According to a recent research study, the Circus Clown Phenomenon is often a symbolic way to describe emotional performance, being misunderstood, or feeling like a joke despite serious feelings. It’s a mix of humor as a shield, emotional invisibility, and social dissonance.
This defines the modern Nigerian culture and values. Everyone is trying to make jokes and become a content creator, they want that immediate attention, not necessarily impactful nor worthwhile, but they coerce jokes that are not necessarily funny.
They dance for public validation, however, they have no sense of personal values, purpose or sense of direction, they want to become the next Sabinus, Mr Macaroni or the renowned choreographer, Kaffy, so, they squandered a lot of time performing before their audience who equally do not know what to make out of the jocular form of entertainment.
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Why Are Nigerian Youths Going Into Comedy Immensely?
Nigerian youths are going into comedy in large numbers for a combination of economic, cultural, psychological, and technological reasons.
The following are reasons why Nigerians are going into comedy:
The Economic Reality of Nigeria Meets Hustle Mentality
To begin with, the high unemployment and underemployment rates in Nigeria have pushed many young people to find alternative sources of income.
Also, comedy is low-capital intensive. You don’t need a lot of money to start, the basic requirements are just a phone, ideas, and creativity.
Lastly, it’s a way out of poverty. Top comedians like Sabinus, Broda Shaggi, Taaooma, and Sydney Talker are now brand ambassadors, making millions from skits and YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and shows.
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The Power of Social Media
Following the introduction of notable social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, content creation became democratized, hence, everyone and anyone can pick up their gadgets to create whatever appeals to their emotions.
Further, youths can now reach global audiences instantly without needing a TV station or film crew. Lastly, most social media content creators and comedians understand that a simple viral video can bring them instant fame, sponsorship, or even recognition on the international stage.
Cultural Love for Humor
Simply put, Nigerians love a good joke. It has often been mentioned that Nigerians are naturally expressive and humorous, specifically, comedy is embedded in the culture.
Also, it is pivotal to mention that laughter is used to cope with stress, politics, hardship, and even trauma. It’s therapeutic. There’s also a strong tradition of street jokes, wordplay, and satire in Nigerian society.
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Emotional Outlet & Escapism
Several Nigerian youths now recognize comedy as a form of escapism. They need to become clowns just to distract themselves from the heinous rulership of those in power.
Numerous young people are frustrated by the system (ASUU strikes, bad governance, police brutality, etc.).
Also, Comedy offers a sense of control, a way to talk about serious issues lightly, and gain visibility.
It can also be said that comedy is a form of protest. Many comedians sneak social commentary into their skits. A notable example is Mr. Macaroni.
Low Barrier to Entry
This is the concluding point to the article. The barrier to become a social media content creator or skitmaker is quite low, hence, they churn out content that isn’t necessarily humorous or worth being replayed, however, it can be categorized under ‘creativity’. To each is own though.
A content creator doesn’t need a degree or a professional training to start entertaining viewers at home. Let’s put it this way, the content creation space is where raw talent thrives — accent, grammar, background don’t matter as much.
Most comedy skits are chaotic due to the anarchy or pandemonium that often goes on in Nigeria, therefore, it’s a reflection our authenticity, relatability, and everyday life stories.
Conclusion
The Circus Clown Phenomenon isn’t a bad thing actually, it is just a reflection of the state of our study, the most populous black nation in the world, Nigeria. The Circus Clown Phenomenon as explained by experts is a form of escapism and coping mechanism for those who want to create something worthwhile with their lives and time, albeit, all they know is what is trending or a program that would yield immediate result.