By Abimbola Aderinola
Not so long ago, Nigerian comedy was a stage affair. You think comedy and you think Ali Baba, Basketmouth, AY and a few others who sharpened their wit on live audiences.
Fast-forward to today, the biggest laughs come not from comedy clubs but from phone screens, where content creators like Sabinus, Taooma, Mr. Macaroni and so many more reign supreme. But digital comedians are not just making us laugh, they’re changing the game entirely.
Stand-up comedy demands stamina, long-form storytelling, punchline precision, and audience control. But digital comedians? They have mere seconds to grab attention before you scroll away. That’s why creators rely on exaggerated facial expressions and bad-luck scenarios, use quick-cut family dynamics, and thrives on satire and catchphrases.
Unlike stand-up comedy, where success often depends on event organizers and audience turnout, social media skits give comedians full creative control. No middlemen, no ticket sales, just raw humor delivered straight to millions. It’s no wonder today’s biggest comedy stars are more likely to trend on Twitter than perform at a comedy club.
Social media platforms have done what TV and radio couldn’t- democratized entertainment. A smartphone and internet connection are all you need to become a household name.
But what most don’t know is that the digital comedy boom isn’t just about laughs it’s about money. With millions of followers come sponsorships, brand deals, and YouTube earnings. And not just that, there’s the Nollywood crossover. Digital comedians are breaking into acting faster than traditional stand-up comedians ever did. Mr. Macaroni has starred in multiple Nollywood productions, and Sabinus has transitioned from skits to major film cameos.
The boundary between online skits and mainstream entertainment is blurring fast.
At this rate, it’s safe to say that social media comedians aren’t just a phase, they are the future of Nigerian entertainment. With brands, Nollywood, and even politics recognizing their influence, digital comedy is no longer playing second fiddle to stand-up.
In the battle of old-school vs. new-school comedy, the verdict is clear: the funniest people in Nigeria aren’t on stage, they’re on your Phone screens.
*Abimbola Aderinola is an entertainment reporter with PMNEWS.
