Speaking candidly on a recent episode of the Outside The Box podcast, the respected comedy pioneer did not mince words as he described the antics of a few industry colleagues who, in his view, have repeatedly crossed the line of acceptable conduct.
“There are about three Nigerian comedians who I can’t stand. They have no decorum. They insult sensibilities,” Alibaba said.
“You try to correct them, they won’t listen. You send them to a corporate event and they do dirty jokes.”
A Case of Tasteless Humor
Alibaba recounted a particularly troubling episode in which he had recommended a fellow comedian to host a high-profile event. Rather than rise to the occasion, the comedian chose to make a crass, body-shaming joke that deeply offended the event’s host — a senior executive whose wife was present.
“Somebody called me one time to complain that the comedian said, ‘If a race happens now and everyone has to carry their wives and run, you can’t carry this woman and run.’ I was like, that’s below the belt,” he said.
When confronted, the comedian reportedly brushed off the criticism and even suggested Alibaba’s concerns were rooted in jealousy.
“He downplayed it. He even told somebody that I was only confronting him because he was shining,” Alibaba revealed.
A Call for Boundaries and Better Judgement
Although he declined to name the individuals involved, Alibaba’s remarks have sparked a wider conversation about ethics, content boundaries, and respect for audiences within Nigeria’s fast-growing comedy industry.
He stressed that while comedy is a creative form of expression, context matters, particularly when dealing with sensitive topics or performing in formal settings.
“You must know where to draw the line,” he advised, urging comedians to move away from vulgarity and instead embrace witty, intelligent humour that uplifts rather than insults.
Industry Implications
Alibaba’s comments shine a spotlight on the need for mentorship, accountability, and professionalism in Nigeria’s comedy circuit. As one of the industry’s founding figures and most influential voices, his criticisms carry significant weight and reflect broader concerns among corporate clients and discerning audiences.
The incident also underscores a growing tension in modern comedy between shock value and substance — with the veteran urging the next generation of comedians to value class over cheap laughs.
Final Word
In a time where social media virality often rewards the outrageous, Alibaba’s words serve as a timely reminder: Comedy is an art, but also a responsibility. And for those seeking longevity and respect in the craft, discipline, awareness, and professionalism remain non-negotiable.