A Billion Laughs organises maiden Comedy Conference in Lagos

By Emmanuel Daraloye

On Sunday, November 4, 2024, the Nigerian comedy industry gathered at the “A Different Kind Of Laugh Conference: A Conversation On The Nigerian Comedy Industry,” hosted at Alliance Française De Lagos/Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos State. With a packed audience of stand-up comedians, skit makers, industry professionals, brand managers, talent managers, investors, and comedy enthusiasts— the event spotlighted the comedy sector’s growth, challenges, and business opportunities in Nigeria.

Spearheaded by the creative director of A Billion Laughs, Dami Aderemi; a lineup of notable comedy figures like Ali Baba, media personality IK Osakioduwa, and skit maker Romeo WJ joined the conference, sharing insights and stories from their journeys in the industry. The conference spanned over five hours and featured three panel sessions aimed at exploring the industry’s evolution, the creative journeys of established comedians, and the potential for emerging talents.

The convener, Dami Deremi opened the floor with a statement elaborating on the reasons why a comedy-centered conference is important, as this artform has been long ignored in conversations around the creative economy. He drawed people in with stories about his own experiences as a comedian and comedy enthusiast then balances this with insights on the sheer potential this kind of industry held during the ‘Nights of a Thousand Laughs’ era. This speech set the tone for the rest of the evening as comics, Kolamide and Phage emerged as hosts of the conference, injecting humor and energy as they introduced sessions.

In the first panel, “The Impact of Digital Platforms on Comedic Expression and the Role of Comedy in Addressing Societal Issues,” comedian Forever, skit maker Romeo WJ, and SLK of JJC Comedy Club urged comedians to leverage social media while constantly refreshing their content. Forever emphasized the importance of writing new material to avoid repeating jokes, and Romeo advised skit makers to focus on their strengths, remarking that not all skit creators are suited for live stage performances.

Comedian Ajebo, the visionary behind House of Ajebo, shared his journey into animated comedy, recalling how he pioneered his unique approach in 2013. Inspired by popular comedians like Basketmouth and AY who used skits to promote their shows, Ajebo ventured into animation to stand out. His advice to others: find a niche, develop it, and make it your own.

The second panel, “The Bankability of Comedians,” featured industry veterans Ann Obaseki, former manager of Basketmouth, and event planner Ifeanyi Amayo, who highlighted the need for collaboration among industry stakeholders to expand financial opportunities for comedians.

The final panel, “The Rise of Comedy Clubs: Opportunities at Home and Abroad for Comedy,” was led by Philip Obi, founder of Laughter Cave Comedy Club, and SLK. Obi compared the structure of comedy clubs in Nigeria and the United States, emphasizing the potential for growth and adaptation within Nigeria’s comedy club scene.

Keynote speaker IK Osakioduwa urged comedians to capitalize on their uniqueness by diversifying their skills while understanding the business side of comedy. His speech was a call for a strategic approach to comedy as both art and business, emphasizing that a sustainable career requires a blend of creativity and financial acumen.

In his closing remarks, Ali Baba shared advice drawn from his own experiences. Speaking on “What I Would Have Done Earlier,” he stressed the importance of building structure, refining one’s brand, and harnessing social media’s power. True to his style, his talk was peppered with humor, leaving the audience both entertained and inspired. The conference concluded with a ten-minute performance by Improv Circle, bringing a memorable close to the day’s events.
Organized by A Billion Laughs in partnership with JJC Comedy Club and Laughter Cave Comedy Club, “A Different Kind Of Laugh Conference” successfully opened discussions on the future of Nigerian comedy, offering valuable insights and actionable strategies for comedians and industry stakeholders alike.