Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria, is a booming center of entertainment, especially comedy, and a busy center of politics and culture. Amidst the ever-changing environment of the city, a wide range of comedians have surfaced, each showcasing their own special combination of wit, comedy, and musical ability. We dive into the world of FCT’s comedy stars in an in-depth examination, highlighting both the melodic appeal of their musical pursuits and their humorous brilliance.
1. SARKIN DARIYA
Nigerian comedian and content producer Sarkin Dariya is well-known for his humorous skits and songs that parody well-known songs. Kenneth Ogwuche is his true name; MC 3310 or Kwaro Brand are other names for him.
Prior to pursuing a career in comedy and skit writing, Sarkin Dariya worked as a businessman and barber. MC 3310 was his stage moniker at first, taken from the Nokia 3310 phone.
He thought that MC 3310 was a competing brand name that was costing him endorsements, so he later changed it to Sarkin Dariya, which translates to “King of Laughter” in Hausa. The self-described Sarkin Dariya, whose Hausa name means “King of Laughter,” was born in Kogi State, Nigeria, and is an Igala by tribe. Sarkin Dariya is known for his unique comedy style that involves dressing and speaking in Hausa, as well as mimicking over 20 languages.
He also creates songs that parody popular tunes, such as “Aboki” (a cover of Davido’s “Fem”), “Kwaro” (a cover of Omah Lay’s “Godly”), and “Baba” (a cover of Wizkid’s “Essence”), Buga Song, 2023 Christmas Song, and Vulganise (organize) ft. Kwairo Band. He has collaborated with other comedians and celebrities, such as Broda Shaggi, Josh2funny, Nedu Wazobia, Basketmouth and Don Jazzy.
Sarkin Dariya has been at numerous events and shows across the country, including AY Live, Laugh Out Loud with MC Tagwaye, Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka, Night of a Thousand Laughs with Opa Williams, and many others. He has also received numerous honors and recognition for his comedic abilities, including Best Comedian of the Year at the Abuja Entertainment Awards 2021, Best Skit Maker of the Year at the City People Entertainment Awards 2021, and Most Influential Comedian of the Year at the Nigeria Achievers Awards 2021.
Sarkin Dariya is one of Nigeria’s most successful comedians, generating money through comedic skits, shows, endorsements, and other endeavors. He was nominated as one of the A-List MCs/Comedians in FCT at the “WHO is WHO AWARDS” event in 2023.
2. CHUCKS D GENERAL
Chukwuyem Jude Israel, popularly known as Chuks D General, is a Nigerian stand-up comedian, actor, radio presenter, and host. He is best known for making impromptu jokes, and he is the host of Generally Speaking, a comedy show that features personalities from the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Chucks was a well-known comedian in Abuja who rose to prominence after delivering a standout performance at MC Amana’s “Dis-Speak-able Me” concert in 2015. Chucks de General has won various honors for his work in the entertainment business, including: Best comedian in Nigeria at the Africa Entertainment Awards (USA) in 2020; Best supporting actor in a comedy at the African Magic Viewers Choice Awards (2019); and Comedian of the Year at the City People Entertainment Awards (2016).
He also acted in some movies and comedy series like The Johnsons, My Flatmates, and Chief Daddy. Chucks de General draws inspiration from industry veterans like Ali Baba, AY, and Gordon. In one of his comedy shows in Abuja, veteran comedian Ali Baba, the father of comedy in Nigeria, was indeed full of praise for Chucks, whom he described as highly talented and one to look out for in the comedy industry in Nigeria.
3. MC BOBS
A dynamic performer and one of the funniest comedians in Abuja, Bob Anasi, popularly known as M.C. Bob, is a stand-up comedian from Assiga Afrekpe in the Yakurr local government area of Cross River State.
The well-known businessman and brand ambassador has around seven years of experience in the entertainment industry. He mastered both improvisation and stand-up comedy and also brings the same vigor and excitement to the stage when he serves as the MC. Bob is an excellent MC in part because he has a knack for keeping things moving as he manages to create a balance between maintaining order and allowing for impromptu moments.
He is aware of when to cut off a comic who is going too long or when to give someone a little extra time to tell a story Finally, he has a great sense of humor and uses it to keep the audience engaged and entertained throughout the show. Bob Anasi is an excellent MC for any comedy event. He is funny, engaging, and knows how to keep the show moving.
In a recent ceremony that radiated both modesty and significance, Abuja’s celebrated MC BOB was officially conferred the title of A-List Comedian by the WHO Awards Nigeria. This remarkable achievement follows a stringent nomination and screening process, marking a monumental turning point in the illustrious career of this beloved comedian.MC BOB now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other A-List comedians in the FCT, promising Nigerians an abundance of rib-tickling moments and uproarious humor from this gifted entertainer. His invaluable contributions to the comedy landscape have not only secured him this prestigious title but also a special place in the hearts of comedy aficionados across the nation.
4. SHORTCUT
The top-class and multi-talented comedian, Onwunarugwu Ndubuisi Joseph, known by the stage name Shortcut, has over 14 years of experience both on stage and backstage. He has consistently crafted a niche for himself in the entertainment industry while keeping pace with the ever-growing industry.
He is also one of the most relevant entertainers on stage in Nigeria due to his high level of analysis of event audiences. With his humorous prowess, he has delivered beyond expectations, and he is well recognized amongst his contemporaries. Shortcut by stage name got his nickname right from secondary school days, where he always had a short cut to provide solutions. When confronted with challenges, he’s the organizer of Capital Club, a comedy and music platform to entertain fun seekers and discover new talent at the celebratory Hustle n Bustle owned by Obi Cubana in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Shortcut Comedian is a prolific stand-up comedian and comic actor whose goal is to create a space above the clouds for himself to always be at his very best. That’s why the name of his annual comedy show is “Leave Comedy for Shortcut.
Shortcut has stormed the capital city with a comedy episode, the fifth anniversary of Shortcut’s show tagged “Leave Comedy for Shortcut” (Cruise 5.0), which trilled the residents of Abuja on November 25, 2023.
The billionaire businessman and entertainment entrepreneur, Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, and the PRO of the Nigerian police force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, played host to the multitalented comedian Shortcut. The premium ticket presented to Obi Cubana is worth N2 million by Shortcut, who was accompanied by his colleagues in the industry.”.
The fifth edition of “Leave Comedy for Shortcut” recorded another overwhelming success like the previous editions because so many preparations have been put in place to make this edition outstanding, which largely informed the choice and quality of artists that performed. The event took place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja and included performances by Sabinus, Edo Pikin, Ogbuefi I Go Tuk, Mimiko, Sarkin Dariya, MC Bob, Danny Spry, Aje Baba, and Odogwu.
Abuja’s own MC Shortcut was crowned with the prestigious A-List Comedian Award by WHO Awards Nigeria in 2023, This recognition of excellence comes after an extensive nomination and screening process conducted by the board of trustees, The esteemed board of trustees of WHO Awards Nigeria has revealed that MC Shortcut’s accolade is the result of a rigorous and thorough evaluation. This acknowledgement underscores his exceptional contributions to the world of comedy within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
5. KOBOKO MASTER
Gbadamosi ThankGod Benard, known professionally as Koboko Master, is a Nigerian comedian who turned his passion into a lucrative career upon relocating to Abuja in 2004. His breakthrough moment came with his participation in Charly Boy’s ‘Make Yarn’ event in 2008–2009, alongside notable celebrities such as Ruggedman, Felix Duke, and 2shot. This gathering aimed to address issues concerning Nigerian youth and explore potential solutions.
Throughout his career, Koboko Master has prioritized creativity and avoided engaging in unhealthy competition, thus safeguarding the integrity of his brand. He remains true to his unique style and genre of humor, which revolves around topical issues. By infusing his jokes with social commentary, he not only entertains audiences but also educates and informs them about pertinent issues.
Koboko Master served as an inspiration to his younger brother, Gbadamosi Agbonjor Jonathan, who is known as MC Edo Pikin and commenced his career as a comedian in 2014. Together, Koboko Master and MC Edo Pikin, along with other comedians, delighted residents of Abuja with an evening of uproarious laughter at an event titled Comedy Bloodline.
This event, spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Koboko Master and MC Edo Pikin, was touted as an unforgettable entertainment experience in Abuja.
Comedy Bloodline (The Return)” showcased the pinnacle of comedic talent and took place in June 2023 at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel. On his collaborative show, Comedy Bloodline, the comedian said, “I knew very early in life that collaboration is the new competition, and also because what binds us is way bigger than what the ordinary person knows. We have done two super successful editions of our show in Abuja called COMEDYBLOODLINE, and we have June 16th, 2024, billed for the 3rd edition at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, and I can tell you for free that history will be rewritten on that day.
CONCLUSION
FCT’s comedy scene represents a rich array of talent, where comedians like Sarkin Dariya, Chuks D General, Mc Bob, Koboko Master, and Shortcut shine brightly with their comedic brilliance and musical charm. Through their unique blend of humor, wit, and musicality, they continue to captivate audiences, leaving an indelible mark on Abuja’s cultural landscape and beyond. As they grace stages and screens with their comedic genius, one thing is certain: the laughter and melodies they evoke will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come, enriching the comedic legacy of the Federal Capital Territory.
