Entertainment Gists
Forbes Highest-Paid Celebrities In 2017 [FULL LIST]
Global business magazine, Forbes, has released list of 100 highest-paid celebrities across the world in 2017.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is the top earner on the list.
According to the magazine, Combs earned $130 million from June 1, 2016, to June 1, 2017 through his “Bad Boy Family” Reunion Tour, a stake in Ciroc vodka and the $70 million sale of one-third of his Sean John clothing line.
On number two spot is Beyoncé, with $105million in earnings.
‘I’ve never met anyone that works harder than me in my industry,’ Beyoncé had told the magazine in 1999. She is currently on break from touring as she gets ready to have twins.
Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling brought in $95 million, while rapper Drake and Portuguese soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo round out the top five.
Last year’s top earner, Taylor Swift, dropped to No. 49. The singer brought in $44million, down from $170million – but she hasn’t put out an album or toured since 2015.
All 100 celebrities on the list made a combined $5.15billion, but that doesn’t account for the fees they pay agents, managers or lawyers.
See full list below…
- 1. Sean Combs $130million
2. Beyoncé $105million
3. J.K. Rowling $95million
4. Drake $94million
5. Cristiano Ronaldo $93million
6. The Weeknd $92million
7. Howard Stern $90million
8. Coldplay $88million
9. James Patterson $87million
10. LeBron James $86million
11. Guns N’ Roses $84million
11. Rush Limbaugh $84million
13. Justin Bieber $83.5million
14. Lionel Messi $80million
15. Dr. Phil McGraw $79million
16. Ellen DeGeneres $77million
17. Bruce Springsteen $75million
18. Adele $69million
18. Jerry Seinfeld $69million
20. Mark Wahlberg $68million
21. Metallica $66.5million
22. Dwayne Johnson $65million
23. Roger Federer $64million
24. David Copperfield $61.5million
25. Kevin Durant $60.6million
26. Garth Brooks $60million
26. Elton John $60million
26. Gordon Ramsay $60million
29. Ryan Seacrest $58million
30. Chris Rock $57million
31. Vin Diesel $54.5million
32. Paul McCartney $54million
32. Red Hot Chili Peppers $54million
34. Louis C.K. $52million
35. Jimmy Buffett $50.5million
35. Adam Sandler $50.5million
37. Andrew Luck $50million
37. Rory McIlroy $50million
39. Jackie Chan $49million
40. Calvin Harris $48.5million
41. Robert Downey Jr. $48million
42, Stephen Curry $47.3million
43. Dave Chappelle $47million
43. Judy Sheindlin $47million
45. James Harden $46.6million
46. Lewis Hamilton $46million
47. Kim Kardashian West $45.5million
48. Drew Brees $45.3million
49. Taylor Swift $44million
50. Simon Cowell $43.5million
50. Phil Mickelson $43.5million
52. Tom Cruise $43million
53. Kenny Chesney $42.5million
53. Steve Harvey $42.5million
55. Luke Bryan $42million
55. Celine Dion $42million
55. Jay-Z $42million
58. Sofia Vergara $41.5million
59. Kylie Jenner $41million
60. Bruno Mars $39million
60. Tiesto $39million
62. Russell Westbrook $38.6million
63. Sebastian Vettel $38.5million
64. Damian Lillard $38.4million
65. Shah Rukh Khan $38million
65. Jennifer Lopez $38million
65. The Chainsmokers $38million
68. Novak Djokovic $37.6million
69. Amy Schumer $37.5million
70. Tiger Woods $37.1million
71. Salman Khan $37million
71. Neymar $37million
71. Bill O’Reilly $37million
71. Dolly Parton $37million
71. Ed Sheeran $37million
76. Dwayne Wade $36.2million
77. Fernando Alonso $36million
77. Sean Hannity $36million
77. Rihanna $36million
80. Bon Jovi $35.5million
80. Akshay Kumar $35.5million
82. Billy Joel $35million
83. Dr. Dre $34.5million
83. Florida Georgia Line $34.5million
83. Toby Keith $34.5million
83. Jordan Spieth $34.5million
87. Derrick Rose $34.3million
88. Usain Bolt $34.2million
89. Gareth Bale $34million
89. Conor McGregor $34million
89. Britney Spears $34million
92. Kei Nishikori $33.9million
93. Fletcher Cox $33.4million
94. Clayton Kershaw $33.3million
95. Chance The Rapper $33million
95. Katy Perry $33million
97. Carmelo Anthony $32.6million
98. Jason Aldean $32.5million
98. Kevin Hary $32.5million
100. Zlatan Ibrahimovic $32million
Entertainment Gists
RUAN-Badkid.96: The Unfiltered Voice Recommitting African Sound to Truth

RUAN-Badkid.96 is a Nigerian recording artist whose music refuses to live inside a single genre. Blending Afrobeat, Afrofusion, trap, hip-hop, melodic rap, R&B, and global influences, he creates records that move effortlessly between raw street energy, soulful storytelling, and infectious melodies. Whether delivering hard-hitting bars, emotional love songs, or rhythm-driven African records, his sound is defined by authenticity rather than limitation.
Inspired by both African culture and international music, RUAN-Badkid.96 embraces the confidence and ambition of global hip-hop while staying deeply connected to his roots. His lyrics explore love, heartbreak, betrayal, friendship, social injustice, hope, and the everyday realities of life. He doesn’t create music to follow trends, he creates music to reflect truth, emotion, and human experience.
Behind his fearless image is an artist who believes in kindness, equality, justice, and genuine human connection. His appearance may be intimidating, but his message is rooted in compassion and authenticity. Every record carries a piece of his journey, proving that strength and vulnerability can exist in the same voice.
For RUAN-Badkid.96, music is more than entertainment, it’s a language, a testimony, and a lifelong mission to connect with people through honesty, versatility, and unforgettable sound.
Entertainment Gists
Meet the Man Who Turned Hype Into a Science: Emmy Blaq, Nigeria’s G.O.A.T. of Hype
If you have ever been at a Nigerian event and found yourself on your feet before the main act even stepped on stage, there is a good chance a hype man was responsible. But not just any hype man. Emmy Blaq, born Ikechukwu Emmanuel Chima and raised in Auchi, Edo State, has spent the last few years quietly becoming the most talked-about name in that profession, and the Nigerian press has taken notice. Punch, Vanguard, The Guardian Nigeria, The Nation, and Independent Newspaper have all sat down with him, and every conversation leads back to the same thing: this man does not just make noise; he makes moments.
What makes Emmy Blaq different is the journey behind the energy. Before the stages, the collaborations with Waje on her “Waje 2.0” album, DJ Consequence, and DJ Kaywise on the massively streamed “Joor Party Mix” series, he was repairing generators, cutting hair, and sewing clothes in Auchi. His first professional hype gig happened at a local fast food spot called Valchi, and the crowd response that night changed everything. He told The Nation directly: “My passion for entertainment and desire to make people happy led me into the craft.” Punch also captured his bigger mission when he said that hype men deserve more than what they currently earn, a statement that sparked a real conversation across Nigerian entertainment circles.
With over 1.7 million TikTok followers, 23.6 million TikTok likes, a viral “Wife Material” challenge that landed on Pulse Nigeria’s top ten social media moments of 2021, and an international performance at the Cameroon International Music Festival that Cameroonian media described as electrifying, Emmy Blaq is not building toward something. He is already there. The G.O.A.T. of Hype is not a title he gave himself and hoped would stick. It is one the rooms keep confirming every single time he grabs the mic.
Entertainment Gists
Uncle Wisdom The Mind Behind The Motion – Talent Manager/A&R
MANAGER PROFILE
Uncle Wisdom is a Lagos-based music executive and visionary leader known for blending structure, strategy, and creativity in artist management. With a background in Mathematics and Statistics from UNICROSS formerly, Cross River University Of Technology. He brings analytical precision into talent development, positioning artists for both creative excellence and commercial success.
CAREER JOURNEY
Began his career in 2017 as an event coordinator for Eksu Olofofo, where he gained foundational experience in live events and audience engagement. By 2018, he transitioned into full-time artist management, driven by a clear goal to build a more structured and results-oriented system within the music industry.
In 2019, Started working as a road manager for Barry Jhay, gaining hands-on experience in touring, logistics, and artist operations, a refined career and mental awareness coach . He was also instrumental behind Barry Jhay’s 2025 sold-out homecoming concert, a key moment that fueled momentum for a successful UK tour, including sold-out shows in London and Birmingham.
PHLOX MGMT
Founded from the ground up, Phlox Mgmt is a forward-thinking management company focused on Career coaching, A&R, artist development, and strategic positioning. The company is built on a clear philosophy:
Develop the sound. Define the brand. Position the artist to win.
Phlox Mgmt has connections with @Roadgod_of Roadgod Agency and connects artists with top-tier producers, engineers, and creatives, ensuring a refined sound and strong market presence. The company continues to grow as a trusted platform for emerging and established talent.
INDUSTRY NETWORK & COLLABORATIONS
Uncle Wisdom has built valuable relationships across the industry, working with and alongside talents such as:
Barry Jhay • Asake • Ceeza Milli • Berri Tiga • Laime • Spellz • and many others
LEADERSHIP APPROACH
John Wisdom operates with a long-term vision, focusing on structure, consistency, and execution. His approach goes beyond traditional management he builds systems around artists that support sustainable growth, strong branding, and global competitiveness.
CONTACT & SOCIALS
Instagram & X: @Johnwisdm @phlox_mgmt
TikTok: @unclewisdom7
Email: phloxentertainment@gmail.com
Phone: 08038448478 | 09015668027
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