Nigerian content creator and actress Maryam Apaokagi, A.K.A Taaooma, has revealed that much of the inspiration behind her comedy comes from experiences within the home, especially her interactions with her mother and other family members.
According to the skit maker, African parents possess unique personalities and mannerisms that naturally lend themselves to humour, making everyday family life a rich source of ideas for her content.
She said: “One of the major sources of my ideas is my mum and other African parents — what they do and how they do it. I just take the ideas and put my own spice on them.”
Taaooma explained that the conversations, reactions and situations that occur in many African households often mirror the experiences of her audience, which is why her skits resonate with so many people.
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She continued: “If you sit down and think about what your mum does and everything, there are so many crazy things they do.”
The actress also spoke about the importance of protecting her creativity, noting that she is careful about the kind of content she consumes.
She said: “I don’t just consume content anyhow. I consume things that I know would inspire me and things that are good for my brain.”
She said she intentionally filters what she watches and follows to avoid becoming overly influenced by the work of others and to maintain her originality.
Speaking on her personal habits, Taaooma admitted that she has never been much of a reader.
However, she revealed that she recently picked up the popular self-development book Atomic Habits as she looks to build a stronger reading culture.
She said: “I don’t really read books; I’m not going to lie to you. I just started reading Atomic Habits. I pray I finish it this year.”
However, speaking about her popular character “Quadri”, Taaooma revealed the role was initially created as a temporary act for an advert.
She continued:“Quadri was actually a walk-past role. He was never meant to stay. When I did Quadri, I realised people liked the character.”
She added:”Quadri is a regular Ilorin boy. They are very rebellious and don’t take nonsense. Everybody has a Quadri character in their life.”
She further stated that although she enjoys incorporating elements of Nigerian culture into her skits, many of her creative choices happen naturally rather than through deliberate planning.
She concluded: “I don’t sit down and say I want to pick a character from this place or that place. I just do it according to how it comes.”
