The Evolution of Nigerian Comedy: From Stand-up to Online Skits

The Nigerian entertainment industry has long been vibrant and dynamic, rich with talented comedians and innovation.

Nigerian comedy has undergone a remarkable transformation over the decade evolving from traditional stand-up comedy to the diverse world of online skits.

Stand-up comedy in Nigeria was characterized by its live performance format, where comedians engaged audiences directly with their humor in comedy shows. Stand-up comedy shows like Laff Up Live were one of the platforms for upcoming comedians back then to showcase their talent when there was no social media to run to.

Stand-up comedy as it is known today did not make a meaningful impact in the 1970s. However, the modern form of standup comedy began gaining traction in Nigeria in the 1980s and 1990s, and comedian Alibaba, often credited as a pioneer in this field, brought a new dimension to comedy through stand-up routines.

His jokes were very relatable cause his performances were marked by keen observations of Nigerian society and politics, setting an example for what would become a flourishing comedy scene. To date, that model is still followed by most of the upcoming comedians in the game today and even in most of the comedy skits we see online.

The popularity of stand-up comedy grew with the establishment of live shows, which offered a platform for talented comedians to test new material and connect with audiences.

This evolution reflects what has made the OGs skilfully adapt to the changing landscape while retaining their unique voice and most importantly their humor.

In this article today we are going to explore the journey of Nigerian comedy from the stand-up era to the explosive rise of online skits.

The roots of Nigerian comedy can be traced back to traditional oral storytelling and dramatic performances that have long been key to Nigerian culture.

The true game-changer for Nigerian comedy came with the rise of the internet and social media platforms. In the 2010s online skits became very popular because of the widespread use of platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and this allowed comedians to bypass the traditional way of Nigerian comedy, helping comedians reach their audiences directly.

Comedians such as Mark Angel, with his Mark Angel comedy series, and Broda Shaggi with his “Oya hit me” catchphrase, are notable figures who capitalized on the initial rise of online skits.

Their skits, characterized by their relatable characters and humorous take on everyday life, quickly gained massive followings. The accessibility of social media meant that comedic content could be shared widely, leading to viral sensations and a wider reach bringing about recognition. Comedians like Ay and basketmouth also got involved in skits back in the day but it was majorly just a means to promote their upcoming events at that time.

These online skits also introduced a new format and style like short and punchy skits which have now become a norm.

While the evolution of Nigerian comedy has opened up new opportunities, it has also presented challenges. In an interview with basketmouth on Arise TV, he stated “My colleagues will agree with me that stand-up comedy in Nigeria is actually dying. The culture of stand-up comedy is bleeding terribly” he didn’t stop there and also went further to say “You know, with music, they have their streaming platforms; they have a platform that supports what they do across the world. With movies, they have the same thing: they have the streaming platform. And Afrobeats broke into that space and made room for the movies. Unfortunately, for comedy, we don’t have any platforms. We don’t have comedy clubs; we don’t have any structure………”.

The transition from live performances to online platforms has required comedians to constantly innovate and adapt to changing trends.

The saturation of content on social media means that standing out requires creativity and a deep understanding of audience preferences. Comedians like Nasty Blaq, Sydney Talker, taaooma, nasboi, and Brain Jotter have all mastered the art of being different in their skits, increasing competition and pressure to produce content regularly.

Despite the challenges faced in the Nigerian comedy scene, the flexibility and reach of digital media have empowered Nigerian comedians, some of which have become brand ambassadors to big brands, and also to explore new creative avenues.

It is safe to say Nigerian comedy is in safe hands as it appears vibrant and full of potential with the new cats doing their thing, coupled with the continued growth of digital platforms which presents the opportunity for Nigerian comedians to reach international audiences.

As Nigerian comedy continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly continue to entertain, inspire, and reflect the rich art of Nigerian life and culture.