Taooma comedy inspiration comes from African parents, as the skit maker reveals how her mother and family experiences shape her content
Nigerian comedian and content creator Maryam Apaokagi, popularly known as Taooma, has revealed that African parents, especially her mother, remain the biggest source of inspiration behind many of her widely recognised comedy skits.
Speaking in an interview with TheCable shared on X on Monday, Taooma explained that while creative blocks sometimes occur, she often finds new ideas by observing everyday experiences within African homes.
The skit maker said many of her memorable scenes are drawn from the habits, reactions and unique mannerisms of parents, which she then transforms into humorous and relatable content.
“It’s not like I don’t run out of ideas, but I obviously recoup and rejuvenate,” Taooma said.
“One of the major sources of my ideas is my mum and daily African parents, what they do and how they do their stuff. I just take the ideas and put my own spice on them.”
Taooma comedy reflects a style that has helped her connect with audiences across Nigeria and beyond, as many viewers recognise familiar family situations in her skits.
She added that ordinary moments at home often contain enough material for creative storytelling if people pay close attention.
“If you sit down and think about what your mum does and everything, there are so many crazy things that they do,” she said.
Beyond comedy, Taooma said she is intentional about the content she consumes, choosing materials that encourage creativity and contribute positively to her mindset.
The comedian admitted that reading books has not always been a regular habit for her but revealed that she recently started reading James Clear’s bestselling book, Atomic Habits, hoping to complete it within the year.
“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.
“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.”
Taooma also spoke about the unexpected success of her popular character, Quadri, revealing that the role was initially created as a temporary addition to one of her projects.
“Quadri was actually a walk-past role. He was never meant to stay,” she said.
“When I did Quadri, I realised people liked the character.”
She described Quadri as a representation of the outspoken and rebellious traits often associated with young men from Ilorin, Kwara State, adding that many people can identify with similar personalities in their communities.
“Quadri is a regular Ilorin boy. They are very rebellious and don’t take nonsense. Everybody has a Quadri character in their life,” she added.
Taooma, who has built a strong following through comedy and acting, said her creative process is largely natural, with many characters emerging from everyday observations rather than planned concepts.
“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,” she said.
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