The entertainment industry has been flowing with passionate comedians bringing endless joy and laughter to lighten our spirits with their comic personalities. Comedians in Nigeria have steadily risen and evolved over the years; new talents have changed the game of comedy and making the profession a means of livelihood and publicity has been easier with the power of social media.
With several comedians out there making our days better with contagious amusement this year has featured so far, we’ve shuffled the best Nigerian comedians this year, 2022.
10. Bovi
Bovi Ugboma is a Nigerian stand-up comedian, actor, and writer. He began his career in 2007 with the sitcom Extended Family and made his stand-up comedy debut in Nigeria’s premiere comedy franchise, Night of a thousand laughs. And since then has emerged to fill his audience with shows and sequels of fantastic comedies. His notable works include; The “Bovi Ugboma Show and Bovi”: “Man on Fire”. After a three-year hiatus, Bovi returned with new editions of the Man on fire franchise that ended in 2019. In 2022, Bovi sold out his Bovi- “Naughty By Nature” in Lagos two days before the show. Bovi comedy subjects focus on Nigerian and popular culture, Nigerian politics, marriage, and more.
9. Mc Lively
Michael Sani Amanesi, popularly known by his stage name Mc Lively Is a Nigerian actor and comedian. He studied Law and was called to the bar in 2016, which he turned down for his comedy skits and career. He started his comedy career in 2015 and came into the limelight through his funny performance “Agidi,“ where he went over events and real-life issues in Nigeria. MC Lively has performed alongside other comedians, such as Akpororo and I Go Die, among others. The comedian who didn’t practice law but his knowledge as a lawyer has made him the intelligent comedian he is today. Mc Lively has featured in popular films; “Fate of Alakada” and the recent 2022 film, “Survivors”
8. Lasisi
Nosa Afolabi, known as Lasisi Elenu, is a Nigerian comedian and actor. He is recognized by the wide-mouth filter he uses in his skits. Lasisi makes skits focusing on ideas such as law, cybercrime, the economy, insecurity, and philosophy. Lasisi is one of the continent’s most popular social media influencers, with more than 75,000 followers on TikTok and over 3.4 million followers on Instagram. Acknowledging his talent, he was nominated for The Future Awards Africa Prize for Comedy. In March 2020, he was named one of Nigeria’s Top 25 Under-30 Nigerian Superstars
His most recent project, “Mama & Papa Gods power”, is a 16-minute series of episodes concentrating on low-income homes in Nigeria.
7. Mr. Macaroni
Adebowale “Debo” Adedayo, known by his stage name, Mr. Macaroni, is a Nigerian comedian, actor, content creator, and citizen activist. His comic skits gave him publicity on social media; he is known for his role as a political figure and sugar daddy(Daddy wa) or the sadistic lecturer(Professor Hard Life). Debo stamped the words; “Ooin,” “Freaky Freaky,” and “You are doing well.” Debo is also recognized for his social justice advocacy, and thus, his comedy content points at social issues to promote human rights.
6. Broda Shaggi
Samuel Animashaun Perry is known as Broda Shaggi, a Nigerian actor, comedian, songwriter, and musician. Influenced by his father and teacher’s drama, he became interested in acting. His comical plays on his Instagram page came through with the spoof “Jesu in Mushin”. With a degree in creative arts, he has portrayed many characters and finally branded himself as Broda Shaggi. His comical traits have paved through for him both in the movie and entertainment industries. Broda Shaggi has won The Future Awards Africa Nigeria Prize for Comedy and the City People Music Award for Comedy Act of the Year
5. Ayo Makun
Ayodeji Richard Makun, recognized by his stage name, A.Y, is a Nigerian actor, comedian, radio and tv presenter, writer, film producer, and director. The show, A.Y live performances, and A.Y comedy skits, one of the largest comedy shows in Africa, is hosted by A.Y himself. He produced his first movie, “30 Days in Atlanta”. He directed the popular sitcom “AY’s Crib” and acted in it. A.Y is also the Chief Executive Officer of Corporate World Entertainment, Nigeria. He has invested in stand-up comedy, and he has paved the way for upcoming comedians through his AY “Open Mic Challenge.” A.Y is one of the most successful comedians in Nigeria and has won notable awards nationally and internationally.
4. Zic Saloma
Aloma Isaac Junior, known by his stage name, Zicsaloma, is a Nigerian comic skit maker, actor, and singer. He rose to publicity through his funny videos on tiktok and Instagram, the journey he fully embarked on in 2017. Zicsaloma is best known for his creativity in posing a woman with his feminine costumes. The fast-rising comedian is now prominent through his video content making. He once contested in “The Voice Nigeria season 2″ and got lucky till the semi-finals before comedy became his potential calling.
3. Brain Jotter
Chukwuemeka Amuzie, Brain Jotter, is a well-known Nigerian Instagram entertainer, content creator, and comedian. The fast-rising Nigerian social media personality came into the limelight after one of the viral videos was reposted across social media platforms. He amassed followers and reposts from high fans. Brain Jotter’s style of packing his slippers and evading a somewhat not-good situation is one of his comical traits. His skits pose the Don’t Stress Me and I Don’t Care lifestyle and attitude in his comedy. Brain Jotter has acted in a few skits with well-known comedians.
2. Sabinus/Mr. Funny
Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, known as Mr. Funny, is a Nigerian comedian, actor, and online skit maker. Mr. Funny started his career in 2015 when he began actively doing comedy skits at University and decided to pursue his career further by uploading various comedy skits on his social media handles, especially Instagram and made a breakthrough with mainstream success in 2019 when he started getting noticed by top Instagram influencers who began sharing his skits. His comedy skits popularised his character as Sabinus/Mr. Sabinus or Mumu man, who always got himself in unfortunate situations.
1. Taoomaa
Maryam Apaokagi, known as Taoomaa, is a Nigerian comedian, content creator, and social media influencer. Taoomaa is known for her clones of characters playing different roles. After convincing her fiancé to teach her the basics of video editing, she started online comedy in 2015. Her comedy skits are focused on revealing African mothers and their particular way of training African children with a slap. Taoomaa attained vogue in 2019 with a skit based on African parents taking their children to school. Taoomaa has been nominated for multiple awards and has won a couple of them; currently, she is the CEO and founder of Chop Tao, a food company, and directs for The Greenade Company, a cinematography firm.
Comedy in Nigeria has been next to the threshold of the entertainment industry, and youths with comical talents are stepping up with the advantage of technology and the internet. This way, stealthily, online comedy skits are gaining ground in stand-up comedy. It’s pretty innovative and admirable, as you would notice how many fast-rising comedians like the above mentions have made a difference and a name for themselves.
