- It is not new for creatives to switch between careers in the entertainment industry
- Popular comedians such as Basketmouth have appeared in Nollywood titles aside from comedy
- TheRadar compiled a list of 6 notable comedians who also act in Nollywood
The Nigerian entertainment industry has consistently seen career switches for many creatives.
Being creatives, many popular celebrities wear many hats to explore their wealth of creativity and artistic expression.
Considering the comedy industry in Nigeria, several comedians beyond cracking ribs on stage have also featured in Nollywood movies to give Stella performances.
TheRadar spotlights 6 notable Nigerian comedians, who are also actors gaining fans not only on stage but in films.
6 notable comedians who have appeared with Stellar performances in Nollywood
Basketmouth
Bright Okpocha popularly known as Basketmouth is a popular Nigerian comedian. Since starting in the 1990s, Basketmouth has hosted numerous comedy shows both home and abroad. Aside from stand-up comedy, Basketmouth has also made significant appearances in Nollywood through his acting skills. He was featured in Nollywood Blockbusters like Wedding Party (2020), and Brotherhood (2023) amongst others.
AY Makun
If there is a comedian who is versatile, Ayodedji Makun is him. The exceptional comedian, who rose to limelight as Alibaba’s personal assistant, has not only featured in Nollywood films but produced most of it. In 2014, he made his debut film, 30 Days in Atlanta, which saw Ay Makun as an actor. He is also behind the popular film title Merry Men, where he also featured as an actor.
Bovi
Bovi Ugboma started his comedy career in 2007 and has since become a popular comedian in the Nigerian entertainment industry. In 2016, he made his debut appearance as an actor in ‘It’s Her Day.’ The movie grossed 55 million in the Nigerian Box Office. His stellar performance won the Best Actor in a Comedy at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA). Other titles he has featured on include My Village People (2021) and Nneka the Pretty Serpent (2021).
Okey Bakassi
Okechukwu Oyegbule known as Okey Bakassi is one of Nigeria’s finest comedians. The comedian, who hails from Imo State has also proven to be a popular actor in Nollywood films. In 2014, he won Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in Onyi Ozi at the Best of Nollywood Awards. Other titles he has appeared in include Badamasi, Husband My Foot, and Four Forty.
Helen Paul
The popular Television series ‘Return of Jenifa’ produced by Funke Akindele featured Helen Paul in 2011. Showcasing her creative side as an actress, she went on to feature in Bad Agents in 2016. 41-year-old Helen Paul is also notable for acting as the comic character Tatafo on the radio programme Wetin Dey on Max FM. She is also known for her voice which makes her sound like a child. Her other film features include Alakada 2, The Bridal Shower, Full House and Samba.
Brodda Shaggi
Samuel Perry fondly called Brodda Shaggi is another popular comedian who alternates between Nollywood and comedy. He has won Best Actor in a Comedy twice, a proof to his acting skills at the AMVCA 2022 and 2023 awards. He has appeared in Dwindle, Ghetto Bred, King of Thieves, The Bling Lagosians, Namaste Wahala and more.
6 Nigerian musicians who delivered stellar performances in Nollywood films
It is not every day fans get to see popular musicians they admire try something different from their core music and still shine —especially in acting.
TheRadar, earlier, spotlighted 6 Nigerian musicians who have had appearances in Nollywood movies and effortlessly killed their roles.
