Lagos is alive with creativity, and the skit-making industry is at the heart of it.
Young Nigerians are turning 60-second comedy clips into multi-million dollar empires, racking up billions of views and landing massive brand deals.
In a recent YouTube interview by filmmaker Steven Ndukwu, top skit makers shared the secrets behind their wealth.
BestLagos.ng dives into this booming sector, spotlighting Mark Angel, Broda Shaggi, Sabinus, Shank Comics, Brain Jotter, and Sirbalo.
The Rise of Skit-Making
Skit-making exploded with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
A skit is a short, funny video, think a mini comedy show, that tells a quick story in seconds or minutes. These clips entertain, inform, and sometimes educate. With smartphones and affordable data, creators are uploading relatable content that resonates with millions.
Meet the Skit-Making Stars
Mark Angel: The Pioneer
Mark Angel, with 22 million Facebook followers and 9.4 million on YouTube, is a pioneer. Starting in 2016, he landed a ₦300,000 brand deal. He now reportedly earns up to $350,000 monthly, he told Ndukwu. “I had 13 cars at one point,” he shared, though he lost $3.7 million to a bad investment. His journey shows the industry’s potential.
Sabinus
Sabinus, with 15 million followers across platforms, is a fan favorite. “When we do all these videos, companies like it. They come to pay for adverts to advertise our product because they know our platforms are very big to reach out to more audience,” he told Ndukwu. His viral pranks and seamless brand integrations earn him lots of money.
Broda Shaggi
Broda Shaggi, with 12 million Instagram followers, moved from stage acting to skits. His camo shorts and red cap are a brand. “Content creation is a job you can bank on,” he told Ndukwu. He makes around $100,000 monthly.
Shank
Shank Comics, also known as Shank, has 2.7 million Instagram followers and 4.7 million on TikTok, totaling over 11 million. Known for organic brand integrations, he’s earned $20,000-$30,000 in peak months, he shared with Ndukwu. His global streamer collaboration with Kai Cenat proved Nigerian skits can go worldwide.
Brain Jotter
Brain Jotter, with 24 million followers, is a creative force. “If I think a video is funny, it’s a hit,” he told Ndukwu. Favoring YouTube for straightforward monetization, he sets income targets with consistent content, earning big through ads and brand deals.
Sirbalo
Based in Abuja, Sirbalo has 17 million Facebook followers and 2 million across eight YouTube channels. A video with 2.1 billion views earned millions, he revealed to Ndukwu. “Facebook was sweet back then,” he said, with 100,000 views yielding $200. His ₦250-300 million G Wagon and Abuja studio highlight his wealth.
How Skit Makers Make Money
Skit makers turn views into cash through:
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Ad Revenue: YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok pay based on views. A video with 80 million views can earn ₦80 million. Sirbalo noted that 100,000 Facebook views can bring $200.
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Brand Deals: Companies pay up to ₦14 million per post. Shanks integrates brands seamlessly, as seen in Ndukwu’s interview.
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Investments: Creators like Sabinus and Sirbalo invest in real estate, ensuring long-term wealth.
Challenges in the Industry
Hurdles include:
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Unpredictable Earnings: Income swings from $200,000 to $10,000 monthly due to algorithms and ad rates.
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Monetization Issues: Facebook monetization in Nigeria requires U.S. partners taking a cut, Sirbalo explained.
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Tax and Security Concerns: Creators avoid disclosing earnings due to tax and safety risks.
The Secret to Success
Consistency, creativity, and audience engagement are key. Sabinus shoots with a smartphone, proving gear isn’t a barrier. Broda Shaggi draws from daily life, while Mark Angel’s street hustle built his empire. Shanks’ global collab and Brain Jotter YouTube focus show diverse paths.
Wrap Up
Nigerian skit makers like Mark Angel, Sabinus, Broda Shaggi, Shanks, Brain Jotter, and Sirbalo are proving that laughter is big business. From $350,000 monthly earnings to 2.1 billion-view videos, they’re building empires.
