A comedic revolution that started in Nigeria has swept the entertainment sector.
This is attributable to ski makers, who produce and distribute quick comedic movies on numerous social media sites.
In addition to grabbing the attention of millions of Nigerians, these skit creators have also become well-known internationally for their distinct sense of humor and narrative.
The availability and broad use of social media platforms in Nigeria is one of the major factors influencing the growing impact of skit producers.
Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok have given these gifted people a place to display their comedy talents and connect with a large audience.
Skit creators have been able to cooperate with well-known celebrities and brands as well as engage with fans and garner following thanks to these platforms.
For these new comedy subgenres to appeal to the typical social media user, they need to produce interesting and humorous content. They also highlight current events and produce skits that teach valuable lessons.
The Nigerian marketing and advertising sector now includes skit makers in a big way. Numerous corporations have acknowledged the effect of skit creators and their capacity to connect with a younger demographic.
The top eight most engaging Instagram content creators who are turning jokes into billions and having a significant impact on the rapidly expanding industry are Broda Shaggi, Cute Abiola, Taaooma, Brain Jotter, Mr. Funny, and Mr. Macaroni, according to a report by Dataleum, a global talent accelerator show, titled “The Skit Making Industry in Nigeria.”
The survey lists the creative sector as one of the top economic sectors for young people in terms of job creation. And with a net worth of nearly N50 billion, the third-largest entertainment sector in Nigeria
Additionally, skit creators have had a major influence on Nigerian popular culture. Their witty exchanges, amusing circumstances, and likable characters have influenced common discourse both online and offline. The use of catchphrases, imitation of well-known characters, and general influence they have on influencing public opinion and societal trends are all signs of the influence of skit creators.
Some skit writers have utilized their platforms to address social concerns and push for good change in addition to their comic talent. They have used humor as a powerful instrument for social criticism to effectively address themes including corruption, social injustice, and political concerns.
Many Nigerians have found this fusion of humor and social consciousness to be appealing because sketch creators frequently use their content to highlight societal problems and encourage critical thought.
After that, the governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, named Cute Abiola, a well-known internet comic, as his special assistant for the creative industries.
What impact has it had on stand-up comedy?
The Nite of a Thousand Laughs performance, developed by seasoned showbiz entrepreneur Opa Williams, previously served as the benchmark for Nigerian comedy.
Ali Baba, Basket Mouth, Okey Bakassi, AY, I Go Die, and Seyi Law, among others, dominated that era and have produced recurring shows where they draw audiences and sell humor.
The future of conventional stand-up comedy is still in jeopardy due to the advent of social media applications, which has spawned a new generation of pros and demonstrated that popularity now trumps talent.
Skit writers are becoming acknowledged as prominent individuals in the entertainment business as the Nigerian comedy revolution gains speed.
They have risen to the top of Nigerian popular culture thanks to their capacity to amuse, engage, and inspire.
Skit creators are expanding the frontiers of originality and humor in the Nigerian entertainment sector in addition to influencing the comedy landscape.
Skit creating is not at all a danger to stand-up comedy, according to Olaniyi Babajide, a rising comic and MC from Akure who goes by the stage name MC Nee.
“Assuming that jokes will threaten stand-up comedy is completely incorrect. I’m not sure where the idea that one influences the other comes from since people still go to shows and watch skits.
“We continue to sell out of all of our performance tickets. Everybody has their own followers, exactly like online comedians. Therefore, nobody is stifling the other.
I’ll just tell my fellow comics to make sure they stay current so they don’t get left behind and avoid the aforementioned dangers from sketch comedy in the future, he said.
