The Nigerian comedy industry is undergoing a seismic shift as traditional stand-up comedy, once a staple of entertainment, faces a decline in relevance due to the rise of skit-makers on digital platforms.
Events like AY Live, Night of a Thousand Laughs, and Basketmouth Uncensored, which dominated the comedy scene for decades, are struggling to maintain their former influence.
The Decline of Traditional Comedy Shows
For years, conventional comedy events were the bedrock of Nigerian humor.
Shows such as Night of a Thousand Laughs, pioneered by Opa Williams, were cultural phenomena, attracting thousands of fans to live venues and serving as launchpads for comedians like Basketmouth, I Go Dye, and Gordons. Similarly, AY Live, organized by Ayo Makun, became a premium annual event, known for its star-studded lineups and massive audience turnout.
However, in recent years, these grand events have seen dwindling attendance and waning enthusiasm.
The reasons for this decline are multifaceted but revolve around the disruptive power of online comedy and shifting audience preferences.
NASBOI
The Rise of Online Comedy
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have given rise to a new generation of comedians who deliver quick, relatable skits directly to fans’ smartphones.
Comedians like Mr. Macaroni, Taaooma, Broda Shaggi, and Sabinus (Mr. Funny) have built massive followings online, leveraging their reach to become household names.
These digital platforms allow creators to connect with millions in real time, bypassing the logistical challenges and costs associated with traditional live shows.
For instance, Sabinus won the 2022 AMVCA Award for Best Online Content Creator, further cementing the dominance of digital platforms in shaping the comedy landscape.
The ease of access to free, bite-sized content online has made it difficult for traditional shows, which require tickets and physical attendance, to compete.
The economic realities in Nigeria have also played a significant role in the decline of conventional comedy shows.
Rising ticket prices, coupled with inflation and financial constraints faced by many Nigerians, make attending live events a luxury fewer people can afford.
Meanwhile, online comedy offers an inexpensive alternative, accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
Shifting Consumer Preferences
Modern audiences have developed shorter attention spans, favoring quick, engaging content over long-form live performances.
The immediacy and shareability of online skits cater perfectly to this trend, leaving traditional comedy shows struggling to adapt.
Attempts to Adapt
Some comedians have tried to bridge the gap by incorporating online strategies into their brand.
Ayo Makun, for instance, has begun promoting AY Live events through digital platforms while also producing movies like Merry Men to stay relevant. Basketmouth has explored streaming platforms, releasing his sitcom Papa Benji on YouTube.
Despite these efforts, the dominance of digital comedy remains unchallenged, with many upcoming comedians choosing to focus exclusively on online platforms rather than pursuing traditional live shows.
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