Gilmore is trending online, his unique brand of humor captivating thousands. Watching his skits, I couldn’t help but think about how far we’ve come — how comedy in Nigeria has evolved from live stage performances and TV sitcoms to 60-second reels that spark nationwide conversation. Nigerian comedy has undergone a fascinating transformation, shaped by culture, technology, and the times.
The Era of the Comedy Giants
The roots of modern Nigerian comedy can be traced back to the stage — a time when comedians were more like orators, commanding rooms filled with people hungry for laughter. Legends like Ali Baba, often referred to as the godfather of Nigerian comedy, laid the foundation in the 1990s. With a deep understanding of language, politics, and social issues, Ali Baba elevated comedy to a respected art form.
Following closely were names like Basketmouth, AY, and Gordons, who brought stand-up comedy into the mainstream. Shows like “Nite of a Thousand Laughs” became platforms that launched countless careers. These comedians were not just entertainers — they were social commentators, bridging class divides with humor that was relatable across the board.
The Transition to Screens
With the rise of homegrown television content, comedy found a new home on screen. Sitcoms like Papa Ajasco, Fuji House of Commotion, and Super Story offered a different flavor of humor — character-driven, slapstick, and family-friendly. These shows ruled the airwaves in the early 2000s, creating household names and cementing comedy as a staple in Nigerian entertainment.
But even this era would be disrupted by the dawn of digital media.
The Rise of Social Media Skit Makers
The 2010s marked a shift in how comedy was consumed. With platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and later TikTok, comedy became faster, shorter, and more accessible. Maraji was one of the first to capture this wave, using clever editing and one-woman performances to portray multiple characters in relatable scenarios. She opened the doors for an entirely new generation.
Soon, the likes of Craze Clown, Taooma, Lasisi Elenu, Josh2funny, and Mr Macaroni began to dominate the scene. Their skits weren’t just funny — they were mini-films, filled with satire, social critique, and cultural commentary. They connected with a digital generation, offering laughs in 60 seconds or less, often with recurring characters that became part of our daily lives.
A New Wave: Skits as Storytelling
Today, creators like Gilmore, Layi Wasabi, Brain Jotter, Sabinus, and Kie Kie are pushing the boundaries of what a “skit” can be. These aren’t just random jokes anymore — they are episodes in a narrative arc. The production value has improved, storytelling is tighter, and many of these creators now have full-blown YouTube series or even transition into film and television.
In fact, the line between skit maker and actor is increasingly blurred. Many have built empires off their phones — with millions of followers, brand deals, and even international recognition. What began as short, grainy videos recorded in bedrooms has become a full-fledged industry, with production teams, makeup artists, and scriptwriters.
The Power of Digital Laughter
What makes this evolution so powerful is how accessible it has become. You no longer need a TV network or a stage — just a phone, an idea, and consistency. Comedy is now democratized. It belongs to everyone. And it travels faster than ever before — across borders, cultures, and even languages.
But beyond the laughter lies something deeper. Nigerian comedy has always been a mirror — reflecting who we are, what we value, and how we cope. From poking fun at politicians to highlighting the absurdities of daily life, comedy has given us a way to laugh through pain, navigate change, and stay connected.
A Final Thought
As we watch creators like Gilmore bring fresh perspectives to comedy, it’s clear that the art form will continue to evolve. The tools may change, the formats may shift, but the heartbeat remains the same — to make us laugh, to make us think, and to bring us together.
From the grand stages of Ali Baba to the phone screens where Gilmore now reigns, Nigerian comedy has proven that laughter isn’t just an escape — it’s a legacy.
If you enjoyed this article, click here to read more informative posts, also check us out on Instagram for fun and engaging content.
Disclaimer: The opinions, views, and information expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of iNaijanow. The company assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or damages arising from the use of this information.
