Profile | By Ruth Okwumbu
Taaooma: Nigeria’s Freestyle ‘Slapping’ Comedian The name Tao is no doubt a familiar sobriquet in the skit-comedy industry. The lady behind this name is Maryam Apaokagi. Already a success in her own rights, many find it hard to understand how this young girl moved from unpopular to celebrated and in-demand within a couple of years, and all under 25 years of age.
T
he last of five children, Maryam Apaokagi was born on February 28, 1999, In Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria. She had her early education in Dolastar Primary school, Adewole, Ilorin before the family relocated to Namibia in 2009. She then attended Amazing Kids Privatew School & Academy, and Concordia College, Windhoek, all in Namibia.
She then returned to Nigeria where she studied Tourism and Hospitality at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete. She served her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) time in Lagos State. Earning a spot in Freestyle Comedy
directing from Nigerian Music Video Director – Abdulaziz Oladimeji aka Abula. At first, acting out the skits was just a way to put her editing skills to use. She recalled in an interview that Abula also assisted her in shooting some of the videos. Maryam’s first sobriquet was “je_suis_taaooma“ dating back to November 22, 2015, before settling for what many now refer to as Freestyle Comedy. What quickly singled her out was the template she created of a regular African mother and how this mother responds to her children’s actions.
She gained popularity by creating a single cast whilst switching roles, and on many occasions, Maryam started her comedy skits in 2015 as the audience finds themselves wondering if a student after learning shooting, editing and the roles are really taken by the same person.
20 | Business Elites Africa / ISSUE 116
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