Nigeria is undoubtedly a hub where comedy thrives, and it’s a craft best delivered by Nigerians. Over the years, the comedy industry has evolved from traditional stand-up shows to digitally produced skits, with Nigerian comic creatives transforming the comedy space within the country’s broader entertainment sector.
Skit-making has emerged as one of the most lucrative professions in Nigeria, helping many youths escape unemployment. With increased internet accessibility and the widespread use of social media, digital skits have gained massive popularity, frequently going viral.
These content creators, boasting millions of followers on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, bring laughter to countless people, offering a much-needed break from the stresses of everyday life.
What Makes Nigerian Skit Makers Stand Out?
The top Nigerian skit makers owe their success to their ability to draw inspiration from the everyday experiences of Nigerians. From highlighting family dynamics and societal norms to capturing the struggles of daily life, they create relatable content that deeply resonates with their audience.
Beyond entertainment, these comedians skillfully incorporate social commentary into their humor, addressing serious issues in a lighthearted yet impactful manner. By leveraging digital platforms, they have transformed the way Nigerians consume comedy. With skits often running between one to five minutes, their content is perfectly tailored to the short attention spans of social media users.
Here are the top Nigerian skit makers of 2024:
1. Taaooma
Maryam Apaokagi, popularly known as Taaooma, is a renowned skit maker celebrated for her focus on family dynamics. Her remarkable talent for portraying multiple characters, including a strict Nigerian mother and a mischievous child, sets her apart.
Taaooma’s skits humorously capture relatable moments in Nigerian households, often showcasing scenarios like the infamous “African home” discipline, making her a favorite among fans.
2. Mr. Macaroni
Debo Adebayo, widely known as Mr. Macaroni, is a standout figure in Nigeria’s comedy scene, recognized for his signature agbada and the popular catchphrase, “You’re doing well!” His skits delve into themes like relationships, societal norms, and corruption, often with a humorous twist.
Mr. Macaroni typically plays the role of a wealthy but gullible man who finds himself in absurd and hilarious situations, often involving beautiful women. His exaggerated facial expressions and unexpected plot twists leave fans in stitches.
3. Broda Shaggi
Samuel Animashaun Perry, famously known as Broda Shaggi, is a prominent figure in Nigerian comedy. Renowned for his street-smart persona and his iconic catchphrase, “Oya hit me!”, Shaggi has captivated audiences with his over-the-top and hilarious depictions of everyday Nigerian life.
Whether playing an area boy or a pastor, his unmatched versatility shines through. Combining slapstick humor with sharp satirical commentary on societal issues, his skits appeal to audiences across all age groups. Broda Shaggi’s ability to seamlessly switch between characters, paired with his quick-witted comebacks and dramatic delivery, ensures his fans are always entertained and eagerly awaiting more.
4. Maraji
Gloria Oloruntobi, better known as Maraji, is a trailblazer in the Nigerian skit-making industry. Renowned for her unmatched talent in switching between diverse accents, personalities, and characters, she has set a high standard in the comedy scene.
Whether she’s playing a clueless housemaid or a sassy girlfriend, Maraji’s skits are consistently versatile and hilariously entertaining. Her sharp wit, exceptional acting skills, and seamless character transitions have earned her a place as one of Nigeria’s most beloved skit makers.
5. Lasisi Elenu
Lasisi Elenu, born Nosa Afolabi, has carved a niche for himself with his hilarious rants that exaggerate everyday frustrations. From navigating relationship drama to dealing with the challenges of Nigerian customer service, his skits masterfully blend comedy with relatable storytelling.
Famous for using a unique Snapchat filter that distorts his face, Lasisi adds an extra layer of humor to his content. His high-pitched, almost frantic delivery and knack for turning ordinary situations into comedic gold have made him a favorite among fans.
6. Twyse
Ereme Abraham, popularly known as Twyse, has gained widespread recognition for the originality of his skits, making him a standout figure on social media. His unique Instagram videos have earned him a prominent place in the Nigerian comedy scene.
Based in the UK, Twyse initially ventured into comedy out of boredom, but it has since blossomed into a successful career. He is now ranked among the top 10 Nigerian skit makers, consistently bringing smiles to his audience.
Twyse has collaborated with notable artists like Falz, and one of the key elements that set his comedy apart is his distinctive use of costumes, which adds a creative flair to his skits.
7. Nasboi
Lawal Michael Nasiru Bolaji, popularly known as Nasboi, is celebrated for his artistic creativity and exceptional ability to evoke laughter. Unlike most, Nasboi has carved a unique path, becoming one of the most prominent skit makers with over one million followers on Instagram.
A graduate of the University of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State with a degree in engineering, Nasboi initially pursued a music career. After moving to Lagos, he was signed as an artist under Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde. However, it was comedy that ultimately propelled him into the spotlight, earning him widespread acclaim and a devoted fanbase.
8. Darryl Vega
Darryl Vega exemplifies versatility and success. Although he is most recognized for his comedy and content creation, Darryl is a multi-talented individual who has thrived in various fields, including education, accounting, and real estate.
Despite his broad range of accomplishments, it is in comedy where Darryl truly stands out. His short, relatable, and thought-provoking skits cover a variety of social issues, leaving millions of viewers around the world laughing and reflecting on the topics he explores.
9. Sabinus (Mr. Funny)
Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Ejekwu, better known as Sabinus or Mr. Funny, is one of Nigeria’s most popular and in-demand skit makers. Known for portraying a naive yet ambitious young man, Sabinus’s skits often feature him finding himself in absurd situations due to his overconfidence or lack of understanding.
His talent for landing in trouble in the most unexpected ways, combined with his expressive facial expressions and hilarious voice modulations, makes his content irresistibly funny and relatable.
10. Layi Wasabi
Isaac Ayomide Olayiwola, widely known as Layi Wasabi, hails from Osun State and emerged as one of the breakout stars of 2023. He quickly rose to prominence by creating a unique identity through clever wordplay and engaging character portrayals.
In 2023, Layi achieved remarkable success, amassing an impressive 30.6 million views on Instagram, securing the highest number of likes and comments among all Nigerian skit makers on the platform.
His skit videos often feature the Point of View (POV) technique, a popular approach in online comedy, which he skillfully blends with insightful depictions of pressing social issues and the everyday challenges faced by Nigerians.
