There was a time when stand-up comedy shows packed event centres across major Nigerian cities, drawing huge crowds and filling the air with laughter.
In recent years, however, the momentum appears to have slowed.
Fewer shows are being organized, attendance has dropped, and many comedians are leaning toward digital content rather than traditional stage performances.
Why the Shift?
Multiple factors are responsible for the current state of live stand-up comedy in the country.
Hosting physical shows requires significant investment — venue bookings, logistics, staffing, and publicity all come at high cost, making it difficult for comedians to stage frequent events.
Meanwhile, platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube provide comedians instant access to large audiences without the stress of planning live events. This has naturally diverted attention toward online content creation.
Another major challenge is declining turnout. Many fans now prefer scrolling through short comedy clips for free instead of buying event tickets.
Additionally, Nigeria’s economic climate has reduced disposable income, affecting both show organizers and potential attendees.
Industry Perspectives
To better understand what is happening within the comedy scene, Naija News spoke with award-winning comedian Ayo Makun (AY), who shed light on the evolution of the industry.
Why do some people think stand-up comedy is fading in Nigeria?
Ayo Makun: “Stand-up comedy is not dying; it is transforming. Nigerians still show up for live shows, comedians continue to tour locally and abroad, and events still attract sponsorships. An industry that is declining does not create new stars or consistently fill venues. What we have now is a more refined and modern version of stand-up.”
Has online skit-making taken over traditional stand-up?
Ayo Makun: “Not at all. Skits have broadened the comedy landscape by giving more opportunities, income streams, and visibility. Stand-up remains important because it builds longevity, mastery, and stage culture. The good thing is that audiences can now enjoy comedy in different formats thanks to skit makers.”
In what ways has social media changed the comedy business?
Ayo Makun: “Social media has made every comedian their own broadcaster and promoter. Comedy is faster, more personal, and reaches global audiences instantly. Before now, you needed TV stations, promoters, or big comedy shows to gain exposure. Today, a single viral video can launch a career on TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram.”
Is there a future for live comedy shows, or is digital content taking over completely?
Ayo Makun: “Live comedy never went away, so there is nothing to revive. Every month, events are selling out both in Nigeria and abroad. More comedians are organizing their own shows, discovering fresh talent, and growing their fan base. Online content only boosts live shows by helping more people know and follow comedians. Both worlds can thrive together, but live performances remain the premium experience.”
What is the biggest challenge performers face on stage today?
Ayo Makun: “Capturing attention is the hardest part now. People get distracted easily because of their phones, and audiences are more sensitive and harder to impress. Comedians must be sharper, more creative, and more deliberate to keep people engaged.”
How does performing on stage compare to creating content online?
Ayo Makun: “On stage, you feel the audience’s reaction instantly and adjust your delivery as needed. Online, you perform for a camera and rely on editing and structure to keep viewers engaged. The energy is different, and so is the feedback.”
What Lies Ahead?
Despite the hurdles facing stand-up comedy in Nigeria, the outlook remains positive.
Ayo Makun’s reflections reveal that the art form is not fading away but adapting to a new digital-driven era where online content complements live performances.
Comedians are experimenting with fresh strategies to reach audiences on stage and across social media platforms, reinforcing one truth — Nigerians will always love to laugh.
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