COVID-19 affects every aspect of life across the globe. This ranges from the postponement of many social and cultural events, games and sporting events, shutting down of institutions, centres of learning, and international borders. The severity of the impact of COVID-19 varies across different sectors.
Earlier, no one had thought that comedy video skit would become hugely acceptable in the entertainment space. The lockdown has, however, opened up that area of comic performance and the actors are cashing in on it. They are raking in money in several digits through endorsements, brand packaging and campaigns.
By the time the lockdown eased off, Nigerians, and of course, the rest of the world have found solace in relieving themselves from the stress of the day by clicking on some episodes of the comic skit that won’t take more than 2 to 5 minutes.
Before a viewer watches about 5 to 8 videos within 20 minutes, she or he would have been refreshed enough to sleep or start the day’s work.
This revolution has struck a big blow on many stand-up comedians, who organise shows and make money via sponsorships, endorsements and gate fees.
The younger generation of comedians do not need to expend so much money getting a classy venue, paying for billboards and media campaigns ahead of shows which cost several millions.
With just a standard camera or smartphone, comedians now make millions of naira by the clicks and impressions reached on various social media handles where their videos are uploaded.
Also, some of the events that were slated during the lockdown, were cancelled. For all of those festivals to get cancelled was really heart-breaking because you put so much effort into it.
The experience of losing live comedy has also changed some popular comedians’ perspectives on how to engage their audience.
Most of them now release stand-up clips online and co-hosts online shows with fellow comedians, which has given them a space to stay creative.
While some are only known for video skits, others are already established stand-up comedians, who only used video skit to promote their shows before the lockdown. They have also joined the league of the social media comedians and are giving one another good run for their money.
Comedians such as MC Always, Lawyer Kunle, Taaooma, Broda Shaggi, Warri Pikin, Brain Jotter, Mr Macaroni, Adeherself, Officer Wos, Maraji, Steve Chuks, Lasisi Elenu, Just2Funny, Woli Agba, Dele, and many more are not laggards in the game. It is, however, important to note that there are others who have initiated this idea while they simultaneously run stage performance. They include Basket Mouth, Bovi, Ay Comedian, Seyi Law, I Go Save, MC Always, Funny Bones and many more, who are veterans in the industry.
Basketmouth was recently asked why he has not organised any stage shows recently and he said that the COVID-19 restrictions had affected the Stand-Up Comedy Industry. He said the lockdown had affected the industry and the response of fans to attend events had been reduced monumentally. This also informs why some of the comedians are now producing and shooting movies.
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