Nollywood has witnessed an increasing trend of online content creators transitioning from viral skits to the big and small screen. Once known solely for their Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube comedy sketches, many of these creators are now cast in major film productions. Although this change has brought in new talent and viewers, it has also presented a number of difficulties, especially when filmmakers use their online personas in film roles without making any changes.

Big Names Making the Leap

Several content creators have already made significant strides in the industry. Mr Macaroni, known for his “Daddy Wa” character and his exaggerated portrayal of morally corrupt authority figures, has appeared in major titles like Ponzi, Ayinla, Aníkúlápó, Lisabi: The Uprising, and Freedom Way. However, he has always gone into those movies fully shelving his online character and picking up a new one.

Broda Shaggi, whose skits often feature exaggerated street-smart behavior and humorous interactions, has featured in Chief Daddy, Namaste Wahala, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, and Inside Life, among others. These creators bring their massive online fanbase to the cinema, providing instant visibility and potential box office appeal for any film they’re part of. But it also creates a continuous stereotype that becomes boring for the audience. Other notable examples include Lasisi Elenu, whose comedic rants and facial filters made him a social media star. He has since starred in The Razz Guy, The Ghost and the Tout, and African Messiah.

KieKie, who rose to fame through lifestyle and fashion skits, has made appearances in Muri & Ko, A Simple Lie, and Mimi. It has always been difficult for KieKie to distinguish between her various online personas, which at times make it even more difficult to tell which is which.
The potential for versatility beyond comedy is demonstrated by the appearance of creators such as Josh2Funny, Nasboi, and Flora (Omozele Gabriel) in more serious Nollywood roles. In Here Love Lies, for example, Flora played a younger version of a main character, a role that called for more emotional nuance than comedic timing.

The Bright Side of the Crossover

There are indisputable advantages to this shift from internet platforms to movie sets. One of the most obvious is that audiences are already there when content creators arrive, and many of them are excited to support their favorite content in a new format. This can greatly increase a film’s visibility prior to its release and gives filmmakers an instant marketing advantage.
As a result of years of producing content quickly and receiving immediate feedback from their audience, these creators also bring a natural, relatable presence to their roles. Because they capture the language, tone, and issues of the average Nigerian, their performances frequently strike a chord.

Some, such as Josh2Funny and Mr. Macaroni, have effectively abandoned their comedic personas to give powerful dramatic performances, demonstrating that content creators can develop into actors with the correct guidance.

The Flip Side: When Skits Overshadow Cinema
However, the trend is not without its drawbacks. The excessive dependence on an online character in the movie itself is a persistent problem. The outcome may seem cliched or shallow when a content creator merely reprises their most well-known skit character in a film. The movie occasionally turns into a longer version of their Instagram feed rather than advancing the plot.

This lessens the nuance and complexity that films frequently demand. Additionally, it restricts the creator’s development by confining them to roles that are similar to their previous work on the internet.

Typecasting, Popularity Over Performance, and Authenticity Issues

Typecasting is another problem. Audiences may find it difficult to accept these creators in roles that deviate from their established brand. Directors and producers may find it more difficult to try out unusual casting choices as a result, and their creative potential may be suppressed.

Furthermore, some films hire content producers only because of their fan base, ignoring the necessity of character development or appropriate acting training. In these situations, the plot deteriorates and the overall caliber of the movie may decline, supporting the idea that Nollywood puts popularity before talent.

There’s also a concern around authenticity. The representations of some content creators’ humorous online personas in films can occasionally come across as phoney or inappropriate, particularly in narratives that call for emotional depth or cultural awareness.

Striking the Right Balance

The rise of content creators in Nollywood reflects a broader shift in how stories are made and consumed in the digital age. Their presence has expanded the talent pipeline in Nigerian cinema, brought in new energy, and drawn in new audiences.

However, in order for this crossover to continue to be beneficial, both content producers and filmmakers need to understand the distinction between digital skits and cinematic storytelling. Intentional character development, careful casting, and a readiness on the part of creators to step outside of their online comfort zones are all necessary for success.