Global Courant 2023-05-19 20:43:36
“Laughter is the best medicine,” they say, and it was with great anticipation that I entered the bustling art house cinema in Twin Waters Lagos to see the premiere of Teetotaler, a comedy special that has just been acquired by global streaming giant Netflix. As the crowd settled into their seats eagerly awaiting the arrival of the comedic genius of the night, the presence of industry stars gracing the event created an air of excitement. Then it started.
“2020 has been a very scary year for most of us. The lockdown was sweet in the first place… People watched Netflix to the extent that they developed accents… I watched Netflix and I bastardized it. I watched Netflix to the extent that uhm, Netflix started sending me job offers. Mr. Salako, are you aware that Dano is recruiting?
It was also the first time I heard about things like nasal masks… Someone was selling a damask mask. Why are you doing Damask’s mask? Are we from Syria, why do you want Damascus?”
Thunderous applause fills the air with these opening lines from one of Nigeria’s artful entertainers, Olu Salako, popularly known as SLK or Brother Wasiu, at the premiere of his second comedy special, Teetotaler’, on Netflix Global.
While I was partially unfamiliar with SLK’s craft, I had heard his mantra “Omo re bi custard, you are not a bastard” used by many people. But the remarkable performance and overall experience of the premiere night made me a devoted fan.
SLK’s Teetotaler showcases his ability to skillfully address a wide variety of topics, including sensitive topics such as child abuse, suicide, feminism, politics, monarchy and the complexities of single life. He skillfully weaves humor into these subjects, taking a light-hearted approach. As extensive and vibrant as the Nigerian comedy industry is, this is not a mastery that you see often.
His repertoire ranged from various clever puns (don’t leave me moments) to hilarious anecdotes, capturing the essence of everyday life with a humorous twist. SLKs Comedic prowess shined throughout the 1 hour and 24 minute comedy special as he effortlessly delivered one joke after another, showing off his sharp wit and impeccable timing. There were so many highlights from his comedy, and like many others I was enchanted throughout the event. I wondered how he executed his comedic transitions flawlessly. At one point I found myself wondering if it was all written, rehearsed, or just its natural comedic brilliance.
He appealed to my curiosity during his interview on AriseTV. “I take inspiration from things around me and try to embellish most of my jokes through truthful observations. I try to make it as recognizable as possible. One of the main features of stand-up comedy is making jokes about serious issues. It’s social commentary, so I’m trying to express myself. Sometimes I have sincere opinions on topics, I play devil’s advocate and sometimes I bring out the funny side. Whichever way the joke goes, I follow it. If you want more, you have to sign up for my master class and I charge you for that.”
Lest I forget, the production of the event was phenomenal. The lighting played an important role in conveying emotion, transitioning from the celebratory tone during the hymn’s energetic movements to a sombre and melancholy tone that reflected the passing of his uncle.
The premiere was not only a testament to SLK’s comedic prowess, but also a reflection of his broad appeal, even among his peers. The event attracted a plethora of famous celebrities and added an extra layer of excitement and glamor to the evening.
SLK is no stranger to the entertainment game and he has made a remarkable contribution to the dynamic landscape of Nigerian entertainment. As an actor, he has starred in several movies and TV series including ‘Hustle’, ‘It’s Her Day’ produced by Bovi and more recently the Netflix original, ‘Becoming Abi’. He also demonstrates his talent as a sketch maker through his entertaining ‘Boda Wasiu’ sketches. In all his doings, he continues to captivate the audience with his talent.
For a night where laughter reigned supreme, there’s no doubt that the premiere of SLK’s comedy special was a runaway success.
Success across borders.
The Nigerian comedy industry has undergone a remarkable transformation and it is fascinating to witness its evolution over time. From the awe-inspiring era of strictly stand-up comedy to the current disruptive era of skits, the industry has embraced change and adapted to new dimensions. Notably, even the time-honored tradition of stand-up comedy has evolved and expanded, reaching the point where platforms like Netflix are now acquiring and showcasing it.
SLK’s Teetotaler doesn’t exist in a silo and joins the growing roster of Nigerian comedians like Kenny Blaq and AY, whose comedy specials have been acquired by Netflix. The trio now stands alongside renowned international comedians such as Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Kevin Hart and Trevor Noah, whose comedy specials have also found a home on Netflix.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the streaming giant’s comedy specials were hugely popular and so successful that in 2018 alone, half of Netflix’s 150 million subscribers watched a stand-up special. While we may not have exact figures on current comedy special viewership, there are more than 232 million paid Netflix subscribers worldwide. It’s safe to assume that the growing number would have increased the viewership of comedy specials as well.
This is especially important for Nigeria, which has been at the forefront of exporting African culture to a global audience. This time around, the comedy industry presents itself as another innovative way to export African culture and content in general. Through a humorous lens, content from SLKs and other players in the industry showcased on streaming platforms such as Netflix offers listeners, whether familiar or unfamiliar with Nigeria, an insight into the country’s uniqueness, traditions and experiences as a Nigerian.
And if this content gets a positive reception, it could certainly encourage Netflix to continue investing in comedy specials and consider buying more content from other comedians. In 6 years, the company has invested in total $107 million in sub-Saharan Africa. Netflix’s revenue from sub-Saharan Africa is expected to double by 2026, and deals like this are one of the safest bets to surpass this goal.
Netflix’s decisions about buying comedy specials depend on several factors, including the comedian’s popularity, their style of comedy, market demand, and the overall quality of the performance. Nigeria undoubtedly has talents that tick this box. Naija does not carry last.
