Fast forward to 2025, and the skit-maker pipeline to Nollywood is not just real, it’s reshaping what it means to be a film star.
What was once considered a brief, online hustle has now morphed into a launchpad for box office domination.
Social media comedy, once dismissed as “lowbrow” content, has become one of the most bankable routes into Nigeria’s biggest entertainment industry.
Here’s a look at the Instagram comedians who are rewriting the rules, with dedicated sections on their careers, Nollywood roles, and cultural impact.
AY Makun
No discussion of comedians-turned-Nollywood-stars can start without AY Makun, the man who made the comedy franchise a thing in Nigeria.
AY began as a stand-up comedian, performing in local shows before skyrocketing to national fame with his live shows and TV appearances. But it was his transition into film that cemented his place as Nollywood royalty.
The filmography includes 30 Days in Atlanta (2014), A Trip to Jamaica (2016), 10 Days in Sun City (2017), and The Waiter (2024)
AY sort of understands the business of comedy just as much as the art. He didn’t just star in films; he built brands, cultivated star-studded casts, and leveraged cross-media publicity, from TV shows to social media. His films usually combine romance, comedy, and high-profile cameos, offering a formula that audiences now expect.
Basketmouth
Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basketmouth, is proof that comedians can evolve into storytellers, producers, and cultural commentators. His Nollywood trajectory reveals an ambitious mind committed to narrative depth.
His works include Papa Benji, My Flatmates, and A Ghetto Love Story.
Basketmouth’s genius is in his ability to transform observational humour into serialised content. Papa Benji is a commentary on Lagos life, social dynamics, and everyday struggles, delivered in digestible, laugh-out-loud episodes.
By leaping from punchlines to structured storytelling, he has challenged the notion that comedians can only play exaggerated versions of themselves.
Bovi
Bovi Ugboma has carefully navigated the intersection between comedy, film, and production. While he started as a stand-up comedian, he has transitioned into films that blend social commentary and humour seamlessly, a combination that appeals to a wide audience base.
His films include It’s Her Day (2015), Banana Island Ghost (2017), My Village People (2021), and Visa On Arrival (2020- till date).
Bovi’s approach to Nollywood is strategic. He often chooses roles where humour complements the narrative rather than dominates it, demonstrating that skit-based comedians can appeal to cinema audiences without compromising storytelling quality.
Culturally, Bovi has helped shift perceptions of comedians in film. He shows that audiences will accept skit-makers as leading men if the narrative is strong, performances are credible, and humour doesn’t feel recycled.
ALSO READ: Why Some Films Never Trend No Matter How Good They Are
Mr Macaroni
Debo Adedayo, aka Mr Macaroni, might be the best example of an Instagram persona translating perfectly to the big screen.
Known for his iconic “Freaky Freaky” skits, where he plays the over-the-top, Agbada-wearing sugar daddy, Mr Macaroni has made a name for himself as both a comedian and a character actor.
Some of his Nollywood credits include Ponzi (2021), Ayinla (2021), AnÃkúlápó (2022), Freedom Way (2024), Lisabi: The Uprising (2024) and Gangs of Lagos (2025).
Mr Macaroni’s brilliance lies in consistency. His online characters are instantly recognisable, but he adapts them for film, ensuring they have depth, nuance, and emotional resonance. \
Unlike some skit-makers who rely solely on caricatures, Mr Macaroni has shown that character comedy can coexist with serious storytelling.
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Layi Wasabi
Isaac Olayiwola, professionally known as Layi Wasabi, combines legal expertise with comedic timing, giving him a unique edge in Nollywood.
His skits often focus on everyday Nigerian life, social satire, and workplace absurdities. Some of his roles include Everybody Loves Jenifa, Adire, AnÃkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre and After 30 (2025).
What makes Layi stand out is his versatility. Beyond comedy, he can transition into drama, taking advantage of his legal mind to construct clever, relatable narratives.
His ability to weave intelligent humour into mainstream stories has broadened the kinds of roles skit-makers can pursue in Nollywood.
Culturally, Layi also represents a bridge between traditional professions and entertainment. He shows that a professional background, when combined with creativity, can enrich the storytelling landscape. For many young Nigerians, he’s proof that your career path doesn’t have to be linear to be impactful.
ALSO READ: The Actors Who Always Play Lovers (and Why We Keep Watching)
Conclusion
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