Are Nigerian skits getting too predictable?

There was a time when scrolling through Nigerian skits on Instagram or TikTok felt like a lucky dip — you didn’t know what to expect, but chances were it would be funny, original, and full of surprises. These days? Let’s just say… if you see the opening shot of a guy in agbada talking to a busty girl with fake lashes, you probably already know how it ends.

So we ask: Are Nigerian skits getting too predictable?

The Era of Innovation: How It All Started

Back when skit-making was just finding its legs in Nigeria, comedians like Maraji, Craze Clown, Emmanuella & Mark Angel, and later Taaooma, gave us fresh, relatable, home-grown content. You had a mix of school scenes, exaggerated “African parents,” and unexpected twists.

They brought in originality, local flavor, and characters we couldn’t get enough of.

Then came the golden era of 2019 to 2021 — with Mr. Macaroni, Broda Shaggi, Sydney Talker, Zicsaloma, Kiekie, and others pushing the skit culture into mainstream celebrity status. People binge-watched. Brands paid millions. Everyone wanted a taste of the trend.

But as with everything that blows up fast in Naija — the question now is: has the spark faded

Same Storyline?:

Let’s be honest — a lot of skits these days follow a recycled formula.

The humor has shifted from creative storytelling to quick tropes and shock value. For many skitmakers, it’s less about plot or punchline — more about viral moments and social media traction.

Blame It on the Algorithm?:

Now, to be fair, it’s not entirely the creators’ fault. Social media platforms reward familiar content that viewers already engage with. If “sugar daddy” skits are trending, everyone jumps on it — again and again.

Consistency is good for brand identity, but too much of the same makes the content feel like fast food: cheap, tasty, but not memorable.

Lazy Collaborations?:

Another trend that’s adding to the predictability is overused collaborations. You’ll see the same 4 or 5 content creators appearing in each other’s videos every single week — often using similar scripts and punchlines.

It used to feel like a special treat when Mr. Macaroni featured Kiekie or when Taaooma crossed over with Officer Woos. Or the Mr Macaroni and Broda Shaggi combo. Now? It’s like a shared template passed around WhatsApp. Where’s the mystery? The effort?

Are We Just Spoiled Now?:

Here’s another angle: maybe the audience is just harder to please now. We’ve seen so much content that it takes more to surprise us.

But still, when truly original skits come out — like some of Layi Wasabi’s rhyming punchlines or even Maraji’s new style of pregnancy content and dancing with her “twin” character — they do break the monotony.

So maybe predictability isn’t the problem. Maybe it’s the lack of evolution.

The Creators Still Pushing Boundaries

Thankfully, not all hope is lost. Some skitmakers are still experimenting — blending genres, adding emotional weight, or pushing satire.

These creators prove that originality still pays — if you’re willing to take the risk.

So, What Needs to Change?

Here’s a humble wishlist, from an audience that still loves Nigerian comedy:

1. New characters and worlds – Less of the same sugar daddies, more diverse stories.

2. Smarter writing – Think punchlines, irony, or unexpected endings.

3. Real-life twists – Tap into trending events without just copying headlines.

4. Less gender drag for cheap laughs – It’s tired.

5. Take a breather – Not every skit needs to drop daily. Quality over quantity.

Final Thoughts:

Nigerian skit comedy has come a long way, but the fear is that in chasing clout, the art may be losing its core — storytelling, relatability, and originality.

The good news? The talent is still there. Maybe it’s just time to slow down, switch things up, and remind viewers why we fell in love with skits in the first place.

Because if we can predict the ending from the first scene… that’s not comedy. That’s déjà vu.