, right? Been doing this longer than most. Basketmouth Uncensored is legendary, his stand-up game is still strong… but $3.9 million? I expected higher, honestly.
Don’t get me wrong, that’s serious money. Comedy shows, tours, endorsements, TV work, film, music production… he’s doing everything. Maybe it’s just that the digital guys caught up faster than expected? But his reputation is solid, and that tour money is consistent. Respect to the OG.
8. Nasty Blaq — $3.5 Million
Nasty Blaq’s storytelling is different. Like, his skits rarely cross cultural boundaries. Nigerian content that works internationally isn’t easy to pull off, but he figured it out.
And global brands noticed. That international appeal translates to bigger deals, wider reach… $3.5 million makes sense when your content travels that well. Plus, he acts, does endorsements… it adds up.
9. Brain Jotter — $3 Million
The walking-out-of-skits guy! When boss man started doing that, I thought it was weird. But it worked. People were always waiting for him to just walk out mid-scene– the way he does that is so funny.
You know, sometimes the simplest ideas are the best ones. YouTube money, endorsements, live shows… $3 million for being creative and different. Not bad at all.
10. De General — $2.8 Million
De General’s story is… It’s actually inspiring. Facebook and YouTube skits, nothing fancy, just consistent creativity. But he’s smart with money: real estate, luxury homes… the guy invests.
$2.8 million might be last on this list, but it’s still serious money. Acting, sponsorships, tours… he’s built something solid.
Conclusion
Comedy in Nigeria isn’t a side hustle anymore. It’s not even just entertainment; it’s a proper industry creating actual millionaires. And honestly? It’s beautiful to see.
From Mark Angel’s digital empire to Basketmouth’s veteran hustle, these guys figured out that laughter literally pays. YouTube views, international tours, movie deals… it all adds up to generational wealth.
The lesson? Consistency, creativity, smart business moves. Make people smile, but also make smart investments. Nigerian comedians proved you can build empires on humor, and as 2025 continues, this list will definitely keep changing.
