Instagram comical sensation, Taaoma is one of the new crops of comedians leveraging on the popularity of social media among the young people to reach hundreds of thousands of fans across the world. She recently won the Online Comedian of the Year at the 2020 GAGE Awards. In this exclusive interview with ACADA Magazine, she opened up to us on her foray into the comedy business and her plans for the future among other topical issues. Enjoy!
Congratulations on your recent award at the GAGE Awards. How do you feel winning this award?
It felt really good and I thank God and everyone that voted for me and has been supporting me. God will continue to bless you.
How did it all started?
Jokingly I must say. It started as a hobby. I fell in love with editing and cinematography after meeting ABuLA (a cinematographer and editor).
He taught me most of what I know today. He also used to make skits then and that was how I got into skit making too.
How did you conceive the idea and character of TAAOOMA?
The character came naturally. I wanted to make videos different from visual effects and funny enough, mama Tao was the first thing that came to mind. Nothing special really.
How easy has it been for you to double cast and switch the roles of the mother and daughter, and now husband?
I find it easy because it’s like a lifestyle of mummy and daddy. A family life, so it’s easy for me to know how each people behave in a family and I use it to act.
How did you come up with concepts and stories for your skits? Do you write them yourself or you have people who come up with the story ideas?
All my stories are gotten myself; I have a “story book” where I write the stories down for easy remembrance. No one helps me to write stories although my mum and sister sometimes gives me ideas.
So far, what are the challenges you’re facing?
Nothing really. Everything seems fine right now.
Were your parents in support of this career when you were starting out?
They were indifferent about it. They were really concerned about my school, as long as it wasn’t getting into the way with my school.
Has this been paying off financially?
To the glory of God, it has been good.
Aside doing comedy skits, you’re also into influencing. What is the work of a social media influencer?
An influencer uses her image and platforms to market brands’ products and services. You have to be able to convince your followers on why a brand is good for them to patronize.
What brands have you worked with as an influencer?
I have worked with brands like MTN, Fidelity Bank, Chicken Republic, Hypo, e.t.c .
Your recent collaboration with the UK based comedian, Twyse, how did it come up?
We have been planning it since he was abroad; the plan was to shoot green-screen before he told me he’ll be coming down to Nigeria. When he arrived, he came around and we shot it.
Are you having any plans of collaborating with many other comedians?
Definitely, I will have more collaboration.
Who are your favourite comedians, home and abroad?
I don’t really have favorites. They all crack me up!
How do you relate with fellow online comedians?
We relate very well, the conversation flows and it’s filled with so much fun because of who we are, “comedians”.
Were you easily accepted in the industry?
Social media has given everyone a world of their own.
I created mine and God willing, I was able to win hearts and I thank God for that.
Can you share with us your educational background?
I finished my primary and nursery here in Nigeria before moving to Namibia with my mum. My high school was in Namibia then I came back to Nigeria for university. I studied Tourism and Hospitality at the Kwara State University.
Been a celeb now, how do you cope on campus?
Though I finished university last year and I am currently serving (NYSC), I sure cope well with fellow students on campus. No airs because I’m a celebrity, I relate well with everyone.
So who is TAAOOMA? Describe your person.
Taaooma is almost no different from the Tao you see in my skits. I like to play and I like food, call me a foodie, LOL.
What influence your comedy?
My mother has a big influence on my comedy.
What inspires you?
A lot of things inspire me, my mum, my environment even the society itself.
So what are TAAOOMA’s favourite foods?
Amala, Gbegiri and Ewedu. I also love Rice and stew.
How do you unwind or relax?
I eat, food is like one thing that can calm me down and after food I sleep. When I wake up, I’ll feel like a new born baby.
What’s your philosophy about life?
What is worth doing is worth doing well.
What advice do you have for young people out there looking up to you?
Never give up, it will get rough and frustrating but we will never stop pushing and above all PRAY for hard work and prayer is the key.
It’s still the first quarter of the year, but everywhere is already buzzing, what should we be expecting from you this year?
More of TAAOOMA by the special grace of God. And lots of exciting projects.
