Commics News | 17 April 2014 07:16 CET

The Rise Of the Comedy Industry In Nigeria

Source: Joy Akosa/Nollywoodgists.com

Medical science has proven that amusement can be a source of healing to a depressed heart. However Laughter reduces pain, increases job performance, connects people emotionally, and improves the flow of oxygen to the heart and brain.

When comedy started gaining recognition in Nigeria in the 1980s, those on the scene then would rather prefer to lean more on the business side of Mastering a Ceremony (MC) than mainly cracking jokes. Those who ventured into the comedy aspect were few, likes of (late) Mohammed Danjuma, Ali Baba, Ibokoko, Barsorge, Agoma, Alarm Blow, and a few others were those who started the comedy business in Nigeria.

Whether it paid or not, at the time when everyone thought it scornful to be addressed as a comedian but would prefer the MC tag, but the godfather of comedy Ali Baba came up courageously and creatively in the late 80s/early 90s, and subsequently changed history by pioneering stand-up comedy. He saw the immense business opportunities in the industry and took advantage of the market. Today, it can be boldly said that the amount of money comedians charge per show surpasses the annual income of a regular banker.

Then Opa williams made more to light when he introduced the programme 'A night of a thousand laughs.' The programme churned out an increasing number of comedy CDs for the public. Which made many more interested in the business and bringing out more acts.

© 2014 Nollywoodgists.com

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