Popular Nigerian comedians, Ali Baba and Seyi Law, have explained the challenges comedians face in getting sponsorship for shows.
Ali Baba explained the challenges on Instagram while responding to a fan who wanted to know why VIP tickets are expensive at Nigeria comedy shows.
The 54-year-old attributed it to the cost of planning the show, adding that VIPs are the ones that bear the cost.
“If your show cost you N150million, how much regular tickets will return your investment?
“Say the hall is 2,000 capacity, how much will regular pay? Besides, cost of planning a show overseas is far cheaper,” Ali Baba wrote.
He added that the cost of planning a show overseas was cheaper than shows in Nigeria.
Similarly, Seyi Law said that the cost and demands of hosting an event in the country without sponsorship drive up ticket pricing.
The comedian commended Ali Baba on his response to his fans on his Instagram page.
“Thanks Ali Baba for constantly educating the people about the activities of entertainers and events managers.
“I can’t write the epistle needed to drive home this point. The cost and class demands of the events in Nigeria without sponsorship drive up ticket pricing.
“These and more are the reasons we are constantly grateful to media houses that oblige us their platforms for advertising.
“Now, AFCON is encroaching into that territory to frustrate our efforts.
“What is the government doing to encourage these businesses that create 100 to 200 direct and indirect jobs per show?
“Make I leave the matter for now. I am looking for sponsors for my Abuja show abeg,” Seyi Law wrote.
Ali Baba and Seyi Law are known around the globe and have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the entertainment industry.
Ali Baba had a sold-out performance tagged Fina-Ali at the O2 Arena in London on August 25, 2019.
He has followed it up with appearances in the US and Canada.
Seyi Law hosts a live comedy show called Fast and Funny.
