- A recent trend has left Nigerians arguing who the father of stand-up comedy is in the country
- This trend sparked conversations, with many anointing Gbenga Adeboye
- While others chose Ali Baba, reasons were awash online as to why Adeboye stands out as the undisputed champion of comedy in Nigeria
The discussion surrounding the origin of stand-up comedy in Nigeria has resurfaced, with many netizens rallying to champion Gbenga Adeboye as the father or the pioneering figure of stand-up comedy.
His contributions and influence in shaping the comedic landscape in Nigeria also sparked passionate conversations, as supporters highlight his unique style and lasting legacy.
The debate kicked off with a question posed by a netizen on X (formerly Twitter) on December 21, to find out who the father of Skitmaking was.
“If Ali Baba is the father of stand-up comedy in Nigeria, who is the father of skitmaking?,” he asked.
Mixed reactions trailed the question, especially in regards to Ali Baba being tagged the father of stand-up comedy in Nigeria. For many, Gbenga Adeboye was more deserving of the title.
Who is Gbenga Adeboye?
The Nigerian comedian Elijah Oluwagbemiga Adeboye, popularly known as Funwontan, Abefe, Alhaji Pastor Oluwo, was prominent from the late 90s till his death in the 2003.
Adeboye, who enjoyed international popularity throughout his life, was described as the merchant and performer of traditional oduology before he died.
He was the chief host of a famous radio program presented in the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporation in the early 1980s.
His stand-up comedy is why many hail him for setting the pace in the Nigerian entertainment industry. The ace comedian died in 2003 after battling a kidney disease at the age of 43.
Netizens praise Gbenga Adeboye’s artistry
TheRadar curated some below:
@Letter_to_Jack_ said, “Gbenga Adeboye is the father of stand up comedy in Nigeria and perhaps West Africa,”
@OurFavOnlineDoc said, “Gbenga Adeboye ruled the Nigerian entertainment scene and died in 2003 at 43 yrs old. That’s over 20 years ago and nobody has come close,”
@PoojaMedia wrote, “Ali Baba won't even like Gbenga Adeboye's comparison on the TL. Itu baba ita himself. All comedians in Nigeria go bow. Don't play,”
@iamaleshinloye said, “Even Ali baba knows Gbenga Adeboye is the goat of all comedy. If you don’t know him, just go and cook your Indomie,”
@Keefayahq said, “He narrates his comedy in a way that keeps you glued till the end and let’s not forget that Gbenga Adeboye made his name long before social media era…just radio and tv so please put some respect on his name,”
@gboyega_adeoya said, “This Gbenga Adeboye discourse made me remember days when we literally had his tapes downloaded on our phones and played back like music. Itu Baba Ita is THAT cult classic. He was an Abàmì Ẹ̀dá,”
@DekkeyOlaoye commented, “Prior to Twyse, Adan, Clinton and co, Gbenga Adeboye had started single character multiple roles way backkkkkkkk in the 90s and early 00s. Man was nothing but a genius!!!!! Itu BabaIta, Jengbetiele, Laisi Abesupinle,”
@AyamDamieee said, “If Spotify existed in those days, many Spotify Wrapped would have been filled with Gbenga Adeboye's comedy— Itu Baba Ita series will be topping the best podcasts,”
@Omolomo_o said, “Go to the street and ask random people to tell you a joke of Gbenga Adeboye they remember, 9 out of 10 will tell you his ‘itu baba ita’ (which is pure comic drama in form of storytelling) or they will tell you his story telling jokes. His story telling jokes stood out,”
@oluwaseun_ajede said, “Remember how Eddie Murphy perfected multiple roles in Coming to America?
That’s how talented the late Gbenga Adeboye was,”
“Doesn’t everyone know?” Nigerians debate whether Sarz is Afrobeats greatest music producer of all time
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that many music producers have come and gone but some still wax stronger despite the ever-evolving nature of Afrobeats—Sarz is one of them.
The 35-year-old record producer got people talking and debating on his music production skills on social media after Afrobeats singer Asake’s Active track featuring Travis Scott dropped. The official music video was produced by Sarz.
