Two weeks ago, Nollywood actors, Benson Okonkwo and Cossy Ojiakor took the pages of Vanguard Potpourri by storm by expressing open love for each other.
It was a romance that was well celebrated by the industry and the two lovebirds. And just when everyone was longing to hear the wedding bells, Cossy drops a bomb that may send Cupid arrows piercing through Benson Okonkwo’s heart.
In an Instagram post, Cossy refers to a man known simply as @Stronglikemetal asking for her pride price and Cossy coolly replied, “Discussing my bride price with King of Bermudian … wondering what to ask from Benson Okonkwo in Naira and @Stronglikemetal in Dollars. May the best man win. @stronglikemetal not going out without a fight @bensonokonkwo he got an edge though.
His early morning poems …. So romantic. ….. Have a baby by me, baby. Be a millionaire,” after the so-called @stronglikemetal has sent her an Instagram video reciting a poem he had composed for the boobs-totting actress.
A further check by Potpourri revealed that the @stronglikemetal is clearly obsessed with the ‘Nutty Queen’. His Instagram page which is ‘private’ has on its profile the name of Cossy with an inscription, “Cossy Ojiakor, My Queen”. And also boldly written on his wall is another caption, “ Cossy Ojiakor, the se-i-st woman alive”.
Recall that Cossy Ojiakor had openly accepted Benson Okonkwo’s proposal of love, when the latter had declared in a chat with Potpourri that Cossy is the only woman he can marry in Nollywood, citing, many reasons the voluptuous actress has caught his fancy.
And Cossy had gleefully agreed with him, saying, “ Benson Okonkwo is cute, we will make wonderful babies together.”
We are excited to see the Nigerian music industry going global and making cool money.
These richest Nigerian musicians according to Forbes have overtime built a strong fan base which has given them that much needed publicity not just in the country but globally and they are highly respected in the Nigerian music industry. Their popularity has seen them win series of awards and sign endorsement deals on daily basis.
Although, these wealthy singers currently have other investments apart from their musical career, the fact still remains that these top rich artistes in Nigeria are veterans in the entertainment industry.
So, if you are looking for Nigeria’s top richest/wealthiest artistes, below are their names and net worth.
Top 7 Richest Musicians in Nigeria 2018 & Net Worth (Forbes)
#1. Wizkid – $20 million
Forbes rates Wizkid as the richest musician in Nigeria 2018 with an estimated net worth of $20 million.
The young popular music star started his musical career when he was just 11 and since then, he has recorded huge successes so far.
When you read all about Wizkid and how he started, you will see his success story wasn’t easy. He was born in Surulere in Lagos state in 1990 with his father marrying three wives. Wizkid real names are Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun and Although he practiced Christianity, Starboy said in an interview that his father’s religion was Islam.
Wizkid has always followed his dream to be one of the best music stars in Nigeria. Starting from a group called Glorious Five, he released his first collaborative album. This group was made up of him and his church friends. It was in 2009 that Banky W, another popular Nigerian artiste signed a record deal with Wizkid into Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E).
His first single “Holla at Your Boy” at E.M.E studios was a hit as it became his first studio album titled Superstar released in 2011. The success of this album spurred Starboy to work harder to earn his riches. If you want to download his music, they are available on the internet. You can find all Wizkid’s songs and albums, both the old and new songs here.
In 2013, Wizkid founded his own recording studio “Starboy”. It has become his signature to use Starboy in all his songs and he has musicians under this label. Apart from being featured by other talented artiste in the country, he has been featured by the likes of International American musicians and rappers like Drake, Chris brown, Tinny Tempah etc. He later signed a multi million deal with SONY entertainment.
Wizkid has so many endorsement deals which include being a Pepsi ambassador which he earned $350,000 monthly. He has renewed the contract to two more years. Also GLOBACOM, a telecommunication giant also made him one of their top ambassadors. This deal has seen Wizkid become extra rich, doubling his assets as one of Africa’s richest musicians according to Forbes.
#2. Davido – $19 million
Davido stage name is OBO meaning Omo baba Olowo but his real name is David Adeleke. He is another top musician in Nigeria with a net worth estimated at $19 million. Just like Wizkid, he is another successful young talent who has recorded tremendous feat in the Nigerian music industry.
Before we go into Davido’s profile and his cars or assets, there is a debate as to whether Davido is richer than Wizkid. The truth about this is not known but can only be speculated using their financial worth as a yardstick to judge between the two as to who is the richest.
Davido comes from one of wealthiest families in the country. He has released several hit songs which has topped the musical charts over the years and is still reigning. Some of his latest hit tracks include: Flora my flower, Aje, Aye, See Gobe, Assurance. His current Baby Mama as of writing this post is Chioma.
Davido is owner of HKN music, a record label he established with his brother, Adewale Adeleke. As part of his assets, he bought two houses in Lekki area of Lagos. He also bought a private jet which surprised many especially his fans. He has joined the list of musicians in Nigeria who owns private jets in the country. Some of the cars owned by Davido include a Honda, Porsche and a Range Rover.
Aside from signing a multi-million deal with SONY musical record label, most big brands signed Davido as their ambassadors. Some of the endorsements deals he signed are deals with First Bank, MTN, Pepsi which is rumored to be worth N100 million. OBO is popularly known for saying 30 billion for you account.
For the records, Davido is richer than Olamide and Tu face. This is true because Davido’s father, Mr Adeleke is a billionaire and is among the top 20 richest men in the country according to Forbes 2018.
#3. Don Jazzy – $18.5 million
Don Jazzy is the current richest music producer in Nigeria and Africa who is worth $18.5 million. He is the founder of the top music record label, Mavin Records and the defunct Mo’ Hits founded in 2012. Many popular artists such as Korede Bello, Dija, Tiwa Savage, Dr. Sid and others are signed there. Mavin Records is said to be worth $100 million as it has a global outreach.
Although, he has no song of his own, the award winning music producer has been featured in various songs due to his peculiar voice. As you can see, Don Jazzy is still single as at writing this post. Michael Collins Ajereh is his real name and he is a Nigerian record producer, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur.
Don Jazzy has many investments aside his musical career which fetches him cash. He is a co-founder of Flobyt, a popular tech firm providing free Wi-Fi service to users for downloading and streaming media content. Some of the endorsement deals Don jazzy is signed to include: being a brand ambassador of Samsung Mobile, Loya milk, Johnnie Walker, etc.
#4. D’Banj – $17 million
D’banj is an entertainer who enjoyed much success when he and Don Jazzy formed MoHit. Then, most of his songs were produced by Don jazzy and gained popularity around the country. Also known as Kokomaster, his real name is Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo.
We know that D’banj is among the richest entertainers in the country. He might not be as popular as he was when he broke into lime light in the Nigerian music industry but he has paid his due and is always featured in Forbes top richest artist in the country. Some of the hits by D’banj include: Fall in love, Oliver Twist etc.
Presently, D’Banj has few endorsement deals, one with SLOT, Nigeria’s trusted mobile retail outlet and with Ciroc which worth million. He has other investments, cars and even landed properties. Recently, he lost his son to the cold hands of death. His net worth as estimated by Forbes is $17 million.
#5. TuFace – $16 million
2face is another popular Nigerian singer whose net worth is estimated by Forbes to be $16 million. There was a time 2face was regarded as the richest Nigerian musician beating the likes of Psquare, Don jazzy etc to such feat. He was formerly under the defunct Plantashun Boiz where he, along with his friends, Face and Black Face belonged.
Tuface real name is Innocent Idibia and he was born in Jos. One of his most popular hit tracks, ‘African Queen’ which sold millions of copies worldwide has topped the music charts and has won him several awards in Nigeria and on the international scene. From the MTV Award, Channel O Music Video Award, BET Award, MOBO Award and best musician of the year among others.
Over the years, 2Face has raked up enough fame and wealth that he is regarded by many to be a veteran in the entertainment industry. Tubaba is got married to Annie Idibia in 2012. He has 7 other children with other women apart from Annie.
Presently, 2Face Idibia financial worth is estimated at $16 million aside his endorsement deals in which he is an ambassador with Glo, Italian liqueur brand, Campari and Partner Mobile. He also owns a top record label named Hypertech media.
#6. Olamide – $12 million
Olamide Adedeji also known as Badoo is one of 9ja richest musicians with a financial networth estimated at $12 million. He is also the best Yoruba rapper in Nigeria and have released about seven albums till date. Some of his albums include: Rhapsodi (2011), YBNL (2012), Baddest Guy Ever Liveth (2013), Street OT (2014), Eyan mayweather (2015) and The Glory which was released in 2016.
When it comes to popularity, Olamide ranks among the most popular celebrities in the country. He has featured in so many songs with other hip-hop artistes. Apart from the success recorded in his music sales, Olamide is a business man who has made his wealth through investments and endorsement deals. He is also the founder and CEO of YBNL, one of the best record labels in the country.
Normally, you see Olamide and Phyno collaborating together, especially to produce songs together. What most Nigerians don’t know is that both phyno and Olamide are best of friends. This top rapper also knows how to enjoy his wealth as he lives in his own mansion and has lots of cars.
As Olamide grew in popularity, so does his money. Apart from the landed properties, investments and assets he owns, Badoo has several multi-million naira endorsements contracts with top brands like Guinness, Monster drink, Glo and Etisalat. Recently, Sterling bank made him a brand ambassador for an undisclosed fee.
#7. Phyno – $11 million
Phyno fyno is an Igbo rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer whose real name is Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike. He is a talented ariste who net worth stands at $11 million. He is among the best 5 fastest rappers in the country and is currently doing well.
Phyno began rapping in 2010 using Igbo dialect before he entered Lagos and joined Olamide to further his career. Just like Olamide, Phyno has taken music to the next level. He has featured so many other artist such as Timaya, Flavour, M.I, etc in his songs. At present, he is also a brand ambassador of Nairabet, GLO which runs into millions of Naira
Anyone who has been watching Uruguay in the last 10 years is familiar with Óscar Tabárez’s style of play: his teams are built from the back to make it as difficult as possible for opponents to score. Then it is all about giving the ball to the team’s world class forwards, Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani.
His Uruguay sides have always been strong in central defence and with full-backs who only attack when absolutely necessary. Then there is a midfield that is much more combative than creative with an emphasis of moving the ball forward as quickly as possible. It is vertical football with one aim – to hit opponents on the break.
Until now, Uruguay have not needed to be much more than firm in defence and dangerous in attack – but then something happened. The team, that had been together for so long, needed renewing, especially in midfield. And this changing of the guard has happened much quicker than anyone thought possible.
And with the new players, a new style arrived too. The emergence of players such as Federico Valverde (Deportivo La Coruna, on loan from Real Madrid) Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus) Nahitan Nández (Boca Juniors) and Matías Vecino (Internazionale) forced Tabárez to change his approach. In the end, with these dynamic and talented players, the transformation of Uruguay’s game plan was almost inevitable.
For a long time Tabárez had been saying that Uruguay did not have the players to adapt a “European” style, ie members of the team that could be physical as well as creative. Now he has them and, in the last World Cup qualifiers and the friendlies after that, he has used a different approach.
The defence remains the same, with Diego Godín and José María Giménez being that rare combination at a World Cup that plays together week in and week out for their club side (Atlético Madrid). To the left, the hope is that Martín Cáceres (Verona) will arrive in good shape for the tournament after two injury-hit seasons while on the right there will be a battle between the experienced Maximiliano Pereira (Porto) and the young Guillermo Varela (Peñarol) to be in the starting XI.
But it is in the midfield where the real change has happened: Matías Vecino is a guaranteed starter after a superb season with Inter but then there is a question of whether Betancur or Valverde will accompany him – both prefer to go forward and create than carrying out their defensive duties but both have developed from playing in Italy and Spain respectively.
To the right, Nández is expected to start while on the left Cristian Rodríguez is the preferred candidate, although he lacks the endurance of his earlier years. In attack, well, there is not much to add to the names of Cavani and Suárez.
Remember though that structural changes takes time to become a habit. The basic concept of 4-4-2 with pressure all over the pitch has not changed, but the central midfielders now treat the ball better and the service to Suárez and Cavani is much better.
We also know that the World Cup is not a place to experiment. Therefore, it is entirely possible that, in case of a poor result in the opener against Egypt, Tabárez will return to his more defensive approach. It would not be the first time: in the first international tournament of his second spell as Uruguay coach (the 2007 Copa América in Peru) he had no problem in suddenly abandoning his initial approach of using three forwards.
Probable starting XI (4-4-2):
Muslera;
Varela, Godín, Giménez, Cáceres;
Vecino, Valverde
Nández Cristian Rodríguez;
Suárez Cavani.
Which player is going to surprise everyone at the World Cup?
Nahitan Nández. The pressure of playing in the World Cup will not be a problem. In fact, it will probably make him play even better. A leader who was made captain of Peñarol at the age of 21 and he is already a star at Boca Juniors.
Which player is likely to disappoint?
It could be Cristian Rodriguez. He has been a vital part of the team for a long time now but these days lacks the intensity and speed that is so key to any wide player’s game.
What is the realistic aim for Uruguay at the World Cup and why?
The quarter-finals. Getting out of Group A should not be a problem but in the last 16 they could face Spain or Portugal. Get through that and France or Croatia may lie in wait. And that is probably the limit for this team.
Ricardo Gareca, Peru’s hugely-loved coach, is known as “Tigre” (“Tiger”), and the nickname aptly serves the fighting instinct his team showed in qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in 36 years. Led by captain and record goalscorer Paolo Guerrero, the side has a warrior’s soul and will give everything to make the next chapter of their remarkable story a happy one.
First the style; then the outline. Gareca used his finely-trained eye to choose the right players for the kind of football he holds dear, majoring on good treatment of the ball. Peru had lost its football identity over the 20 years before he took the job in 2015. He brought back the elegance that had gone missing, adding the more modern touches of physical fitness and a commitment to discipline. It all came together so that they reached Russia 2018 after defeating New Zealand in a play-off.
Peru’s preparations had been struck by a sizeable blow when Guerrero was banned from the World Cup after receiving a Fifa penalty for doping. But his reprieve (he will still serve his ban but after the tournament) at the end of May means Peru will head to the tournament with their strongest side available.
Gareca is likely to start with Pedro Gallese in goal, Luis Advíncula at right-back, Alberto Rodríguez and Christian Ramos as central defenders and Miguel Trauco at left-back. Renato Tapia and Yoshimar Yotún, a pair that complement each other very well with their positional and passing ability, will play in the middle of the park. The trio operating behind Guerrero will be formed by André Carrillo, Christian Cueva and Jefferson Farfán.
If Peru find goals hard to come by, one option would be to push Farfán into attack with his old friend Guerrero, switching to a 4-4-2. That is what Gareca has been working on in their training camp in San Luis, and it came together well in the March friendlies with victories against Croatia and Iceland.
Fifa allowed World Cup participants to name a provisional squad of 35 players, but Gareca only selected 24. He did not want to work with an oversized party so only one player from his initial list will be culled, that group will only discard one. His gaze is fixed on the nucleus of the side he formed two years ago at the Copa América “Centenario”. There, they were knocked out on penalties in the quarter-finals; they will need the eye of the tiger if they are to hold hope of a similar finish in Russia.
Which player is going to surprise everyone at the World Cup?
Edison Flores is the team’s shining light and a constant goal threat. The “Orejas” (“Ears”), as he is known, has nine goals in the Gareca era and his presence in attack has been crucial in obtaining decisive victories – especially away from home against Paraguay and Ecuador. He is 24 years old and plays for Aalborg in Denmark, but a move to a bigger league will surely come soon.
Which player is likely to disappoint?
Gareca’s main concern is Alberto Rodríguez. The 34-year-old is his main defender and the team’s current captain, but he has endured a long line of injuries and is still not operating at 100%.
What is the realistic aim for Peru at the World Cup and why?
The round of 16. Peru’s decisive match will be their first, against Denmark in Saransk on 16 June. If Gareca’s side overcome this obstacle, they will be in an unbeatable position to reach the second round. Against a team as physically impressive as the Danes, Peru will have to cause damage through teamwork and effective treatment of the ball.
Since Gernot Rohr stepped into the Super Eagles job in 2016, the team has progressively climbed heights in both team spirit and discipline. The togetherness fostered in the squad has seen Nigeria adopt a strong mentality that allows them to thrive against the odds. A young team bears the imprint of its manager, who has created a resilient counterattacking side that is capable of many surprises at the World Cup.
Although Rohr has flirted with some different formations – including a 3-5-2 used in November’s 4-2 win over Argentina – it is clear that Rohr will opt for his trusted 4-2-3-1, based on defensive resilience and efficient counters.
While the Super Eagles are a team greater than the sum of its parts, their strengths are pinned on the individual brilliance of a few. Rohr always looks to the collective, though, preferring in public to downplaying the importance of those who truly stand out.
“We do not have such great players as Kanu or Okocha, who then shone, but the strength of this team is the teamwork,’’ Rohr told Przeglad Sportowy. “Our captain Mikel Joh Obi or Victor Moses are not the players who will decide the fate of the game themselves, like the stars from the 90s.”
However, Mikel’s influence on the team is immense. The former Chelsea midfielder coordinates Nigeria’s play and dictates the pace of the game with his calm and intelligent ball distribution.
Behind Mikel are two ball winners, Ogenyi Onazi and the talented Wilfred Ndidi. They operate at the base of the midfield, acting as human shields for the back line. Both excel primarily in breaking up play but are far less convincing going forward as pivots. It is the major criticism of Nigeria’s midfield anchors: distribution and transition from defence to attack is often poor, a situation exacerbated whenever Mikel is unavailable.
Rohr’s solution was to get Mikel as close to Onazi and Ndidi as possible – playing closer to the pivot than the centre-forward, Odion Ighalo, whose ability to alternate his movement keeps him from being isolated. His ability to combine smartly, dropping deep to hold up play while still managing to ghost into good scoring positions, has placed him at the spearhead of the attack. Kelechi Iheanacho remains a potent option off the bench.
The attack is heavily reliant on the pace and guile of the Chelsea wing-back Moses. In Nigeria’s colours Moses is a virtuoso, adding verticality to the team’s play and speeding down the wings. Playing as a more out-and-out winger for the Super Eagles, he is the the most important player – capable of magical moments but also, at times, prone to overplaying.
Rohr has stated the need for “great discipline” and “a great deal of mutual solidarity and communion”. Those traits are best embodied by the central defensive pairing of Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong. The pair share a deep bond and their relationship has created a solid defence that is difficult to breach. Balogun’s ball-playing abilities, matched with the imposing and physical style of Troost-Ekong, fit perfectly into the team’s style.
Probable XI (3-5-2):
Uzoho
Balogun, Troost-Ekong, Ogu
Abdullahi, Ndidi, Iwobi, Mikel, Idowu
Ighalo, Moses
Which player is going to surprise everyone at the World Cup?
Francis Uzoho. For a goalkeeper that has just two made senior appearances for Deportivo La Coruña, Uzoho is perhaps fortunate to get into the World Cup squad but has a good command of his area and impressive shot-stopping ability. The 19-year-old is very likely to start in goal for Nigeria – putting him in illustrious company with the likes of Peter Rufai, Ike Shorunmu and Vincent Enyeama.
Which player is likely to disappoint?
Alex Iwobi’s poor form for Arsenal will leave many wondering if he can deliver for the Super Eagles. After a breakout season in 2015-16 the attacking midfielder has failed to kick on, often stuttering when presented with opportunities. Too often he appears on the fringes of a game, and will need to be more assertive this summer.
What is the realistic aim for Nigeria at the World Cup and why?
Given that they face arguably the toughest World Cup group there is the overwhelming possibility of an early elimination, but it is plausible that they can beat Croatia and Iceland to qualify for the round of 16. Much depends on the first game against Croatia.
