MTN Revitalises Comedy Industry With Comedy+

In a move that will boost Nigeria’s comedy industry, MTN Nigeria has launched an innovative digital comedy platform tagged Comedy+.

Comedy+, which is the first digital platform to aggregate indigenous comedy content, will serve as a source of income for comedians, as well as ensure on-demand access to comedy content for subscribers.

Speaking during the launch of the unique platform, the General Manager, Brands and Communications, MTN Nigeria, Richard Iweanoge said that the introduction of the app aligns with MTN’s mandate of providing life-enriching products and services for subscribers. 

He said: “The launch of this unique platform is borne out of the need to fill the yawning gap in the comedy sector. Comedy in Nigeria is fast assuming a critical position given its exponential growth and there is a need for us to harness the potentials of the sector and ensure that there is mutual benefit for all the key stakeholders.”

Iweanoge further added that the Comedy+ platform would ride on the blueprint of its successful sister app, Music+ which is presently Africa’s largest digital music service. 

“The success of Music+ has shown us where the comedy industry should be heading. As far as comedy is concerned in Nigeria, with Comedy+, content owners, comedians and even comedy lovers now have every reason to be optimistic because it is a win-win situation for everyone,” he declared.

While reeling out the benefits of the unique app, Iweanoge stressed that comedy+ subscribers would have access to tons of comedy contents by simply downloading the app on their mobile phones from the respective app stores or by simply sending COMEDY to 2100. He added that a month’s free access period is available upon first time download and log-in while subsequent access is subscription based. 

The introduction of Comedy+ also got the nod of members of Nigerians comedy community that were in attendance during the event. Some of the comedians present included Koffi, Saka, Nedu, Ushbebe, Emmaohmygod, Senator, Etinosa, Longmancomedian, MCShakara, Stillringing, Mark Angel, Monica Friday, Wofaifada, Josh2funny, Ebiye, Deeone, Bellokreb, Romeowj.

Also speaking on the initiative, veteran comedian, Ali Baba, described it as a very welcome development that was coming at a time when the comedy industry was in dire need of re-organisation.

According to him, “We are very happy to welcome this platform. MTN has done well by introducing this platform at a time when Nigerian comedians are feeling short-changed. The value proposition is exciting and Nigerian comedians will benefit immensely from it. It will provide an avenue for upcoming talents to also showcase themselves but the ultimate beneficiaries are the Nigerian fans who always want to hear their comedians perform.

Also commenting on the app, ace producer and pioneer of the successful comedy show, Night of a Thousand Laughs, Opa Williams said: “It’s really heartwarming to see this happen. MTN has done an amazing thing for comedy. It is evidence that comedy is growing and getting the right recognition.”

Both comedy veterans were also presented with an award of special recognition for their immense contribution to the growth of comedy in Nigeria.