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“Laughter is the perfect medication,” they are saying, and it was with nice anticipation that I entered the bustling movie home cinema in Twin Waters Lagos to look at the premiere of Teetotaler, a comedy particular simply acquired by the worldwide streaming big Netflix. As the group settled into their seats, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the comedy genius of the evening, the presence of trade stars that graced the occasion ignited an environment of exhilaration. Then it started.
“2020 was a really scary 12 months for many of us. The lockdown was to begin with candy… Folks had been watching Netflix to the extent of growing accents… I watched Netflix, and I bastardized it. I watched Netflix to the extent that ehn, Netflix began sending me job alternatives. Mr Salako, are you conscious Dano is recruiting?
It was additionally the primary time listening to about issues like nostril masks…Somebody was promoting a masks of Damask. Why will you do the masks of Damask? Are we from Syria why you wan Damascus?”
A convincing applause rents the air with these opening traces from one in all Nigeria’s clever entertainers, Olu Salako, popularly referred to as SLK or Brother Wasiu, on the premiere of his sophomore comedy particular, Teetotaler’, on Netflix World.
Though I used to be partly unfamiliar with SLK’s craft, I had heard his mantra “Omo re bi custard, you aren’t a bastard” being utilized by many individuals. However the exceptional efficiency and total expertise of the premiere evening turned me into a faithful fan.
SLK’s Teetotaler showcases his capacity to skillfully handle a variety of subjects, together with delicate ones like youngster molestation, suicide, feminism, politics, monarchy, and the complexities of the one life. He adeptly weaves humour into these topics, taking a lighthearted strategy.
His repertoire ranged from a number of intelligent wordplays ( don’t depart me moments) to hilarious anecdotes, capturing the essence of on a regular basis life with a humorous twist. SLK’s comedic prowess shone all through the 1hr 24 minutes comedy particular as he effortlessly delivered one joke after one other, showcasing his sharp wit. As expansive and vibrant because the Nigerian comedy trade is, this isn’t a mastery you see typically. There have been a number of highlights from his comedy, and like many others, I used to be spellbound for the whole lot of the occasion. I couldn’t assist however marvel how he flawlessly executed his comedy transitions. At one level, I discovered myself questioning if it was all scripted, rehearsed or just his pure comedic brilliance.
Addressing my curiosity throughout his interview on AriseTV, he acknowledged. “I draw inspiration from issues round me and attempt to embellish most of my jokes from truthful observations. I attempt to make it as relatable as potential. One of many main options of stand-up comedy is making jokes out of significant points. It’s social commentary, so I attempt to categorical myself. Typically I’ve a real opinion on subjects, play the satan’s advocate, and generally convey out the humorous aspect. Whichever method the joke swings, I comply with. If you’d like greater than this, you need to enrol in my masterclass, and I’ll cost you for that.”
Lest I neglect, the manufacturing of the occasion was phenomenal. The lighting performed a major function in conveying feelings, transitioning from the celebratory tone in the course of the reward singer’s energetic strikes to a sombre and melancholic tone that mirrored his uncle’s demise.
The premiere was not solely a testomony to SLK’s comedic prowess, but in addition a mirrored image of his widespread attraction, even amongst his friends. The occasion attracted a plethora of famend celebrities including an additional layer of pleasure and glamour to the evening.
SLK shouldn’t be alien to the leisure recreation and he has been a notable contributor to the dynamic panorama of Nigerian leisure. As an actor, he has featured in varied films and TV collection together with ‘Hustle’, ‘It’s Her Day’ produced by Bovi and extra lately the Netflix authentic, ‘Changing into Abi’. He additionally showcases his expertise as a skit maker by way of his entertaining ‘Boda Wasiu’ skits. In all his doings, he has continued to captivate audiences along with his expertise.
For an evening the place laughter reigned supreme, there is no such thing as a doubt SLK’s comedy particular premiere was a powerful success.
Success past borders.
The Nigerian comedy trade has undergone a exceptional transformation, and it’s fascinating to witness its evolution over time. From the awe-inspiring period of strictly stand-up comedy to the present disruptive age of skits, the trade has embraced change and tailored to new dimensions. Notably, even the long-standing custom of stand-up comedy has advanced and expanded, reaching the purpose the place platforms like Netflix are actually buying and showcasing it.
SLK’s Teetotaler doesn’t exist in a silo, and it joins the rising listing of Nigerian comedians like Kenny Blaq and AY, whose comedy specials have been acquired by Netflix. The trio now stands alongside famend worldwide comedians akin to Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, and Trevor Noah, whose comedy specials have additionally discovered a house on Netflix.
In line with The Hollywood Reporter, the streaming big’s comedy specials had been massively common and so profitable that half of Netflix’s 150 million subscribers watched a stand-up particular in 2018 alone. Whereas we might not have precise figures on the present viewership of comedy specials, there are over 232 million paid Netflix subscribers worldwide. It’s secure to imagine the rising quantity would have additionally spiked the viewership of comedy specials.
That is significantly necessary for Nigeria, which has been on the frontline of exporting African tradition to a world viewers. This time, the comedy trade presents itself but as one other modern avenue for exporting the African tradition and content material at massive. By a humorous lens, content material from SLK’s and different gamers within the trade, showcased on streaming platforms like Netflix, provides listeners, whether or not acquainted or unfamiliar with Nigeria, an perception into the nation’s distinctive character, traditions and experiences as a Nigerian.
And if this content material receives constructive reception, it may actually encourage Netflix to proceed investing in comedy specials and contemplate buying extra content material from different comedians. Within the house of 6 years, the corporate has invested a complete of $107 million in sub-Saharan Africa. Netflix’s income from sub-Saharan Africa is anticipated to double by 2026, and offers like this are one in all its most secure bets to surpass this aim.
Netflix’s choices on buying comedy specials depend upon a number of components, together with the comic’s recognition, their fashion of comedy, market demand, and the general high quality of the efficiency. Nigeria undoubtedly has abilities that tick this field. Naija no dey carry final.
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