How comedy started for me —Oga Top

Nigerian comedian and skitmaker, David Ifeanyi Dumbili aka Oga Top has opened up about his journey into the world of comedy, shedding light on how his passion for making people laugh led him to pursue a career in the craft.

In a recent interview, Oga Top revealed that his love for humour began in his early years, whether it was sharing jokes with friends or finding amusement in everyday situations.

“It all began with a love for making people laugh,” he shared. “I realized early on that comedy was my outlet.”

The pivotal moment came when Oga Top first performed in front of an audience, either at an open mic event or simply among friends. The response, a collective laugh that spread through the crowd, left a lasting impact.

He added, “I found myself constantly thinking, ‘How can I push this further?’ From there, it became about honing my craft, understanding timing, and finding my unique voice in a crowded space. Whether through content creation or stand-up, I saw how comedy had the power to connect people, break down walls, and brighten even the toughest days.”

Speaking on the growth of the Nigerian comedy industry, Oga Top remarked it is one of the most vibrant and influential entertainment sectors in Africa.

He, however, acknowledged that there are areas that need improvement.

He said, “The strength of Nigerian comedy lies in its ability to blend local humour, relatable content, and cultural nuances, making it uniquely engaging,” Oga Top remarked. However, he acknowledged that there are areas for improvement, such as monetization and infrastructure, professional development, global collaboration and exposure, content diversity, and better production quality.