He told Online personality Lucky Udu that life has been extremely difficult despite the fame that came with playing one of Nigeria’s most beloved TV characters.
He explained that the Papa Ajasco character ,name, costume, and identity is fully trademarked and owned by Wale Adenuga Productions, and he cannot use it for personal work, endorsements, or appearances without permission.
As a result, many opportunities people assume he enjoys has not been available to him.
He disclosed that he currently earns ₦45,000 per episode, with only about 13 episodes produced each year, and noted that back in 1997 he was paid ₦22,500 per episode and despite decades of bringing joy to millions, say he does not own a house or a car,....
“Things have never been okay. No car in my home, no house of my own.”
His story needs to be heard by those who want to be an entertainer. Most contracts will not favour you. Understand that passion may not lead to financial ease. The story of wrestler Chyna always gives me chills at how even the professional name she had was trademarked to the company, just like this man’s character name is owned. It’s a terrible system in entertainment but as they say, it’s nothing personal just business🤷🏽♀️
ReplyDeleteThank you for your honesty and I hope a filmmaker pay you your worth one day.
There is a YouTube page that shows the salaries of Hollywood actors for all their projects. Go look at Viola Davis, Hollywood did her dirty for so long it’s a disgrace how low she was paid. These folks are parasites.
I'm guessing he signed his contract without going through it thoroughly or having a lawyer go through it and advise him. Maybe he was overjoyed, maybe he didn't know it was going to be a hit show, maybe the concept of endorsements were not considered back then. May God help him and may others see this as a learning experience.
ReplyDeleteThe amount of exploitation in Nigerian entertainment is appalling. How do you pay someone 45k per episode for something you own all the rights to,what is the actors gain? Actors also need to be shrewd when they sign those contracts
ReplyDeleteThe industry seems to be the same globally. That’s why some folks believe Satan owns all the entertainment industries on the planet, he was a singer himself so it makes sense. It’s a soul stealing industry for sure. That’s why half of them are on licit or illicit drugs to get by. And let’s not forget that entertainment attracts a lot of ppl with a trauma history, the exploitation only adds to their trauma.
DeleteThis is so touching. He made my childhood. I wish all the cast on the show can get a go fund me and Nigerians can contribute something meaningful.
ReplyDeleteExploitation, they'd take everythings that will make you somebody. Na only their selfish interest dem sabi. Ah na wa!! The Producer of this programme back then at Joy Avenue where we resided on same street . A lot of stories surrounded him
ReplyDeleteMay God be with him.
ReplyDeleteWhat a meagre payment...what will it solve? It's endorsement that helps these artistes. Sorry Papa Ajasco 🤗
ReplyDeleteThey can't even endorse him cos he can't act like Papa Ajasco outside WAP. I think he needs to have a conversation with WAP and come to a sort of agreement that'd be beneficial to both parties. Like giving them some percentage from his proceeds. Cos truth be told, WAP got the trademark, he is just an actor and he has been paid duly for it. I remember seeing like one or two other(s) that has acted this same character. But can't deny, he does it better.
DeleteThe onus still lies on him cos wt* was he doing all the years? An actor should supposedly fit into any role, WAP already gave you the platform. That should be enough, if you'd ask me.
Even if he wants to stick to the "Papa Ajasco" xter, he could as well tweaked it in such a way that it wouldn't contravene any signed agreement.
I pray he finds help from benevolent Nigerians.
Amen@ your last paragraph Neesolah 👏
DeleteYou're right he needs to renegotiate that salary & also get a good PR team.
Oh Papa Ajasco
ReplyDeleteNo Wonder Those Days Papa Ajasco
Will Trek And.Pass Awolowo Way By Balogun Bustop ,I will Just Be Wondering Where Is This man Trekking To ..
May God See Him through And Bless Him 🙏
Hello iya Boys
Some men sef!!!
ReplyDeleteSo he is only speaking up after all these years??! I wonder what his wife and kids have gone through. As a man, learn to see long term implications and boycott. If he had left since, they would have offered him a better contract