Basketmouth, Taooma, Sabinus to Feature in LOL Naija Series

L-R: Head of Originals, Africa and Middle East, Prime Video, Ned Mitchell, Host, LOL: Last One Laughing Naija, Basketmouth, and Head of NG Originals, Prime Video, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu at a press conference unveiling the cast of the LOL, Last One Laughing Naija starting on Prime Video in July 14...in Lagos on Thursday July 6th, 2023.

Ten top comedians and content creators have been unveiled as contestants in the first-ever unscripted comedy show in Nigeria titled ‘Last One Laughing Naija’ by the popular streaming platform Amazon Prime Video.

The six-part series premieres on July 14 and will broadcast two episodes every day through July 28.

The all-star-studded cast includes Senator, IGoSave, Gandoki, KieKie, Acapella, Dat Warri Girl, Mr. Funny (Sabinus), Okey Bakassi, Acapella, and Taaooma.

Ned Mitchell, the platform’s Head of Originals for Africa and the Middle East, said during a press conference in Lagos that one of the things that made the show necessary was how much Nigerians enjoyed competition shows.

“The reason for the show is that this is a collective thing. For us, it is a big deal for comedy. We want to bring it in ways that people have never seen before. It is about authenticity and uniqueness. It is something to watch together.

“This is something to talk about. We are giving people what to talk about. Nigerians love competition. This competition is a chance to see who can make the best of the best of each other. What is Prime Video doing in Africa? What are our videos doing here? The most significant part of what we are doing is a credit to the skills and talents that make stuff happen.

“This show was shot in Lagos from beginning to end. It’s a hard show and complex. People say Nigeria is hard to shoot. However, no one ever said it’s impossible.” He also added.

He noted that the platform was committed to projecting comedians in Nigeria to a global audience.

The head of Originals, Nigeria, Prime Video, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, outlined the selection process for the comedians, stating that they considered their gender and the type of humour they specialize in, among other factors.

“We needed to absorb the number. First, making sure there was representation, not just types of comedy. We are talking about gender and other things,” Wangi noted.

“This is our very first comedy show in Nigeria. I think it is unique. I say this because comedy is actually where it started. Of course, we’ve grown beyond other aspects of producing films, but comedy is the beginning of all those things.

“There is no better way to show that we are serious about this in Africa than coming with our first-ever comic show in Nigeria. Kudos to all of you because it doesn’t get as authentic as Nigeria,’’ she added.

One of Nigeria’s top comedians, Bright Okpocha, a.k.a BasketMouth, will anchor the show.

In order to make the contestants laugh at one another, he will pit them against one another.

The 44-year-old comedian, who hails from Abia State, while addressing journalists acknowledged the talent in the Nigerian comedy space, noting the LOL show will avail them the opportunity to showcase their skills to the world.

“I agreed because the pay was good. I’m just kidding. I’ve always imagined Nigerian comedy to be recognised. They gave me a summary of the show, and I was like, ‘This is the perfect way to improve that space.

“You know Afrobeats broke into the global market. However, comedy in Nigeria has yet to earn its international spot. Prime Video is present in over 200 countries across the globe,” BasketMouth stated.

“I was like; we have talented comedians in Nigeria that can use the platform. It is a big deal for us. We want it in our space as we don’t have our spot yet. It is the best way to own it. I’m so glad to be part of it,” he added.

The last contestant to laugh will win 40 million Naira. The best part is the winner must donate the prize money to a charity of choice.

The six-part series is an original and unscripted comedy that continues the global smash-hit comedy franchise produced by Prime Video and currently airs in more than 20 nations and territories, including Canada, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, and South Africa.

July 13, 2023