While we enjoy their performances and artistry, they smile to the bank as their fortune increases, thanks to mouth-watering endorsement deals, excellent collaborations and their brand worth. Here are ten of Nigeria’s biggest entertainers and earners that got into our 10 richest celebrities in Nigeria
The 10 Richest Celebrities in Nigeria
1. P-Square
Twin pop stars Peter and Paul Okoye made our list of the 10 Richest Celebrities in Nigeria. They are widely held as the richest musical artists in Nigeria due to endorsement deals and investments (including properties in the U.S. and elsewhere, a Lagos mansion worth some N400 million, a fleet of cars worth several millions more, and a private jet). But they also rake in a lot of cash from live performances and music sales, with their CD sales since 2005 estimated at some 14 million units moved.
2. Face Idibia
2baba is the multi-platinum former lead vocalist for Plantashun Boyz is the richest solo entertainer on the list. With an estimated worth of about N600 million (US$3.47 million), and endorsements from firms like Guinness and Airtel, and has also made heavy investments in real estate and stocks.
3. Genevieve Nnaji
The Nigerian screen goddess who is known to be selective of her movie roles happens to be one of Nollywood’s biggest earners (and makes more from endorsements alone than anyone else on the list). Having represented brands like Lux, Cintrion Energy Drink, Polo, Amstel Malta and MUD Cosmetics, among others. She owns the clothing line St Genevieve. In 2013 Nnaji bought a N220 million ($2.2 million) home in highbrow estate, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi and her career has been getting bigger and brighter.
4. D’Banj
The Kokomaster himself who signed a deal with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music in 2011 owns stakes in a reality TV show, nightclubs, food products and Mobile phone networks. He also endorses watches, an energy drink and a telecommunications company. In addition to that, he also brings in huge stakes from his performances.
5. Don Jazzy
Coming in just below his former Mo’Hits partner D’Banj comes the CEO of Mavin Records, one of the best music producers in Nigeria. He also helped build Mo’Hits from the ground up into a top label. The ‘Dorobucci’ boss owns a N100 million home in Lagos, and is believed to own more than N50 million worth of luxury cars.
6. Davido
Unarguably one of Nigeria’s finest art, the Omo Baba Olowo star is known to wear expensive jewelries. He recently gave one to a fan who had tattooed his body with an image of him. He endorses some products and is known to share pictures of his fabulous lifestyle including when jetting out on his private jet. After all, he just released a track titled “Money”.
7. Banky W
The ma jaiye ori mi star makes most of his money from his performances, where he charges between N2.4 million ($15,800) and N3 million ($19,000) per gig and regularly plays three to four times a week. He’s also a brand ambassador for Nigerian telecom giant MTN, and was featured in Coca Cola-Nigeria’s World Cup theme song and Microsoft’s Anti-cyber Crime Initiative. He’s also CEO of EME Music, one of the top record labels in Nigeria.
8. Wizkid
The baby-faced artiste’s has some major deals with MTN, Pepsi, and a deal with Guinness. He owns a N150 million home in Lekki, and has a few high-end cars, which he likely pays for with the N3 million to N6 million he charges per concert. He recently revealed things he wished for on social media which were studio time with Beyonce, Rhianna and Nicki Minaj and a private jet encrusted with gold. We hope Wizkid gets his wishes.
9. Kate Henshaw
The popular Nollywood actress is reported to own three buildings and various other properties around Nigeria. She is a Glo ambassador and the face of food-seasoning company Onga. She recently ventured into politics where she contested for an Honorable member for Akwa Ibom State house, although she lost at the primaries we are hopeful she will try again.
10. Iyanya
The Cross River singer who is a proud owner of a N30 million Aston Martin has a N60 million endorsement deal with MTN, as well as an agreement with mobile phone manufacturer Solo Mobile. He also just recently signed a multi-million naira deal with online electronics mall YUDALA.