Nigeria, and the world at large, has witnessed a comedy revolution that has taken the entertainment industry by storm. This can be credited to individuals who create and share short comedy videos on various social media platforms. They are also known as skits
These skit makers have not only captured the attention of millions of Nigerians but have gained international recognition for their unique style of humour and storytelling. One of the key factors contributing to the growing influence of skit makers is the accessibility and widespread use of social media platforms in Nigeria.
Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok have provided a space for these talented individuals to showcase their comic skills and reach a vast audience. Through these platforms, these individuals have been able to connect with fans, gain followers, and even collaborate with established celebrities and brands.
Social media began to make waves in 2004, following the establishment of Facebook. Tens of thousands of people who were the first users of this social media platform started off with their desktop computers and laptop computers, as there were no mobile devices that could install social media applications until the late 2000s into the early 2010s
These platforms now play a vital role in how entertainers, promote their content and especially stay connected to their fan base, which is a focal point for any celebrity. Without the fans to cheer and talk about them, then whatever you create and produce as an entertainer isn’t recognized and loses value. Social media has helped so much that fans can come from anywhere in the world and not only from the celebrity’s nation.
These days, people do not need to watch stand-up comedy once a week. Connecting to the internet on their mobile phones and following young comedians like Lizzy Jay Omo Ibadan, Sabinus, Erekere, and Broda Shaggi, just to mention a few, will help crack their ribs a good deal, as those pages have become go-to pages for stress relief.
It is true that Social media has its disadvantages, but its advantages is numerous. It has done good for those that know how to harness its goodness for success.
Mr Funny PKA Oga Sabinus:
Nigerian Skit maker, Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Ejekwu, (born 30 January 1995), popularly known as Mr Funny or Oga Sabinus started skit-making and broke into the spotlight in 2019, after he decided to move to Lagos.
Through the use of social media, he has grown from being an ordinary mobile phone content creator to being a comedian, actor, content creator, investor and social media influencer.
Investor Sabinus became widely known, when influencers like Tunde Ednut and Don Jazzy started posting his skits on Instagram. Their fans started following him and his followers and popularity tripled. Today, Mr Funny has over 3 million followers on Instagram, over 2 million followers on Facebook and 550k YouTube subscribers.
Sabinus might be a great comedian and storyteller, but his entire career as an entertainer is built around the existence of Social media. The comedian has gained fame and popularity within the country and abroad as many people love him.
Lizzy Jay PKA Omo Ibadan
Another Popular Skit maker and Actor that Social Media has been instrumental to her growth is Lizzy Jay Omo Ibadan.
Adeyela Adebola, aka Lizzy Jay Omo Ibadan, is a Nigerian actress, comedienne, MC, singer, model, and content creator. Lizzy Jay is the CEO and founder of Omo Ibadan Cosin Senta. It is an online comedy skit series that went viral on social media years ago. The skits transcend language and cultural barriers. With her comedy skits and content on social media, Lizzy Jay has gained prominence on the Nigerian entertainment scene.
Lizzy Jay rose to fame in a short time. She started making comedy skits with her phone, uploading them on Facebook and Instagram. She became popular after uploading a video titled, “how girls from different states sleep”. However, this very funny video attracted people’s attention on Facebook and Instagram.
She relocated to Lagos after her education to join the Nollywood industry. It was easy for her to get movie roles as a comic actress since she is a well-known comedian on social media.
The 28-year-old lady is now a popular actress, Nigerian comedian, Model, singer, and brand influencer. She has featured in more than 20 Nollywood movies.
Erekere PKA Pator Pikin
Another Internet Sensation that rose to stardom via Social Media is Michael Olalekan Adeyemi, also known as Erekere or Pasor Pikin. He is a well-known comedian and content creator from Nigeria on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Often referred to as “Okeremecheichei alokolohun kígbe,” which translates to “One who makes the owner scream for help after he has left,” Erekere’s comedic talent has been winning hearts nationwide.
His usual character in skit-making portrays a thief who stealthily steals from unsuspecting victims, leaving them shocked and bewildered. He is well-known for his funny videos, which have connected with many viewers and gained him a large following.
Erekere began performing comedy skits a few years ago, and he did so by participating in school plays and other events. He has been working for his dream ever since, and in June 2021, he released his viral video in which he said that Yoruba proverbs can be perplexing due to divergent viewpoints.
Indeed, Erekere’s rise to stardom cannot, but be tied to social media because it is a major driving force for his career. Also, over the years, he has consistently used Social Media to churn out hilarious content for his fans and comedy lovers.
Generally, social media skits are understood as different forms and genres of storytelling through which the audience experience and enjoy entertainment gratification from comedy skits uploaded on social media.
More to come…
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