Comedy, Entertainment, Skit Makers Analysis - Top Nigerian Skit Makers in 2023

Imagine scrolling through your social media feed… and you do not Laugh Out Loud within the first ten posts. Seems unlikely, right?

In today’s digital age, Nigerian skit makers have become the undisputed kings and queens of online comedy. What began as a niche form of entertainment has exploded into a multi-billion dollar industry, not just in Nigeria, but globally.

Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube have been instrumental in this rise. Skit-makers have leveraged these platforms to reach vast audiences, fostering a vibrant online comedy scene. Gone are the days of comedy being a side hustle. Today, it’s a powerhouse, generating serious revenue through advertising, brand deals, and even live shows.

Dataleum isn’t new to the party. Since 2022, we have been diving headfirst into the ever-changing world of Nigerian skit-making. We have consistently dished out yearly reports on all your favourite Nigerian Skit Makers who shape this vibrant industry. From Mr. Macaroni to Mark Angel to Layi Wasabi, and even newcomers, each year the industry flourishes with fresh talent and innovative content.

Continuing the tradition, this article presents a comprehensive analysis of the top Nigerian skit makers in 2023, examining their captivating journeys on Instagram and YouTube.

This edition features the Lead Consultant of Penzaarville Africa, Olufemi Oguntamu who has over seven years of experience in the skit industry. He is a notable voice in the Nigerian creator ecosystem and has worked directly with some of the biggest skit creators in the country.

Here’s how the analysis is structured:

Metrics: Views, Likes, Followers, and Skits Posted are used to analyze skit maker trends and celebrate the achievements of the Top Skit Makers in the Nigerian Industry.
Insights: The analysis goes beyond highlighting individual successes. It aims to contribute to the industry’s growth by providing valuable insights and fostering a deeper appreciation for the craft.

Now, let’s get to the fun part – the rankings!

Before you keep reading, here are some highlights from the last report:

The rise of new stars: Fresh faces like Real Sophy (YouTube) and newcomers like Ashmusy (Instagram) emerged in 2022, challenging established names.
Mark Angel remained consistent amongst the Top 3 skit makers across each quarter.
While Instagram is the primary platform for most skit makers, YouTube also sees significant engagement for skit videos.

10. The Cute Abiola

10th on our list is Abdulgafar Ahmad Oluwatoyin, also known as, The Cute Abiola, who began his journey to making skits long before the “like” button. Our favourite naval officer is back on the list, this time as No. 10. Thecuteabiola is a dynamic and creative skit maker, and his ability to embody different funny characters is reflected in his impressive social media numbers.

In his secondary school days, Abdulgafar Ahmad Oluwatoyin wasn’t afraid to take centre stage, but he made his big break earning thousands of followers on Instagram after he made a video to support former Big Brother Naija’s contestant Bisola, in 2015. Recognizing the potential of the digital platform, Cute Abiola didn’t stop there. He transitioned from audience engagement to full-fledged skit-making. 2023 saw Cute Abiola maintain his impressive momentum.

Throughout 2023, he consistently churned out 94 skits, a testament to his dedication to his craft. While his viewership started moderately, by July, he had reached a peak of 11.7 million views, solidifying his position as a major player in the Nigerian skit-making scene. As 2023 came to a close, Cute Abiola boasted a follower base of a whopping 5.7 million. This number is a mere reflection of the popularity he has earned through his ability to connect with his audience.

9. Oluwadolarz

Oluwadolarz (real name Ogunleye Babatunde Olamide) is not just a comedian. He’s also an MC, Instagram skit maker, and show promoter. This versatility allows him to explore different avenues within the entertainment industry. His skits often draw inspiration from everyday situations, adding a twist to relatable scenarios. This ability to find humour in the ordinary resonates with audiences, making his content engaging and entertaining.

His recent win for “Best Online Comedian” at the 2024 Nigerian Social Media Awards is proof of his growing popularity and influence. While this is his first year in the Top 10, Oluwadolarz has certainly made an impressive mark. With over 106 skits and a whopping 68 million views in 2023, his comedic talent is undeniable. Starting the year with a strong foundation of 4 million followers, Oluwadolarz’s engaging content has successfully expanded his audience. By the year’s end, he boasts a loyal following of 4.6 million.

With his dedication to quality content, his ability to connect with viewers, and his ever-growing fanbase, Oluwadolarz is a name to watch.

8. BrainJotter

Making it back to our list once again is Brainjotter. We can all agree that 2023 was a remarkable year for him as he amassed over 82M views from 104 skits posted.

Brain Jotter, the stage name of Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Amuzie, has taken the Nigerian comedy scene by storm. Within a mere two years of launching his online skits, he’s transformed into a social media powerhouse. Born and raised in Enugu, Nigeria, Brain Jotter started producing skits in 2020. His signature phrase, “abeg getat” became an instant internet meme, and brought him into the spotlight.

Arguably his most popular skit, **”Wahala for who no get hustle”** features him hilariously portraying a man desperately trying to convince others of his supposed wealth and success. Brain Jotter has collaborated with other prominent skit makers, further expanding his reach and audience. Brain Jotter’s influence extends beyond the virtual world. However, comparing his numbers for 2023 with that of 2022, he had a drop across all engagements. Brainjotter has been doing amazingly well with his content and we are looking out for bigger numbers from him in 2024.

7. Taaoma

Next up is the amazing Taooma. Her journey began with an unexpected twist: architecture! This creative background might have secretly contributed to her talent.

In the mid-2010s, Taooma discovered the world of online comedy. Starting on Instagram, she made short, funny videos showcasing her acting skills. These videos, often focusing on relatable everyday situations, quickly gained popularity. This early recognition laid the foundation for her future success.

Taooma’s hard work is evident. She consistently creates high-quality videos, sometimes even playing multiple characters herself! Her talent for impersonations adds another layer of humour to her already funny content. Recognizing the power of collaboration, Taooma often joins forces with other online stars and celebrities, reaching even more viewers and spreading laughter.

Started the year in Q1 with 4.5 million followers and finished the year very strongly with 5.2 million followers in Quarter 4 which is super impressive. Taooma’s skits often touch on relatable topics such as relationships, family dynamics, and everyday challenges, making her content highly relatable to her audience. She gained over 87M views from her 101 skit videos posted last year and has shown consistency in keeping her spot on the top 10 list.

6. Kiekie

Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, better known as Kiekie, isn’t just an actress – she’s a comedic force to be reckoned with. While her educational background lies in Business Administration, her true passion lies in making people laugh.

One of Kiekie’s signature strengths is her ability to flawlessly switch between various accents and dialects. This allows her to portray diverse characters, each with their unique quirks. Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, the multi-talented entertainer behind the name Kiekie, is a rising star. Her comedic prowess combined with her acting skills ensures a future filled with laughter and entertainment.

Kiekie’s fanbase grew steadily throughout the year, starting with 2.1 million followers in Q1 and reaching 3.1 million by Q4. She’s the only skit maker on this list with positive growth across all metrics compared to 2022. With a total of 93 million views from 106 skits posted in 2023, she comfortably holds the 6th place.

5. Brodashaggi

Brace yourselves, because number 5 is the one and only Broda Shaggi, synonymous with infectious laughter and captivating characters. Don’t be surprised – he’s held the top spot in previous reports.

Samuel Animashaun Perry, also known as Broda Shaggi, isn’t just a viral sensation. He’s a graduate of the University of Lagos with a degree in Creative Arts. This educational path wasn’t random; it followed in the footsteps of his late father, a drama instructor who instilled a passion for performance in young Broda Shaggi.

Remember the viral skit, “Jesu in Mushin”? The iconic slang “Oya hit me”? He’s the mastermind behind them. Broda Shaggi is a respected figure within the skit-making industry, and his dedication has been acknowledged through numerous awards and nominations, including the Future Awards Africa Nigeria Prize for Comedy and the City People Music Award for Comedy Act of the Year.

For his 2023 numbers, Brodashaggi kicked off the year with a substantial following of 11.5 million in Q1 and wrapped it up with an even more impressive 12.3 million followers in Q4. His consistent growth and numbers earned him the 5th place. In 2023, he also accumulated a total of 93.6 million views, and 12.3 million likes, and received 330k comments across 163 skits. Quarter 1 marked a strong start with a peak of 30 million views, while even at his lowest point in Quarter 4, he got a commendable 14 million views. Q3 numbers reduced significantly from Q2 and may have posed challenges, but Brodashaggi’s ability to continuously engage and entertain speaks volumes.

4. Bimbo Ademoye

Securing the fourth place with her infectious personality is Bimbo Ademoye. Throughout 2023, she delivered nothing short of laughter with relatable content that solidified her place as a beloved figure in Nigerian entertainment.

Born and raised in Lagos by a single father, Bimbo’s artistic spirit bloomed early. Despite pursuing a Business Administration degree, the stage lights held a stronger pull. Her breakout role in “Where Talent Lies” (2018) earned her the prestigious Best Actress Award at AFRIFF, propelling her into the Nollywood spotlight.

Bimbo’s talent isn’t confined to the big screen. What makes her stand out is her versatility, particularly her ability to capture the essence of everyday situations in her hilarious skits. One of her most popular skits, “Iya Barakat Teropi Secxxion,” features Kiekie as the one-of-a-kind therapist named Iya Barakat. This character’s distinct voice, exaggerated mannerisms, and unconventional approach to therapy have become a viral sensation.

Now, let’s break down the year. Bimbo Ademoye concluded 2023 with a total of 97.1 million views, 10.5 million likes, and 1 million comments across 109 skits. Starting the year in Q1 with 16 million views and finishing the year very strongly with a peak of 37 million views in Quarter 4. Her fanbase also continues to grow. Starting with 2.5 million followers in Q1, Bimbo ended the year with an impressive 3.5 million in Q4.

3. Sabinus

Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, better known as Mr. Funny or Oga Sabinus, isn’t just another funny face on the internet. His comedic spark ignited on social media in 2015. He started uploading short skits, his signature facial expressions quickly captured the attention of audiences. Soon, his hilarious content was being shared by Nigerian top influencers. By 2019, Oga Sabinus had established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian skit-making scene. His exceptional talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. Oga Sabinus has been recognized for his outstanding work, bagging awards like the Best Male Skit Maker trophy at the Legit.ng Awards 2022.

Delving into the Stats, his numbers speak volumes –Oga Sabinus accumulated 130.2 million views, 18.9 million likes, and 780.2k comments for his 134 skits in 2023. Talk about making an impact! In 2022, Quarter 3 marked his highest peak with 47 million views, and his lowest number was 32 million views in Quarter 1, which is still an amazing figure. Compared to 2023, Quarter 4 marked his highest peak with 36 million views, and his lowest was 29 million views in Quarter 2. Starting with 3.7 million followers in Q1, he concluded the year with an impressive 4.77 million in Q4. His fanbase growth is as remarkable as his comedy.

2. LayiWasabi

Taking the stage in second place is the talented Layi Wasabi, a young man who might just be the tallest skit maker in Nigeria. He is a multi-talented individual who leverages his legal background to fuel his comedic genius. Hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, Layi isn’t just a comedian – he’s a qualified lawyer. This unique combination allows him to weave elements of his legal knowledge into his skits, often portraying the hilarious character, “The Law.”

LayiWasabi’s rise to fame has been phenomenal. He consistently churns out hilarious content, with his latest viral skit, “The Law Don Dey Rub Off on Oshuporu”, and the motivational speaker, “Mr Richard.” showcasing his signature blend of humour and legal references.

Standing tall both literally and figuratively, he has a following of 1.6 million on Instagram. His skits earned a total of 133.2 million views. Zooming into the specifics, Quarter 4 marked Layi Wasabi’s highest peak with 59 million views, a very significant increase from Quarter with 19 million views (the lowest number of views amongst all other quarters). Starting in 2023 with 300 thousand followers in Q1, Layi Wasabi’s fanbase skyrocketed, ending the year with a cool 1.6 million followers in Q4. His rise is nothing short of spectacular. With each skit, he’s proving that laughter knows no bounds.

1. Mark Angel

Yes, you probably got it right. Or not 🤭

Topping our list is Mark Angel!!

Mark Angel reigns supreme in the skit-making world. His skits feel like everyday life – from the mischievous child to the over-the-top Nigerian parent. He has a knack for relatable characters and perfectly timed jokes, ensuring his success isn’t a fleeting trend.

His journey began with him starring in his skits. However, the turning point came when he introduced his young cousin, “Emmanuella”. Mark’s talent extends beyond acting – he’s a skilled writer, director, and editor with a keen eye for talent. This led him to discover stars like “Aunty” Success Madubuike and Adebayo Ridwan (The Law), further enriching his diverse cast.

Mark Angel’s dedication is evident in his channel’s massive success. Boasting over 18 million subscribers, it’s the first African comedy channel to reach this milestone. His hilarious skits transcend borders, garnering millions of views worldwide.

In 2023, he got 196.9 million views, 12.1 million likes, and 208.3k comments for his 196 skits posted. His skit videos gained the highest views in Quarter 2(70 million views ) and pulled in his lowest views in Quarter 4(39 million views), Mark Angel is a household name in the skit comedy scene. And let’s not forget his online following—it’s skyrocketing. Starting with 2 million followers in Q1 and wrapping up with a whopping 3.15 million in Q4, it’s clear that more and more people are jumping on the Mark Angel comedy train.

Top 10 Skit Makers on YouTube

YouTube has emerged as a thriving platform for content creators across various genres. Comedy skits, in particular, have gained popularity with countless viewers. Here, we analyze the performance of the top 10 YouTube skit makers in 2023.

With 214 million views, Mama Chinedu emerges as the undisputed King of YouTube skit makers. The following skit makers also gained impressive numbers and made it to the list in 2023: Sam Spedy, with 190 million views, follows closely. Mark Angel, with 150 million views, maintains his popularity as part of the top 3.

But the laughter doesn’t stop there; the YouTube skit landscape in 2023 is bustling with talent. Brain Jotter, Real Warri Pikin, Investor Sabinus, Sirbalo, Zicsaloma, Sydney Talker, and Brodashaggi have all earned their spots on the list, each bringing their unique brand of humour to the stage.

Not to forget, the beautiful and well-detailed analysis was visualized using Microsoft Power BI. If you would love to learn Data Analytics and how you can create similar and even better visuals with Power BI, sign up here for the next Data Analytics Beginners course.

These skit makers offer a variety of comedy content that has brought laughter to millions of viewers in 2023. We are looking forward to what 2024 holds!

Who is making it to the top spots at the end of 2024?