Taaooma, born Maryam Apaokagi-Greene, is one of Nigeria’s most influential female comedians and one of the few creators who built an entire comedy universe around herself. Her ability to play multiple characters — especially the strict African mother — made her a household name across Africa.
From everyday domestic stories to exaggerated punishments and quick slap sequences, Taaooma built a brand rooted in the realities of Nigerian homes.
This biography captures her journey, growth, and how she became one of the most successful female creators in Africa.
Early Life and Background
Taaooma was born in Nigeria but grew up partly in Namibia, where she spent a significant part of her childhood. She comes from a disciplined family background, which later influenced the “African mother” character that blew up her career.
Even as a child, she displayed sharp observational humor — quietly studying how parents, siblings, and neighbors talked and reacted to situations.
Those observations later powered her famous skits.
Education
After returning to Nigeria, she continued her education and eventually attended Kwara State University, where she studied Tourism and Hospitality Management.
It was during her university days that she discovered her passion for acting and comedy. The freedom of campus life, combined with access to the internet, allowed her to experiment with content creation.
How Her Comedy Career Started
Taaooma stepped into comedy around 2015 after her fiancé (now husband), Abdulazeez Greene (Abula), encouraged her to try filming skits. Abula, a filmmaker himself, taught her the basics:
- Camera handling
- Video editing
- Production structure
- Character creation
Because of his support and her natural comedic instincts, she quickly became consistent.
Her early skits were simple — short, relatable jokes about families and relationships — but she already showed unique timing and delivery.
Breakthrough Moment
Her breakthrough came around 2018–2019, when she started portraying the African mother character with exaggerated slaps, strict discipline, and dramatic reactions. Nigerians instantly connected with the authenticity because the character reminded them of their own mothers.
Some of the moments that skyrocketed her fame include:
“Taaoo, come here!”
Quick hot-slap sequences
“Where is your report card?” skits
School punishment scenarios
The famous “Taaooma family” multi-character acting style
Her ability to rapidly switch characters in one scene (mother, daughter, father, teacher, neighbor) made her stand out.
Rise to Prominence
Between 2019 and 2022, Taaooma experienced intense growth, earning millions of followers across:
- YouTube
- TikTok
Her content became essential Nigerian household entertainment.
She also became one of the most brand-safe creators in the industry, making her a favorite for corporate endorsements.
Unique Comedy Style
Taaooma’s style is defined by:
Hyper-realistic African parenting
Fast, sharp editing
Multi-character performance
Strong storytelling
Clean, family-friendly content
High production quality
She built a universe where she plays:
The strict mother
The stubborn daughter (Taaoo)
The calm father
The wicked teacher
Random neighbors
This versatility places her in a class of her own.
Collaborations
Taaooma has collaborated with several top creators and celebrities, including:
- Broda Shaggi
- Mr Macaroni
- Lasisi Elenu
- Sabinus
- Falz
- Nollywood actors
- Music artists
Her collaborations helped her break deeper into mainstream entertainment.
Business & Brand
Taaooma runs:
Chop Tao, a food business
The Greenade Company, a video production/creative agency she co-founded
These businesses position her not just as a comedian but as a media entrepreneur.
Personal Life
Taaooma married her longtime partner and filmmaker, Abdulazeez “Abula” Greene, strengthening their creative and business bond. Their partnership is one of the strongest in the content creation industry.
Awards & Recognition
Taaooma has earned multiple awards and nominations for:
- Best online content creator
- Influencer of the year
- African comedy recognition
- Brand partnership excellence
Her influence extends to the diaspora audience as well.
Future Plans
Taaooma intends to expand into:
- Feature films
- TV series
- Large-scale comedy productions
- More business ventures
- Training younger creators
Her role as a creative entrepreneur continues to grow stronger each year.
Conclusion
Taaooma represents creativity, discipline, and consistency. She single-handedly created a comedy ecosystem that millions enjoy, proving that women can dominate the digital comedy space just as much as men.
Her journey is a blueprint for young Nigerian creators who want to turn simple ideas into global influence.