Renowned Nigerian music video director, ThankGod Omori Jesam, popularly known as TG Omori, has revealed that he only started making profits from directing in 2023, despite years of high-profile work in the industry.
TG Omori made this surprising revelation during an interactive session with fans on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday. Known for his vibrant visual storytelling and stylish cinematography, Omori has worked with many of Nigeria’s biggest artists, including Burna Boy, Asake, and Davido. Yet, he said his financial success didn’t match his professional fame, not for a long time.
Five years of production debt
The director shared that he was trapped in production-related debt for five years. During that time, he struggled to break even on many projects.
“I only started making profits in 2023,” he told a fan who asked about how directors calculate production costs and include their own earnings. “Every time I’m losing money from pick-up shoots or something! The budget is never enough.”
Omori explained that the cost of producing high-quality music videos often exceeded what he was paid. As a result, he had to cover extra expenses out of his own pocket.
“It’s a tough life for creatives,” he added. “I had to keep paying off debts while taking on more work to survive. I only managed to clear the debt because my brand and personality started bringing in additional money.”
“Hug a creative today”
In his response, TG Omori highlighted the emotional and financial pressure that many creatives face behind the scenes. He encouraged fans to appreciate the work that artists, directors, and other creatives put into their craft.
“It’s a tough life for creatives. Hug a creative beside you today,” he wrote, ending his post with a call for empathy.
Davido paid TG Omori N100 million for ‘Jowo’ video
Omori’s financial breakthrough may have been influenced by his growing brand value and rising demand among A-list Nigerian artists. One of the turning points in his career came in 2023 when superstar singer Davido revealed that he paid TG Omori a staggering N100 million to direct the music video for his hit track “Jowo.”
The revelation came during an interview with Beats FM Lagos. Davido said he was willing to invest such a large amount because he believed in Omori’s talent and vision.
Shortly after the interview, Omori confirmed the payment in a post on social media. The video, featuring top-quality production and visually striking scenes, went viral and was praised for its cinematic flair.
A long climb to the top
Though Omori is now widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s top music video directors, his journey was not always glamorous. He began directing music videos at the young age of 18 and quickly earned a reputation for bold, creative visuals. But the financial side of his work often lagged.
Many fans assumed he had been wealthy for years, considering the calibre of artists he worked with and the luxury aesthetic of his videos. However, his recent confession paints a different picture, one of sacrifice, long nights, and the pressure to deliver excellence even when resources were limited.
Lessons in creative resilience
Omori’s story serves as a lesson about the hidden realities of working in the creative industry. Fame doesn’t always equal fortune, and many artists continue to hustle long after they’ve become household names.
His message has sparked conversations online about fair pay, creative budgeting, and the importance of investing in the people behind the scenes. For many fans, it was a reminder that talent alone isn’t enough; sustainability and support also matter.
As TG Omori continues to dominate the music video scene with his unique style, his candid words offer insight into the price of greatness and the resilience required to achieve it.
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