Popular Nigerian music video director, TG Omori, has revealed that despite being one of Nigeria's most sought-after cinematographers for years, he only began making profits from shooting music videos in 2023.

During an interactive session with fans on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Omori disclosed that he struggled with significant production debt for five years before finally turning a profit.

"I only started making profits in 2023. Every time I'm losing money from pick up shoots or something! Budget is never enough," Omori explained when asked about pricing his services.

The acclaimed director further revealed the severity of his financial challenges: "In fact, I was in bad production debt for 5 years. 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."

The Reality Behind the Glamour

Omori's candid revelation offers a rare glimpse into the financial realities faced by creative professionals in Nigeria's entertainment industry. Despite the perception of success and the high-profile nature of his work, the director struggled financially for years while creating visuals for some of Nigeria's biggest music stars.

"It's a tough life for creatives. Hug a creative beside you today," he added, highlighting the often unseen challenges faced by those in the creative industry.

BenriNews recalls that in 2023, Afrobeats superstar Davido revealed during an interview with Beats FM Lagos that he paid TG Omori ₦100 million to shoot the video for his hit song 'Jowo.' Omori later confirmed this payment in a social media post.

The director, who has worked with numerous A-list Nigerian artists including Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Olamide, has become known for his distinctive visual style and high-quality production values that have helped elevate Nigerian music videos to international standards.

Omori's journey serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale for aspiring creatives in Nigeria's entertainment industry, highlighting that even at the highest levels, financial success may not come immediately despite public recognition and acclaim.