Popular Nigerian music video director, TG Omori, known for his striking visuals and iconic collaborations with top afrobeats stars, has opened up about the financial struggles behind his rise to fame. Despite being one of the most in-demand cinematographers in the country, Omori revealed that it wasn’t until 2023 that he began making any profit from directing music videos.
The acclaimed filmmaker made the candid revelation during an interactive session with fans on X on Tuesday, where he answered questions about the business side of music video production.
A curious fan asked, “How do you know how much the entire production would cost and still properly infuse your own profit so as not to undercharge or overcharge?”
In response, Omori offered a rare glimpse into the harsh realities of working behind the camera in the Nigerian entertainment industry:
“I only started making profits in 2023. Every time I’m losing money from pick up shoots or something! Budget is never enough, in fact I was in bad production debt for 5years. Just had to live with it, I was paying up and taking more to cover up. I was only able to pay it off through money my brand and personality was fetching me. It’s a tough life for creatives. Hug a creative beside you today.”
His admission sheds light on the often-overlooked financial burden many creatives bear, even while working with high-profile artists and producing viral content.
Interestingly, Omori’s statement comes months after music superstar Davido revealed during an interview with Beats FM Lagos in 2023 that he had paid the director a staggering N100 million to shoot the video for his hit single, Jowo. Omori later confirmed the figure in a social media post, sparking conversations about the true costs of quality visuals in the industry.
TG Omori’s transparency has since resonated with many creatives who face similar struggles, emphasizing that success in the entertainment world often comes with unseen sacrifices and personal investments.
