If there’s one thing Nigerians can’t live without, it’s laughter. From the bus conductor that turns insults into jokes, to the comedian selling out shows in London, humor runs in our blood.
Comedy in Nigeria has evolved from small club stages to global streaming platforms. What started as a handful of brave souls cracking jokes in smoky halls has now become a billion-naira industry — producing stars who trend daily on social media and get recognized internationally.
This article takes you on a chronological journey through 40 Nigerian comedians who have kept the nation laughing from generation to generation. From the old guards who built the foundation to the digital kings and queens of today, we’ll celebrate everyone who turned our pain into punchlines.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to laugh your way through Naija comedy history!
List of the 40 Nigerian Comedians Featured
- Ali Baba
- Julius Agwu
- Basketmouth
- AY Makun
- Gbenga Adeyinka
- Bovi
- I Go Dye
- I Go Save
- Teju Babyface
- Okey Bakassi
- Klint Da Drunk
- Seyi Law
- Akpororo
- Helen Paul
- Kenny Blaq
- Buchi
- Gordons
- MC Shakara
- Funny Bone
- MC Abbey
- MC Lively
- Lasisi Elenu
- Broda Shaggi
- Mr Macaroni
- Sabinus (Mr Funny)
- Taaooma
- Zicsaloma
- Sydney Talker
- Nasboi
- Brain Jotter
- KieKie
- Nasty Blaq
- Real Warri Pikin
- MC Monica
- Josh2Funny
- Maraji
- Craze Clown
- Woli Agba
- Dele Omo Woli
- MC Edo Pikin
1. Ali Baba – The Godfather of Nigerian Comedy
Every kingdom has a king, and in the Nigerian comedy world, that crown belongs to Ali Baba Akpobome. Often called the father of modern Nigerian comedy, Ali Baba took comedy from the streets to five-star hotels and corporate events.
He made people understand that cracking jokes could actually pay the bills — and pay them well. His style combines intelligence, wit, and social awareness, making him the gold standard every young comedian still looks up to.
Legacy: Without Ali Baba, there’d be no “comedy industry” to talk about today.
2. Julius Agwu – The Pioneer of Stage Humor
Before Instagram skits, there was Julius Agwu — a performer who could turn ordinary stories into hilarious stage acts. His “Crack Ya Ribs” show was one of the first platforms to unite comedians from all over Nigeria.
Why He Stands Out: He made live comedy a mainstream form of entertainment and inspired countless performers to host their own shows.
Signature Style: Rib-cracking storytelling blended with music and satire.
3. Basketmouth – The International Storyteller
Bright Okpocha, known as Basketmouth, is one of the few who took Nigerian comedy global. From stage shows in Lagos to Netflix specials, Basketmouth’s evolution is unmatched.
He’s known for his smooth storytelling, unique facial expressions, and effortless crowd control. Even when he’s serious, you can’t help but laugh.
Fun Fact: He started out as a rapper before discovering comedy was his true calling.
4. AY Makun – The Businessman of Comedy
AY didn’t just tell jokes — he built an empire. Through his AY Live shows, blockbuster comedy films (30 Days in Atlanta, Merry Men), and his mentoring platform for new talents, AY changed the narrative of what a comedian could achieve.
Why He’s Respected: He turned comedy into a multi-brand industry.
Style: Sarcastic, clean, and business-savvy humor with wide family appeal.
5. Gbenga Adeyinka – The Grand Comedian of Nigeria
Known for hosting elite events and introducing regional comedy festivals like Laffmattazz, Gbenga Adeyinka A1 has remained relevant for decades.
Signature Move: Blending Yoruba proverbs and English humor seamlessly to connect across cultures.
Impact: He made regional comedy shows popular nationwide.
6. Bovi – The Smart Storyteller
Bovi Ugboma brings intelligence and maturity into his jokes. His Man on Fire concerts became a global brand. He tells relatable stories — from marriage to politics — in a way that feels both hilarious and truthful.
Why Fans Love Him: He’s the “guy next door” with premium humor.
7. I Go Dye – The Activist Comedian
I Go Dye doesn’t just make people laugh — he makes them think. His comedy is full of satire and social commentary.
Legacy: He used humor to highlight political and social issues in Nigeria, proving that laughter can inspire change.
8. I Go Save – The Natural Entertainer
Another Warri export, I Go Save, has entertained audiences both home and abroad. His jokes flow effortlessly and his energy on stage is contagious.
Unique Edge: Uses Pidgin English like a weapon of mass laughter.
9. Teju Babyface – The TV Gentleman
Before “The Teju Babyface Show,” he was one of the cleanest stand-up comedians in Nigeria. Teju’s humor is smart, polite, and family-friendly.
Impact: He helped blend talk-show culture with Nigerian humor.
10. Okey Bakassi – The Veteran Politician of Comedy
Okey Bakassi is one of the first to bring comedy into Nollywood. His transition from acting to comedy made him a household name.
Fun Fact: He later served in politics — proving comedians can lead, not just laugh.
11. Klint Da Drunk – The Character Genius
One of the earliest to use character acting in comedy, Klint made “being drunk” funny without alcohol. His physical comedy is still unmatched.
Legacy: Inspired a new generation of skit makers who build characters around humor.
12. Seyi Law – The Big Man with Bigger Jokes
Known for his bold stage presence and self-deprecating humor, Seyi Law is loved for making fun of himself — and Nigerian society.
Why He’s Loved: His jokes feel like real-life conversations at the barbershop.
13. Akpororo – The Energy Machine
Akpororo doesn’t just perform — he explodes on stage! Mixing Pentecostal energy with street madness, his performances are like comedy crusades.
Why He’s Unique: His jokes bridge the gap between gospel and mainstream humor.
14. Helen Paul – The Multi-Talented Comedienne
Popularly known as “Tatafo,” Helen Paul’s baby-voice persona made her an instant star. She’s the definition of creativity meeting intelligence.
Achievement: First Nigerian female comedian to earn a Ph.D. — brains and laughter in one package!
15. Kenny Blaq – The Musical Comedian
Combining music and jokes, Kenny Blaq built a brand that’s uniquely his. He sings, he acts, and he makes you laugh in rhythm.
Why He Stands Out: No one else mixes Afrobeat and punchlines this well.
16. Buchi – The Crowd Pleaser
Buchi is one of those comedians who never misses. His Warri-infused humor, energy, and mimicry skills make every performance memorable.
Tagline: “Warri no dey carry last — even for comedy!”
17. Gordons – The Pastor of Comedy
When Gordons grabs the mic, you know sermon time is near. He calls himself the bishop of comedy, and truly preaches laughter with anointing.
Why He’s Respected: He boldly mixes gospel and satire, bridging secular and church audiences.
18. MC Shakara – The Smooth Talker
Cool, calm, and funny — MC Shakara delivers comedy like spoken poetry. His jokes about Lagos traffic and Nigerian politicians always hit the mark.
19. Funny Bone – The All-Round Entertainer
He can host, act, or perform stand-up. Funny Bone’s blend of sarcasm and spontaneity has kept him among the top-tier comedians for years.
Award: AMVCA winner for Best Actor in a Comedy (2020).
20. MC Abbey – The Corporate Comedian
When it comes to hosting classy events, MC Abbey is a top pick. His corporate humor makes him a favorite among professionals and high-end brands.
21. MC Lively – The Skit Lawyer
“Barrister Mike!” That’s MC Lively’s alter ego. His satirical skits about the Nigerian system made him one of the first social media comedians to go viral.
22. Lasisi Elenu – The Angry Man of Comedy
Nobody shouts funnier than Lasisi. His rants are chaotic, fast-paced, and painfully relatable.
Why He’s Loved: He turns frustration into laughter — pure Nigerian therapy.
23. Broda Shaggi – The Street Prophet
From “Oya hit me!” to acting in Nollywood, Broda Shaggi is a full package of street wisdom and performance art.
Why He’s Special: He embodies multiple characters effortlessly.
24. Mr Macaroni – The Daddy Wa of Nigerian Comedy
“Freaky freaky!” became a national anthem. Mr Macaroni uses satire to expose social hypocrisy.
Impact: Proved that comedy can deliver both laughter and activism.
25. Sabinus (Mr Funny) – The Meme Lord of Our Time
Sabinus is the face of new-generation Nigerian comedy. His memes, facial expressions, and everyday man humor dominate the internet daily.
Achievement: Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award winner for Best Online Content.
26. Taaooma – The Queen of Family Skits
Taaooma doesn’t just play one character — she plays the entire family! Her mother-daughter skits mirror Nigerian homes perfectly.
Why Fans Love Her: She’s clean, consistent, and relatable.
27. Zicsaloma – The Stylish Skit Maker
Known for his female alter egos, Zicsaloma adds flair and creativity to online comedy.
Impact: Helped redefine gender-based humor with class and creativity.
28. Sydney Talker – The Towel Guy
One of the earliest Instagram comedians to go mainstream, Sydney Talker’s exaggerated facial expressions and energy make him unforgettable.
29. Nasboi – The Mimic King
His uncanny impressions of Davido made him go viral, but Nasboi’s talent goes beyond mimicry — he’s a full entertainer.
Why He’s Hot: Blends music, acting, and comedy in one brand.
30. Brain Jotter – The Calm Madman
Brain Jotter’s “leave me!” character and facial deadpan humor took social media by storm.
Style: Effortlessly funny without shouting or trying too hard.
31. KieKie – The Fashionable Funny Lady
She’s not just stylish — she’s witty. KieKie combines lifestyle content with sarcasm and intelligence.
Why She’s Trending: She turned influencer comedy into an art form.
32. Nasty Blaq – The Skit King of Romance Comedy
Mixing comedy with romantic skits, Nasty Blaq keeps fans laughing and blushing at the same time.
Impact: Helped pioneer cinematic comedy skits in Nigeria.
33. Real Warri Pikin – The Bold and Real Queen
Her humor comes from honesty. Real Warri Pikin shares real-life struggles while making people laugh.
Why She’s Loved: She teaches self-love through humor.
34. MC Monica – The Talkative Host
From event hosting to skits, MC Monica brings raw Benin energy to everything she does.
Signature: Blends English, Pidgin, and native slang perfectly.
35. Josh2Funny – The Creator of Viral Challenges
He invented trends like “Don’t Leave Me” that went global. Josh2Funny’s creativity made Nigerian comedy internationally recognized.
36. Maraji – The Expression Queen
Known for her facial expressions and clean storytelling skits, Maraji remains one of the most talented creators in Africa.
37. Craze Clown – The Father of Instagram Comedy
Craze Clown’s Ade and Papa Ade series paved the way for online skit culture.
Legacy: He walked so others like Sabinus could run.
38. Woli Agba – The Gospel Comedian
Blending church drama with skits, Woli Agba made faith-based comedy viral.
Why He’s Special: Proves you can be funny and spiritual at the same time.
39. Dele Omo Woli – The Comic Sidekick
Partnering with Woli Agba, Dele’s reactions and expressions make the duo unforgettable.
40. MC Edo Pikin – The Comedian of the Masses
He represents the average Nigerian with humor that cuts across class and tribe.
Why He’s Beloved: Keeps it real and down-to-earth every single time.
Conclusion
From Ali Baba’s pioneering days to Sabinus’ meme empire, Nigerian comedy has proven that laughter is serious business. Each of these comedians — whether on stage or online — continues to prove that humor is our national language.
And the best part? A new generation is rising every year. Because in Nigeria, comedy doesn’t fade — it evolves.
So, the next time life feels hard, remember what these legends taught us: “If you can’t change it, laugh about it.”