No matter how much success these Nigerian Comedians have gotten from the trade of comedy, some of the Nigeria’s biggest comedians also engage in profitable ventures that keep them busy when they are not on stage making people laugh.
Below are famous comedians and what the do as their ‘side hustle’
1. ALIBABA
Atunyoya Alleluya Akpoborome popularly known by his stage name Alibaba began his career appearing on radio and television shows while hosting events.nIn 1993, he registered his company and since then focused on making comedy a respectable profession which has earned him the title God-father of comedy.
Apart from being a comedian, he is an actor, events host and a businessman.
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Outside Comedy and Acting; Alibaba has some projects that are hidden to the public, one of it was made known to the public recently because of the difficulties he had with Lagos government when the Ace comedian narrated how Lagos government frustrated a big project he had planned to generate revenue and create jobs in Lagos.
The comedian’s project was to convert two islands in the water facing the Third Mainland Bridge into recreational spot that could provide jobs and generate revenue for Lagos state but the government kept frustrating his efforts for over a decade until the Island was submerged in the water.
2. BASKETMOUTH
Bright Okpocha started featuring in comedy shows in 2001 when he relocated to Lagos to pursue his dreams following advice from Alibaba.
Popularly known as Basketmouth, he has organised several shows at home and abroad. Before venturing into comedy, in 1995, he tried his hand on music with his brothers as a group. He is an ambassador for notable brands in Nigeria. Apart from comedy, he is an actor and he owns a record label.
3. AYO MAKUN
Ayo Makun He is an award-winning comedian who shot into limelight after working as an events manager with Alibaba. Popularly known by his stage name AY, he also worked as a radio and television host, writer, actor, director and MC.
His movies have made huge box office successes and was made a U.N peace ambassador after winning several awards in 2008.
4. I GO DYE
Francis Agoda popularly known as I Go Dye is a motivational speaker, writer and social crusader. He has organised several international comedy shows and also works as an events host. I Go Dye is also a UN Youth Ambassador.
5. GBENGA ADEYINKA
He refers to himself as CFR (Comedian of the Federal Republic) and GCON (Grand Comedian of Nigeria). Popular comedian Gbenga Adeyinka is a writer, television presenter and actor. He is popularly known for his show Laffmattaz and also hosts prominent corporate events.
6. TEE A
He is one of the veteran acts in the Nigerian entertainment industry with tutelage from Alibaba and a career spanning over two decades. Born Babatunde Adewale, Tee A he is also a television host and events compere.
7. OKEY BAKASSI
Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule popularly known as Okey Bakassi is a Nigerian comedian and a Nollywood actor. He has also won several awards for his movie roles. He currently hosts popular TV show This is Not The News.
8. SEYI LAW
35 years old Oluwaseyitan Lawrence Aletile also works as a lawyer, MC, and businessman. Seyilaw shot into limelight in 2008 after winning the AY open mic comedy competition. He has organised several local and international comedy shows.
9. HELEN PAUL
One of the top female Nigerian comedians, Helen Paul also works as a broadcaster, actor and film producer and singer. She is popularly known by her stage name Tatafo, and for her child-like voice. She also runs a school of performing arts.
10. BOVI
Popularly known as Bovi, Abovi Ugboma, is a Nigerian comedian, singer and actor. He hosts the popular stand-up comedy show – Bovi, man on fire, in and outside the country.