Celebrity net worth in Nigeria is booming. Discover how stars like Burna Boy, Davido, and Portable turn controversy into millions and lasting fame.
There’s never a dull moment in the Nigerian entertainment industry; it literally never sleeps. From Twitter wars to controversial lifestyles, Nigerian celebrities always give us fans something to chat about. And for some of the country’s biggest stars, it’s a full-blown business model.
Artists like Portable, Shallipopi, Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid have turned viral drama into viral streams, endorsements, and bank alerts. In this article, we explore how celebrity net worth in Nigeria is often built on bold moves and loud moments.
Portable’s Controversial Rise and Growing Net Worth
If controversy were an Olympic sport, Portable would be a gold medalist. Since entering the scene with the street anthem Zazoo Zehh, he has remained in the headlines, whether it’s clashing with fellow artists, making outrageous statements, or getting arrested for constituting a public nuisance.
His unpredictable (or maybe even predictable) personality has kept Nigerians entertained, nonetheless, ensuring that his name never fades from conversations. No matter how hard anyone tries.
Despite his questionable behavior, Portable has continued to grow his brand. He’s worth over $300,000, and his online antics somehow boost his streaming numbers. He’s landed endorsement deals with brands that understand the power of controversy in marketing. Case in point: his ₦50 million endorsement deal with Obi Cubana-owned Odogwu Bitters.
Despite his increasingly polarizing nature and behind the drama of his legal troubles and multiple public disputes, Portable remains one of the most talked-about names in Nigerian music. Even when the conversation isn’t exactly about his music.
Shallipopi: From Street Viral to Superstar
The current argument surrounding this artist is whether his recent single, Laho, is the song of the summer this year. Shallipopi (real name: Crown Uzama), known for his viral release, Elon Musk, skyrocketed to fame after his street-inspired lyrics hit the market.
He embodies the new wave of Nigerian artists who understand the influence of social media. Every new song release seems to come with some kind of buzz—whether it’s an unusual lyric choice, a viral dance, or a Twitter debate about his authenticity (re: his past prosecution and conviction for internet-related fraud).
While some critics dismiss him as a fleeting sensation and others decry the rise to fame of a yahoo boy, Shallipopi has turned his viral moments into real financial success.
To his credit, he’s secured major brand deals, and his songs consistently top streaming charts, proving that visibility is just as important as talent in the digital age. His net worth ranges between $500,000 and $700,000. By owning his narrative, Shallipopi has turned his digital buzz into bankable fame.
Burna Boy: The Net Worth of an African Giant
As one of Nigeria and Africa’s biggest musical exports, Burna Boy has always thrived on confidence—and controversy.
He’s definitely one to speak unapologetically, whether about the Nigerian music industry, politics, or his fellow artists. But he’s more notorious for his treatment of fans at concerts and festivals.
Then there’s his tendency to stir debates, especially with his claims of being the only true African Giant, which of course is a double-edged sword that has both infuriated and intrigued the general public (fan, rival, and industry alike). It’s sometimes a wonder how he’s still got many fans.
But while his brash confidence has earned him criticism, it has also cemented his status as an artist who can not be ignored. Each controversy keeps him in the headlines, ultimately driving more attention to his music.
With Grammy wins to his belt, sold-out international tours, and chart toppers, his talent and controversial nature have earned him a grand net worth exceeding $22 million.
Davido: The Unstoppable Hitmaker
Davido’s life and career is an open book—full of drama, hit songs, tragedy, high-profile relationships, and online clashes. But every controversy seems to fuel his brand rather than weaken it.
From feuds with fellow artists to rumors about his personal life and some embarrassing moments, he is no stranger to controversy. Yet, despite the negativity surrounding him every other month, he remains one of the most beloved artists in Nigeria.
His ability to bounce back stronger after every public scandal is impressive. Davido always manages to use the attention to his advantage. As you would know, his fans are fiercely loyal, and his consistent hit-making ability ensures that every controversy only adds to his relevance.
As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around $100 million, making him one of Nigeria’s wealthiest musicians. His income comes from multiple streams, including music sales, sold-out concerts, and massive endorsement deals with brands like MTN and Martell. In the end, maybe it’s safe to say that the controversy only makes him more marketable.
Wizkid and Tiwa Savage’s Net Worth Despite Speculations and Synergy
Few controversies in Nigerian entertainment have been as talked about as the rumored relationship between Wizkid and Tiwa Savage. Their undeniable chemistry on and off stage led to widespread speculation about whether they were more than just collaborators. And of course, there was the Fever music video release.
From intimate music videos to suggestive social media posts, the duo played into the rumors just enough to keep fans guessing. Tiwa Savage eventually addressed the speculation, dismissing it as baseless, but not before it helped boost streams and publicity for both artists, as this OkayAfrica op-ed puts it.
Wizkid, with a rumored celebrity net worth of between $50-70 million, and Tiwa Savage, worth around $10 million, are proof that even personal life controversies can be lucrative when handled strategically. Whether or not the relationship rumors were true, the buzz surrounding them kept both artists in the spotlight, benefiting their careers in the long run.
The Lucrative Business of Controversy
The saying “all publicity is good publicity” often stays true in entertainment. Artists like Portable, Shallipopi, Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid have all found ways to turn public debates, online fights, and industry feuds into profitable ventures. Their ability to capitalize on controversy ensures that they remain at the forefront of conversations, keeping their brands relevant and their bank accounts growing.
However, while controversy can be a tool for short-term gains, long-term success requires more than just drama. Talent, strategic branding, and a strong fan base are key ingredients in sustaining a profitable career. Our entertainment industry is a fast-moving traffic scene, and those who understand how to turn negative press into positive profit and a great celebrity net worth will always find themselves at the top.
