NIGERIA'S MOST BANKABLE MUSICIANS

The dictionary defines ‘Bankable’ as ‘someone or something that is described as bankable is very popular, with the prospects of yielding material gain and therefore likely to be very profitable’.

Therefore, this is not just a list of powerful, influential or popular artiste, but those who can bring the best returns on money invested on them. This is the official list that’ll guide you if you have plans to invest on any Nigerian musician and be sure to make not just your money back, but also with significant profit within a short period of time.
These artistes are hot, buzzing, making money on a regular basis, snagging all the endorsement deals and generate the desired result. See full list after the cut
Don Jazzy:

 The last time we checked, he’s number 36 on Forbes list of Richest African entertainers. He’s the leader of a thriving record label (The Supreme Mavin Dynasty) with 6 very successful artistes who have hit songs and several endorsement deals. In his career, Don Jazzy has produced over 100 hit songs; so who else would you rather put your money on.

Pasuma:

 A Fuji star, multiple brand ambassador, crossover star, likable, Alhaji Wasiu Alabi ‘Pasuma’ sure has it all working for him. Pasuma is one of the busiest musicians from Africa and he’s been able to be the true link between Fuji and hip hop. He recently dropped his debut pop album and he’s currently working on a double Fuji album which will be released in December. If you are looking for a musician to put your money on, Pasuma is the man.

Tiwa Savage:

 When a heavily pregnant pop star get snags up renewals of two endorsement deals (MTN and Pepsi) in a space of 3 weeks, it only goes to show her star power, relevance, influence and most importantly ‘Bankability’. Tiwa Savage still remains the most Bankable female artiste in Nigeria and even though she’s been off the scene almost all year because of her pregnancy and new child, her influence still permeates with a resonating effect.

KWAM 1:

 King of Fuji music, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal is the leader of the Fuji genre of music. He’s performed at sold out concerts and music festivals world-over and he’s a promoter’s favourite when it comes to paid shows. His K1 live concert at Eko Hotel in 2014 positioned him as a veteran that can bridge the gap between Fuji and pop music.

Wizkid:

 25 years old Wizkid pulled off perhaps the biggest corporate heist this year when he ported from MTN to Globacom in a deal said to worth over 120M. With his 3rd studio album on the way, Wizkid has barely spent a month in the country, he’s been headlining sold out concerts within and outside Africa and the endorsement deals keep coming for the Starboy boss.

D’banj:

 Contrary to public belief, Kokomaster D’banj is still raking in a lot of money and bridging the gap between music, business and the corporate world. His numerous deals and humanitarian projects with One.org, Bank of Industry, World Bank, Koko Garri, Globacom, and others clearly position him as one pop act you can put your money on.

Olamide:

 Guinness, Etisalat, SureBet247, these are just a few of the deals under Olamide’s belt. He’s one of the most consistent Nigerian artistes in recent times. He’s known for churning out hit singles almost weekly and he’s clearly one of the busiest as well with steady income from shows and concerts all over the world.

KSA:

 King Sunny Ade has been a musician for over 30 years and till date he gets booked for shows and performance all year round. He’s the go to man for high profile society weddings, burial, and private functions and he’s still very much loved.

Banky W:

 You cant be called ‘Banky’ and not be bankable! From R&B star to rapper to cinematographer, Banky W seems to do it all and hit the right spots. From his relatively successful E.M.E records to his deals with MTN, Ciroc, and Samsung, Banky W still remains one of Nigeria’s most bankable pop stars.

Akin Tofowomo:

 He’s the leader of the Shuga Band, a topmost live music band that performs for the high and mighty. With an impressive list of clientele that include Mike Adenuga, Olusegun Obasanjo, Alao Akala, Atiku Abubakar and the likes, Akin has become a household name in Nigeria.

Asa:

 Bukola Elemide is the true definition of talent, art and good music. She’s just wrapped up a world tour for her last album ‘Bed Of Stones’ that saw her perform at major cities around the world like Paris, Barcelona, London, Frankfurt and others.

Flavour:

 Chinedu Okoli, better known by his stage name Flavour N’abania, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and performer. He began his musical career as a drummer for a local church in his hometown of Enugu State and today, he’s one of the top Nigerian artistes. Flavour’s songs have been nominated for over 30 awards and have won about 13 of them. His top songs include Ada Ada, Nwa Baby, N’Abania. The Glo ambassador has multiple endorsement deals.

2face Idibia :

 He is one of the most decorated and successful Afro pop artists in Africa. Born in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, Tu-baba as he’s fondly called has won over 40 awards. His hit songs include African Queen, No Shaking, See Me So, 4 Instance, Enter the Place, Implication and Only Me. The ONE campaign ambassador has juicy endorsement deals with Guiness, Haven Homes and Airtel worldwide.

Yinka Ayefele:

 He remains the most sought-after entertainer at parties. And he charges as much as N5-6m per event depending on the location. He charges 2.5 million naira for events in Lagos and the environs and five to six million naira for events in Abuja, depending the time of the year. Ayefele is booked all round the year and has more than eight events per mouth. He charges about $50,000 for events abroad.

Davido:

 Winning the BET Best Male Act on the African continent twice in a row is surely a big deal. Davido in the last 18 months, has also managed to win over 25 awards and his tours and concerts always get sold out. He’s one act you’ll surely want to put your money on.

Femi Kuti:

 Femi has been nominated for a Grammy award four times in the world music category in 2003, 2010, 2012 and 2013 but sadly has never won. This however, hasn’t reduced his worth in anyway. Several reports have him on the number five slot of the most influential singers in Nigeria as at September, 2015

P-Square:

The twin pop stars have broken barriers and set standards right from their debut work, captivating us with fantastic videos and breath-taking dance moves. Five albums after, Peter and Paul Okoye are still at it, collaborating with international artistes and signing major distribution deals with top international labels. They are one of the most loved Nigerian singers of all time as their fan base is quite a huge one, both in Nigeria and abroad.

NET