They’re making money as if it’s going out of fashion; controlling
assets that are making some oil tycoons want to consider a career
switch. They’re living the real celeb life – hopping from private jets
to limited edition cars and SUVs.
With minimum earnings about N6.5M per month, and highest incomes nearing
N50m per month in some cases, these fab few are raking in the big
bucks, and making hundreds of their colleagues green with envy.
Below is the definitive list of those who made the biggest dough in 2012:
D’BANJ: Gone are the days when he made N10m in a week. These days,
the superstar entertainer is making more businessdeals than hits, and
the figures are amazing, from CRBTs to distribution, content
syndication, and several non-music projects. Paid between N5 and N15 for
engagements, and enjoying royalty returns from here, the UK and US, the
former Mo’hits front man could soon be moving from the millionaires to
the billionaires’ club.
OMOTOLA JALADE-EKEINDE: Omosexy cashed out with her reality show ‘The
Real Me’ for which she reportedly got paid a huge sum. She also
featured in two big budget movies ‘Amina’and ‘Last Flight to Abuja’.
PSQUARE: The twins probably made the most money this year jetting
round Africa headlining sold out shows attended by thousands. Peter and
Paul Okoye, whose billable hours attract close to double figures in the
millions, also signed a distribution deal with Universal Music. With
sold out gigs here and abroad, the brothers have built a wild following
that makes sure promoters keep asking for them. Easily one of the
highest paid Nigerian acts.
ALI BABA: When the revered comedian isn’t cracking people up on
Twitter, he’s making big bucks consulting or compering events for
multinationals, government or high net worth individuals.
GENEVIEVE NNAJI: The Nollywood actress is ahead of her peers,
benefiting from endless endorsements (Loya, MUD, Range Rover etc) and
reaping dividends from private businesses she’s keeping off public
glare. Paid a mind-boggling figure to act in the movie adaptation of
Chimamanda Adichie’s ‘Half of a Yellow sun’, Ms Nnaji rarely takes up
movie roles these days. When she does, it must be worth it.
DAVIDO: The young son of billionaire businessman Deji Adeleke is
making daddy proud earning his own money at the young age of 20. Davido
who started out as a rookie less than two years ago now charges four to
five million Naira to performat gigs and here’s the good part, he gets
to perform at least three gigs in a week. Could be up to five, in
seasons such as this. 2012 incomes include the N30m deal with MTN…
2FACE IDIBIA: If he didn’t make the list, wouldn’t you be scared?
2face started the year, releasing his fifth solo album and then embarked
on a sponsored US tour. Charging as muchas $60,000 per show, Mr. Idibia
was busy all year, headlining gigs all over. Investment in real estate
and hospitality (including Club Rumours, in Ikeja, Lagos) also paid off.
FUNKE AKINDELE: The actress-producer is still enjoying the success of
‘The Return of Jenifa’ from which she reportedly made over N30m. She
has also been made the ambassador of Nigerian job websiteJobberman, a
deal worth millions of Naira. That’s in addition to the endorsement deal
with Telecoms Company GLO and the Lagos Inland Revenue Service.
DON JAZZY: The MAVIN Records boss signed a deal with Samsung Africa
and broke bank with the Loya Milk deal. With his eyes firmly on the
prize, the gifted producer moved beyondthe Mo’Hits beef to focus on
pushing and monetizing MAVIN content, while expanding into fresh
business areas. He’s penned a deal to produce the theme song for the
Africa Cup ofNations holding in 2013… And the recently launched Pop
Clubis a year-end addition that’ll sure bear fruits….
WIZKID: The EME pop star this year made big bucks from his
endorsement deal with carbonated soft drink Pepsi. Same for his deal
with Star, for the all-star song. And all through the year, he stood as
one of the highest paid acts, charging between N4m and N6.5m for
performances here, and usually more, for gigs in Dubai, England and
elsewhere…
IYANYA: Being his most promising year so far, Iyanya made quite a
fortune off his ‘Kukere’ single. Performance fees doubled, tripled then
doubled again, causing him to swim in millions. Just this year, he
relocated to an expensive apartment in Lekki and bought for himself a
Range Rover HSE.Next year should even be better.
BASKETMOUTH: Bright Okpocha’s transition from mere stand-up comic to
events compere and TV host has the big bucks rolling in for him. His
Globacom endorsement remains intact, and he’s delved heavily into show
promotions here and abroad. There’s also the successful EmBARssy Lounge
on Lagos mainland.
Chelsea have agreed a fee with Newcastle for striker Demba Ba after making an
official bid.
