Discover 10 reasons some African comedians struggle to make it big — from poor branding to viral burnout. Insightful, funny & educational
Comedy in Africa is booming. From Nigeria’s stand-up kings to South Africa’s late-night stars, from Ghana’s skit-makers to Kenya’s rising comic voices — laughter is everywhere. Yet, for every comedian who makes it to Netflix or headlines a sold-out stadium, dozens are still hustling on Instagram reels, waiting for their big break.
So why are some African comedians not making it big despite having talent? Let’s take a humorous but honest look at 10 reasons holding them back.
1. Depending Only on Local Popularity
Many comedians kill it in their hometowns but forget the world is bigger than Accra, Lagos, or Nairobi. A thousand views on WhatsApp status is nice, but YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram are the real highways to global visibility. If you don’t put your jokes where the world can see them, your stage will remain a beer parlour or a small church hall.
2. Poor Quality Content Production
Yes, you’re funny — but if your video looks like it was recorded with a torchlight phone during a blackout, nobody will take you seriously. Audiences today want good sound, clear visuals, and proper editing. Even the best jokes can drown in bad audio. Comedy is art, but in 2025, presentation is everything. Here are the best tools for content creators.
3. Not Treating Comedy Like a Business
Many African comedians are hilarious on stage but clueless in business. Branding? Zero. Contracts? Non-existent. Merchandising? “What’s that?” Comedy is not just about cracking jokes; it’s about building a career. Ask Basketmouth, Trevor Noah, or Ali Baba — comedy pays when you treat it like a company, not just a hobby.
4. Over-Reliance on Skits Alone
Skit-making opened doors for many, but some comedians have boxed themselves into 30-second videos forever. While skits can go viral, live shows, TV specials, and international tours create lasting legacies. If you’re only known for “slapping your friend in every video,” your audience will soon get tired.
5. Lack of Originality
Copying Western jokes or recycling another African comedian’s punchline is a fast way to kill your career. Fans want authenticity — comedy rooted in African realities, culture, and language. If your material feels like a bootleg version of Kevin Hart or Mr. Macaroni, you won’t stand out.
6. Ignoring Collaboration
Some comedians act like lone wolves, refusing to collaborate. Yet, collaboration is what gave rise to groups like Mark Angel Comedy, or partnerships that put comedians in movies, TV shows, and skit crossovers. The bigger the network, the bigger the audience. Isolation kills growth.
7. Chasing Fame Instead of Growth
Going viral once doesn’t mean you’ve “made it.” Some comedians ride on one trending skit, milk it dry, and then fade into obscurity. Longevity requires constant learning, evolving, and improving. The aim is to grow your craft, not just trend for one week.
8. Failure to Adapt to Platforms
TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram each have their style. Some comedians stubbornly post the same unedited, horizontal WhatsApp videos everywhere. Meanwhile, smart comedians learn the algorithm, optimize their content, and create platform-specific edits. Adapt or vanish — that’s the digital rule.
9. Not Building a Strong Personal Brand
A stage name, a catchphrase, a signature style — these are what make people remember you. Think of “Dem go hear am!” or “Ooin!” Without branding, your jokes may go viral, but you won’t be remembered. In comedy, personality is as important as punchlines.
10. Quitting Too Soon
Many comedians give up too early. They expect instant fame, forgetting that even the greats started small, got booed, and bombed on stage. Comedy is a long game. If you can’t endure the grind, you won’t enjoy the glory.
Final Thoughts
African comedy has never had more potential than it does today. The world is listening, platforms are available, and audiences are hungry for authentic African humour. But talent alone is not enough. To truly make it big, comedians need consistency, professionalism, originality, and smart use of technology.
So, if you’re a comedian reading this, remember: your next joke could take you global — but only if you put in the work. Also share this post with a fellow comedian who needs this.
And for the fans? Keep laughing, keep sharing, and keep supporting your local comedians. After all, laughter is Africa’s richest export.
