Discover Taaooma’s full biography — from her early life to breakout skits, business ventures, and her impact on Nigerian digital comedy.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Maryam Apaokagi (also Maryam Adedoyin Apaokagi)
- Stage Name: Taaooma
- Date of Birth / Age: 28 February 1999 (≈ 26 years old in 2025)
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Known For: Skit comedy (playing multiple roles), content creator, cinematography, entrepreneurship
- Social Handles (optional):
– Instagram: @taaooma
– Twitter / X: @_Taaooma
– YouTube: Taaooma’s channel for skits and videos
Early Life & Background
Taaooma was born in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria but spent parts of her childhood in Namibia. She is the youngest of five children in her family.
Education
- Primary schooling in Nigeria before her family moved abroad.
- Secondary education at Concordia College, Namibia
- Tertiary: She earned a degree in Tourism & Travel Service Management from Kwara State University
Taaooma has mentioned in interviews that she originally wanted to study medicine or law, but later switched to tourism because of how her university program was structured.
Career Beginnings
- Taaooma began making comedy skits around 2015 after persuading her then‑fiancé (Abdulaziz Oladimeji, aka Abula) to teach her video editing.
- For several years, she posted skits quietly, experimenting with characters and editing.
- Her breakout moment came in 2019 when a skit about African parents dropping children to school went viral.
- The character “Iya Tao” (mother figure) became one of her signature personas, often delivering comedic discipline (slaps) in her skits.
Rise to Fame & Major Works
- After 2019, she steadily grew her audience on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok with well-produced skits and multiple-character edits.
- She features in LOL: Last One Laughing Naija (Amazon Prime) among prominent Nigerian comedians.
- She acts in collaborations with major figures in the Nigerian entertainment industry and appears in promotional / brand work.
- As entrepreneur:
– Chop Tao — her food / small chops business that she operates via preorder.
– The Greenade Company — she directs for this cinematography outfit, producing video content.
Awards & Recognition
- 2019 Gage Awards — won Best Online Comedian
- 2019 Nigeria’s 25 Under 25 — Social Entrepreneur Award
- Nominations at Future Awards Africa (Content Creation)
- Recognitions at MAYA Awards Africa, City People Music Awards etc for skit / content creation roles.
- In 2025, media outlets report her follower count and influence is high in Nigeria’s influencer space.
Business Ventures & Side Projects
- Chop Tao – food / small chops business that supports her brand and income diversification. (Ayomite Media)
- The Greenade Company – production / cinematography company she works with or directs for.
- Endorsement and sponsor deals with brands (e.g. beverage, tech) as her social media influence grows.
- Occasional media appearances, judging, brand collaborations, and creative partnerships.
Impact on African Comedy
- Taaooma represents the new wave of digital comedians in Nigeria — combining character performances, high production value, and cultural insight.
- She has inspired many young female comedians to see skit making as a serious path, not just a side hobby.
- Her work highlights African motherhood, family dynamics, and generational humor, making her content relatable across the continent.
- As a businesswoman plus content creator, she shows that comedy can scale into creative enterprises.
Social Media & Online Presence
- Strong Instagram presence (@taaooma) with millions of followers.
- Active on YouTube, posting skits and behind-the-scenes content.
- Twitter (X) / other platforms frequently used for updates, commentary, engaging with fans.
- Her social reach is noted in media as among the top female influencer voices in Nigeria.
Net Worth (Estimated)
Net worth estimates vary widely; these are speculative based on public sources:
- Some sources place her net worth in the range of USD $100,000+
- Others suggest ranges of $250,000
- Media and influencer reports suggest high six-figure range in Naira equivalence (given her influence and brand deals)
Because Taaooma’s income comes from multiple sources — skits, endorsements, business, production — her actual net worth may exceed published estimates.
Final Thoughts
Taaooma (Maryam Apaokagi) is a rising star in the African digital comedy space. From her early years in Namibia to viral skits in Nigeria, she has crafted a brand based on multiple persona comedy, cultural themes, and entrepreneurial growth. As she builds out her company, content production, and influence, Taaooma is shaping what modern African comedy looks like online today.
