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Comedy In Nigeria: Top 10 Comedians

You should know the top 10 biggest comedians in Nigeria.

The Nigerian comedy industry has been one of the biggest sections of entertainment in the country. The comedy industry blossomed in the early 2000s and grew through the years. Some of the country’s most talented names in Comedy recorded sold-out shows and also gained praise for their content worldwide.

As much as the Nigerian music industry has touched the world, Nigerian comedians have also gained worldwide recognition. Big names, including Basketmouth, AY, Kenny Blaq, and more, have toured various parts of the world, entertaining fans at sold-out shows. Now, here are ten top comedians in Nigeria that you should know about.

1. Basketmouth

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You can’t mention comedy in Nigeria without attaching this name to it. Born, Bright Okpocha, Basketmouth is regarded as the King of comedy in Nigeria. The witty Nigerian gained significant recognition in the early 2000s. He not only sold out Live shows, but he also went viral with his comedy clips on social media and gained international recognition. His “Basketmouth Uncensored” show also put him on the globe. Recently, Basketmouth has branched out to making comedy TV shows and releasing music.

2. Ali Baba

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Born Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, Alibaba is known as the General Comedian of the Federal Republic. He has set his table at the top of the Nigerian comedy game and has reaped its good fruits. Alibaba is best known for hosting the January 1st concert, which showcases some of the country’s biggest and most talented names in comedy and also helps present new talent to the world. He kicked it off in 2014 and continues to deliver. He has been called an Icon of Comedy in Nigeria by the media. He has also been awarded several accolades for his work.

3. AY

Ayodeji Richard Makun, professionally known as AY, is one of Nigeria’s top comedians. He has spread his tentacles across various entertainment industry sectors, including radio and television. AY first gained recognition for being Alibaba Akporobome’s personal assistant and event manager. He also wrote going “A.Y wire” as a guest columnist in The Sun (Nigeria) and Gbenga Adeyinka’s “Laugh Mattaz.” Just like the two mentioned above, AY hosts comedy shows, including AY Live, which attracts people from far and near who come to be entertained. He has also gained praise as an Actor, producer, and film director. He is best known for the films “90 Days In Atlanta,” “A Trip To Jamaica,” etc.

4. Bovi

There is no better way to describe Bovi than as a funny man. Born Bovi Ugboma, he is one of the funniest men in Nigeria and is known for his witty jokes during his stand-up comedy shows (one of his biggest strengths) and while hosting top shows and events. Bovi is best known for the “Bovi: Man on Fire” concert. Since starting his career in the sitcom “Extended Family” in 2007, Bovi has gained attention in the Nigerian film industry and also on the comedy scene. He has hosted several top events, including The Headies and more. He has also performed on stages across the world and gained praise for his funny personality and jokes.

5. I Go Dye

Back in the early 2000s, when comedy in Nigeria took off, I Go Dye was one of many comedians who gained massive recognition all over the country. He was heavily featured on the Night Of A Thousand Laughs show and was known for his strength as a stand-up comedian, it helped broaden his fanbase. He has since branched out and gained recognition as a Writer, Motivational Speaker, and Social Crusader. As a stand-up comedian, I Go Dye is known to pick on his audience and make hilarious jokes about them.

6. Julius Agwu

Julius Agwu, also known as Julius De Genius, reigns as one of Nigeria’s top comedians of all time. Just like everyone on this list, Julius also wears many hats. He is an actor, singer, producer, and MC. He is also an entertainment consultant and a motivational speaker. He is also known to have produced several top comedy shows, including “Crack Ya Ribs,” “Laff 4 Christ’s Sake,” and “Festival of Love.” Julius has also starred in many television series, including “Torn (2013),” “A Long Night (2014),” and “After Count (2011).” He is the MD/CEO of Reellaif Limited, a music and movie production company.

7. Akpororo

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33-year-old Bowoto Jephthah Oluwatiseyifumi Tanimola, professionally known as Akpororo, is one of Nigeria’s most booked and beloved stand-up comedians. His upbringing in Warri, Delta State, is believed to have molded him into the funny man he is today. In 2009, Akpororo moved to Lagos and contested in AY’s Open Mic Challenge. He came second on his first try and won the competition on his second. He gained popularity in 2013 following his performance at “Basketmouth’s Laff and Jam.” His crude jokes and hilarious personality on stage has endeared him to many hearts across the country and the world. He received two nominations at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards in 2014 and City People Entertainment Awards in 2015. He also won the Naija FM Comedy Awards in 2014.

8. Gordons

Godwin Konome, known as Gordon, is one of Nigeria’s most talked-about comedians. Like most comedians on this list, Gordons debuted in the 2000s and gained massive recognition in the 2010s. He is forever goated as one of the funniest comedians in the country. Unlike most on this list, Gordon is just known for stand-up comedy. He is also known for hosting the comedy series Comedy Klinic Wards, which has earned him praise nationwide during the lockdown period. Gordons is famous for making church jokes and saying “hallelujah” between them.

9. Kennyblaq

If you’re ever in a bad mood and need a good mix of comedy and music, then Kennyblaq is the man to turn to. Otolorin Kehinde Peter, best known as Kennyblaq, has not only warmed his way into many hearts as a funny dude but also as a talented singer. He is best known as AY’s prodigy, but over the year, Kenny has charted his course and gained more recognition and fame, performing across the country and touring the world.

10. Okey Bakassi

Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule, professionally called Okey Bakassi, is a famous Nigerian stand-up comedian and actor who has gained recognition and accolades for his impressive talent. Okey Bakassi gained significant prominence many years back, doing stand-up comedy alongside I Go Dye and various other famous names. He has also earned praise as an actor. He won “Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo)” at the 2014 edition of the Best of Nollywood Awards for his role in the film “Onye Ozi.”

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