Our human lives are rife with challenges, uncertainties, and complexities, which leaves us with a profound desire for one universal language that can transcend boundaries and unite humanity: laughter.

Comedy is an enigmatic art that elicits mirth and joy. It holds the power to heal, connect, and spark profound emotions. Yet, behind every uproarious punchline and infectious giggle lies an intricate tapestry of skill, timing, and intuition. Brace yourself as we unveil the artistry behind the smiles, and demonstrate that making people laugh is truly no laughing matter.

The Platform
The Nigerian comedy industry is a vibrant and dynamic force, thriving on its talented comedians’ boundless energy and creativity. From theatre performances to television programs, stand-up shows, films, and online content, laughter is woven into the fabric of Nigerian entertainment. As the industry continues to evolve, it cements its position as a vital cultural force that brings joy, unity, and social commentary to the diverse and ever-expanding audience in Nigeria and beyond. The industry has witnessed exponential growth in recent years, with comedians like Basketmouth, Bovi, and Josh2Funny achieving international recognition.

Now, Prime Video is launching a bigger international platform for Nigerian comedians as it announced its first unscripted African Original, Last One Laughing Naija. The six-part series is a unique, unpredictable, unscripted comedy, which follows the successful adaptation of Prime Video’s global smash-hit comedy franchise currently produced in over 20 countries and territories worldwide, including Canada, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, and South Africa— hosted by Trevor Noah.

The series sees the host Basketmouth pit 10 of Nigeria’s best comedy and entertainment stars against one another in a celebrity showdown where anything can happen. The six-part series follows Nigeria’s top-tier comedy acts: Okey Bakassi, Acapella, Mr Funny aka Sabinus, KieKie, Buchi, Dat Warri Girl, Taaooma, Senator, IGoSave, and Gandoki as they compete to be the Last One Laughing.

There is only one rule for six hours: if you laugh, you lose.

The Talents
Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, who is better known as Kiekie is best famous for her energetic personality which shines through her skits. The 33-year-old comedian and actress ventured into online skits after quitting her job as a TV presenter. KieKie, alongside Elozonam, emerged as the winner of the Best Online Social Content Creator award at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards.

She told Guardian Life that her style of comedy is extremely relatable as it eases the pressure. “Most times I’m communicating with an audience that can relate. Take for example the first episode that aired on the show. I was making jokes about how air hostesses give safety instructions on board so everybody can relate to that and we all know the fear and anxiety that take-off and landing gives people. So for me, doing relatable comedy has always helped to ease the pressure and that was exactly what my approach was on the Last One Laughing Naija show.”

KieKie also emphasized that language plays a crucial role in infusing culture into comedy, especially in Nigeria, which boasts a vast array of languages. She finds beauty in the fact that comedy can serve as a means for people to explore and embrace different cultures through language. “This is the reason I would never take out Yoruba from my comedy, my work, or content because I have read many comments over the years where people say ‘KieKie I fell in love with Yoruba because of you’, ‘I’ve learnt a few Yoruba words because of you’. Now imagine if your favourite comedian is from another ethnic group and they speak their local dialect and you can learn from it.”

Taaooma, also known as Maryam Apaokagi, once revealed in an interview that she wanted to be a doctor and later a lawyer. She started online comedy in 2015 after convincing her fiancé to teach her the basics of video editing. She rose to stardom in 2019 with a skit based on African parents taking their children to school. Her comedy skits are centred on highlighting the roles of African mothers and their unique manner of disciplining African children with a slap.

Taaooma told GL that coming up as a female in a male-dominated industry, she had to try twice as hard. She revealed that the Last One Laughing Naija show tested her ability but she did her best. And as for the strategies she employed to avoid breaking into laughter during the competition? “Casting and binding,” she replied. “I did lots of that.”

DatWarriGirl whose real name is Oluwatoyin Albert is famous for her Warri intonation and mannerisms in her skits. The comedian and actress who grew up in Warri, Delta state is actually an indigene of Ondo state. Her comedic style is rooted in sarcasm. “I believe a huge part of my comedic style is sarcasm. I come off as really sarcastic even without trying to be and it plays a role in my overall comedic style. I also draw inspiration from my real life experiences and what I’d call my ‘shortcomings’ for my comedy.”

The Game
In the trailer released by Prime Video on July 7, the host Basketmouth announced, “We have carefully selected 10 of the most hilarious Nigerian comedians. They are here to do what they know how to do best; to crack each other up.” But he added that as the comedians resisted the urge to laugh, he will be watching them from multiple screens. A first-time laugher will earn a yellow card. But a second laugh will get the red card.

“How is it that I’m not going to laugh?” KieKie questioned in the hilarious trailer.
“It’s very hard. You can not smile. You can not giggle,” Tacoma bemoaned.

As the show is a first of its kind in Nigeria that pits industry colleagues against each other, KieKie spoke to Guardian Life about the bond and comradeship of the show.
“There was an immediate bond because truth be told everyone knew everybody so it wasn’t a strange space. We might not be daily speaking friends but as familiar industry colleagues that made it a lot easier. I love and respect everybody for what they do. So seeing familiar faces made it an easier space to settle in. But you see, the moment the light comes on, it’s game on, end of friendship. But it was a beautiful relationship.”

Taaooma admitted that she was initially nervous but settled in easily as she was amidst people with similar interests. “Honestly, I have stage fright but I definitely overcame it because I saw people of the same interest there and I felt much more comfortable aside from that I knew ‘I have to do this!’ I’m here already so … no other choice than to kill it.” She also added that she was ready for anything as the nature of the series is unscripted. “I expected anything so I wasn’t surprised at all because I knew things would come up so I was ready.”

Datwarrigirl shared that she adapted her unique comedic style to the show. “For the most part, I focused on using my facial expressions wittingly to cause laughter. While also rocking my special wig ‘Bianca’ (a ridiculously looking wig) for a more comedic effect. All while keeping a straight face, no matter how ridiculous whatever I was doing might seem, to avoid elimination. I even had to bite my tongue at certain moments to keep from laughing.”

For her, the most challenging part of being on Last One Laughing Naija is the one that actually challenges the rule of the game: trying not to laugh. “It was so difficult not to laugh because everyone came with their A-game. I had to be in another world in my head to keep me in check.”
As these women rise to prominence, they become role models for aspiring female comedians, inspiring them to pursue their passions and dreams without limitations. Additionally, their presence in the industry brings fresh perspectives and diverse storytelling, enriching the comedic narrative in Nigeria. By shattering stereotypes and proving their comedic prowess, these trailblazing women create a more inclusive and empowering space for both women and men, fostering a creative environment where talent and innovation thrive, irrespective of gender.

Naija to the world!
KieKie told Guardian Life that Last One Laughing Naija has created a platform to export comedy to the world from Nigeria in a different light. “What Prime Video has done is to showcase the talents to the world not just Nigerians in diaspora alone but the entire world, that is global and amazing. What this has also done is to improve and increase the perception and value of the comedy industry in Nigeria and if I dare say in Africa at large.”

The series was produced by Amazon Studios in collaboration with Nigeria’s LiveSpot360 Productions and is currently available on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories worldwide. The six-part series debuted with two episodes airing consecutively on July 14th and will continue till the 28th July when all episodes will be available..

The last comedian to remain straight-faced in Last One Laughing Naija will be the winner and will be awarded N40 million which they will donate to a local charity of their choice.