MTN launches Comedy+

YEARS after an intervention in music that has since empowered artistes, MTN Nigeria has launched another initiative to boost the comedy industry.

Called Comedy+, it is Nigeria’s first digital platform to aggregate indigenous comedy content. It will serve as a source of income for comedians as well as ensure on-demand access to comedy content for subscribers.

Speaking at the launch of the platform at Club Rumours, Victoria Island, Lagos,  the General Manager, Brands and Communications, MTN Nigeria, Richard Iweanoge said that the introduction of the app aligned with MTN’s mandate of providing life-enriching products and services for subscribers.

He said: “The launch of this unique platform is borne out of the need to fill the yawning gap in the comedy sector. Comedy in Nigeria is fast assuming a critical position given its exponential growth and there is a need for us to harness the potentials of the sector and ensure that there is mutual benefit for all the key stakeholders.

Iweanoge added that the Comedy+ platform will ride on the blueprint of its successful sister app, Music+ which is today Africa’s largest digital music service. “The success of Music+ has shown us where the Comedy industry should be heading. As far as comedy is concerned in Nigeria, with Comedy+, content owners, comedians and even comedy lovers now have every reason to be optimistic because it is a win-win situation for everyone,” he said.

The Brands Manager, who traced the evolution of comedy in Nigeria and how it remained largely unstructured until comedians like Ali Baba and Opa Williams, who were given special recognition awards at the event, came on the scene, said Comedy+ will help comedians monetize their talents.

Iweanoge, who also highlighted the benefits of the app, disclosed that Comedy+ subscribers will have access to tons of content by downloading the app on their mobile phones from the respective app stores or by sending COMEDY to 2100. He added that a one month free access period is available upon first time download and log-in while subsequent access is subscription based.

Speaking, Ali Baba welcomed the initiative, noting that it was coming at a time the comedy industry needed re-organisation. “We are very happy to welcome this platform. MTN has done well by introducing this platform at a time when Nigerian comedians are feeling short-changed. The value proposition is exciting and Nigerian comedians will benefit immensely from it. It will be an avenue for upcoming talents to showcase themselves but the ultimate beneficiaries are Nigerians who always want to hear their comedians perform,” he said.

Opa Williams expressed a similar view: “It’s really heartwarming to see this happen. MTN has done an amazing thing for comedy. It is evidence that comedy is growing and getting the right recognition.”

Comedian, Koffi, who featured in a short panel discussion alongside Iweanoge, Aisha Umar Mumuni, General Manager, Brands and Communications, MTN Nigeria, and Eason Yi, Accounts Director, Huawei, described the initiative as “an amazing thing for us; you have indirectly created an association for us, a place where everyone converges. It will see comedy on different platforms coming together; you have created a future for our industry.”

Comedians, including Saka, Nedu, Ushbebe, Emmaohmygod, Senator, Etinosa, Longmancomedian, MCShakara, Stillringing and Mark Angel attended the launch. Others were Monica Friday, Wofaifada, Josh2funny, Ebiye, Deeone, Bellokreb and Romeowj.