Nigeria’s Funniest: The Top 10 Instagram skit makers of 2023 

BY EMMANUEL CHIDERA AMOKE

The entertainment industry in Nigeria is a powerhouse of talent, innovation, and trailblazing creativity. While the music scene has been grabbing headlines for its global domination, the comedy scene is also experiencing a boom. Nigerian comedians are leading the way in African comedy, and their success is something to celebrate.

As the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2019/20, comedians deviating from the traditional stand up comedy, adapted to the new digital landscape by creating short skits on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. With audiences spending more time on their phones, these platforms became an important avenue for Nigerian comedians to reach new audiences and build their followings. This trend of comedy skits has continued to grow, with more and more comedians finding success on social media. 

Some of the most notable comedy skit creators to emerge from this new wave include names like Josh2funny, Mr. Macaroni, Sydney Talker, Lasisi Elenu, Crazy Clown, Mark Angel, Broda Shaggy, and Taaooma amongst others. However, there are many more talented comedians who have recently gained attention and popularity on social media platforms. In 2023, we’ve seen the rise of comedians like Mr. Funny, Brainjotter, Funnybros, Layiwasabi and many more. These creators have shown incredible skill and creativity in their work, and it’s exciting to see what they’ll achieve in the future. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most exciting new comedians who are making waves in the digital comedy scene. These creators are changing the game, and we can’t wait to see what they’ll do next.

Mr. Funny

The chief investor known for his trademarked phrase “something hoodge” is always fond of calculating the right time to plunge into an investment scheme to make the most out of it. Otherwise known as Mr. Funny, Mumu man, and Oga Sabinus, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu is a Port Harcourt born comedian whose rise to stardom is no surprise as everything about him is comic- from his facial expressions, to gestures, and down to his blue, black and tie costume. 

Mr Funny has also featured in multiple Nollywood movies, the likes of “Billionaire’s Bride”, “Man of War” and others. Mr. Funny made his London debut as Oga Sabinus at The Lighthouse event center.

He has over 3.5 million Instagram followers and 671 YouTube subscribers. Oga Sabinus has won the 2022 Africa Magic Viewers Choice award for best online social content creator.

Brain Jotter

Brain Jotter, whose real name is Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Amuzie, is indisputably one of the most successful comedians and skits creators in the industry. He was born in Owerri, Imo state, and studied Business Administration at the University of Lagos. 

In 2020, he started his career as an online comic, performing at comedy shows around the country. His videos “No Stress” and “I Don’t Care” quickly became viral on social media, and he became well-known in Nigeria for his masterful use of comedy and wit. 

Since his popularity in 2020 Brain Jotter has amassed an impressive 2.1 million Instagram followers or more, and over 740k YouTube subscribers. He’s marked by his trademark green long sleeves t-shirt, baggy pants and comic waist dance.

Funnybros

When you hear the catchphrases “Onye Kwuru that thing” and “Ikotaram,” Funnybros immediately comes to mind. Onwuka Ugochukwu Richard, also known as Funnybros, hails from Anambra state and is well-known for his blending of English and Igbo languages in his comedy. His unique use of bush or village settings also sets him apart.

Entering the industry in 2019, Funnybros comedy style is observed to have been heavily influenced by the popular Comedian Oga Sabinus aka Mr. Funny. At first, he struggled to get people’s attention, but gradually, his fanbase expanded. He has since collaborated with other creators like Mr Funny, OGB Recent and many more.

Ugochukwu is not only a comedian, he is a musician and content creator, and since starting his career in comedy, has sung a few songs like; “Odiram Easy” ft Yung Daddy (2021), “Account Number” (2022), “Oru Nakwu Ugwo” (2022), “Enwe Otu Oshi Mee” (2022), and “Thank You Garri” Remix ft OGB Recent (2023).

Maraji

Gloria Oloruntobi, better known as Maraji, is a popular Nigerian content creator known for her lip-sync videos and song miming. Her impressive range of dialects and vocal tones allows her to transform into a variety of characters, captivating audiences with her performances. Her ability to embody each character she portrays has helped her become a beloved figure in the online community.

Layiwasabi

Isaac Ayomide Olayiwola, known as Layiwasabi, is a Nigerian lawyer, comedian, and content creator from Osogbo, Osun State. His comedic videos, reflecting everyday experiences with humor, have garnered him fame on platforms like TikTok, boasting over 900k followers on Instagram. 

Raised by his mother and extended family after his father’s passing, Layi attributes his sense of humor to his mother. His skits showcase an alter ego, “the law,” drawing inspiration from his legal profession. His engaging and relatable content has propelled him into the spotlight since he began creating skits in 2020.

Beatmaker( E-Magix Comedy)

Ikedichuwku Eze, better known as Beatmaker, is a Nigerian comedian who has made a name for himself with his unique persona – a mix of childlike innocence and bumbling confusion. His deadpan delivery makes even the simplest joke hilarious.

Hailing from Nsukka in Enugu state, Beatmaker started posting his comedy skits on social media in 2023, and has since gained a significant following and content shares.

Beatmaker’s success is not limited to comedy – he’s also a talented music producer, songwriter, and actor, having graduated from the University of Nigeria Nsukka with a degree in theater and film studies. He counts legendary Nollywood comedian Nkem Owoh as one of his biggest influences, and has even appeared alongside him in various film projects.

Mr. Calculus

Godswill Chinwekele, popularly known as Mr. Calculus and hailing from Abia State, has taken the world of Nigerian comedy by storm with his native doctor character and shrine setting. 

Although he started creating comedy content in 2017, it wasn’t until 2023 that he started to gain widespread attention. This was in part due to his collaborations with notable comedians like King Ezeonu, Mr. Funny, and Sirbalo. 

With his one-of-a-kind character and infectious humor, Mr. Calculus has shown his creative prowess by making unending interesting contents with such a narrowed role and setting.

OGB Recent 

Uzoanuke Michael Charles Okechukwu, also known as OGB Recent, is a comedian and entertainer from Ebonyi state who rose to fame in 2022. His signature look, including a green button-up shirt, and his catchphrase “Abi You Won Collect”, have become instantly recognizable. OGB Recent constantly portraying himself as a Cultist has so far, collaborated in comedy Skits with the likes of Mr. Macaroni, Brain Jotter, Nedu Wazobia, Cute Abiola, Sarkin Dariya and Many More.

Like Funnybros who started by imitating Mr. Funny, OGB Recent, also started off by imitating BrainJotter, infusing some elements of BrainJotter into his own Creativity from his Low and Crooked Voice to his Non smiling Face.

OGB Recent is unique among comedians for his ability to channel comedy, MC and music. He has released songs like “30BG Anthem”, “You Won Collect”, and “Garri”, demonstrating his versatility and talent. 

MC Onachi

MC Onachi’s rise to fame began in 2023 when he took up skit making after graduating from Theatre and Film Studies from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka, portraying the mischievous Nnanyi Apki. His signature look – a long goatee and papas cap – quickly gained him recognition. 

But MC Onachi is not just a comedian – he is also an accomplished MC and actor. He has hosted a series of concerts called “Mic on Flames” and “MC Onachi Unusual”, and has worked with other popular artists like Funny Bones, Mr. Funny, Stinblaze the comedian, MC Kokoli and others.

Kiriku

Born in 2014 in Edo State, the child comedian who accepts being inspired by another child comedian, Emmanuella, began posting hilarious comedy skits and videos around 2018. 

Through his unique comedic style and catchphrase “Abeg Shift”, Enorense Victor, known by his stage name Kiriku quickly gained popularity. 

Some of Kiriku’s most popular comedy works include the series “Officer Kiriku” and “Kiriku The New House Boy”. He has previously collaborated with top comedians like Broda Shaggi, Mr. Funny and MC Koko, further growing his fanbase and cementing his status in Nigerian comedy.

He has also acted in a comedy movie called “Problem No Dey Complete” in December 2021 with a famous Nollywood Chizzy Alichi.