Nigerian Digital Entertainment: The Cultural and Social Implications of Drama Skits
Lagos Studies Association Conference 2025
Nigerian Digital Entertainment: The Cultural and Social Implications of Drama Skits
The 9th Annual Lagos Studies Association Conference
Conference Theme: Continuities and Discontinuities in African Studies
Date: June 17-21, 2025
Format: Hybrid (In Person, University of Lagos/Zoom)
Abstract Deadline: January 1, 2025.
Panel Organizers & Chair: Kolawole Olaiya, Anderson University, South Carolina (Email: woleolami@yahoo.com) and Anthony Adah, Minnesota State University, (Email: tony.adah@gmail.com)
The Lagos Studies Association invites scholars, researchers, and practitioners to submit papers for its 2025 conference, focusing on the emerging phenomenon of drama skits in Nigerian digital entertainment industry.
These skits (and sketches), characterized by their use of humor, satire, and slapstick comedy, offer a unique lens through which to examine contemporary Nigerian culture, customs, and social attitudes. In recent years, short dramatic pieces of various lengths and themes have rapidly become a dominant form of digital entertainment in Nigeria. These skits, often called "comicasts" due to their blend of comedy and broadcast-style presentation, employ a rich tapestry of humor, satire, and slapstick comedy to engage audiences. The term "comicast" aptly captures the essence of these productions, which are typically created for and distributed through digital platforms, merging traditional comedic elements with modern broadcasting techniques. The skits lampoon various categories of people, from the elderly to wealthy men who underestimate women at their peril. Regardless of their specific themes or settings, these skits consistently address significant aspects of Nigerian society: the intricacies of culture and customs and prevailing attitudes towards the opposite sex.
A common feature of these “comicasts” is the portrayal of conflicts between different groups, especially between men and women. These conflicts often involve verbal and physical duels, showcasing a form of verbal juggling that is entertaining and culturally significant. The quick-witted exchanges and comedic timing in these skits have become a hallmark of the genre, contributing to their widespread popularity. Interestingly, many of these skits have evolved to incorporate product advertising into their scripts seamlessly. This integration creates unique opportunities for marketers, with some skits even being motivated by the products they promote. This fusion of entertainment and advertising represents a novel approach to reaching audiences in the digital age.
The “comicast” genre has carved new avenues for artists to showcase their talents online while providing advertisers a relatively cost-effective marketing platform. However, it's worth noting that many of these skits revolve around themes related to the female body. The popularity of this subject matter has led to concerns about the objectification and commodification of women, often portrayed humorously through the speech and gestures of male characters. While “comicasts” serve as a mirror to certain aspects of Nigerian society, they also have the potential to reinforce cultural and patriarchal hegemony. There's a possibility that some audience members might uncritically adopt the lifestyles and attitudes suggested in these skits, highlighting the genre's potential influence on popular culture.
Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):
Cultural representation and critique in Nigerian drama skits
Gender dynamics and the portrayal of male-female relationships
The use of language and verbal juggling in skit performances
Discourse analysis of Nigerian skits
Representation of the political sphere in Nigerian skits
The intersection of advertising and entertainment in Nigerian skits
The commodification and objectification of the female body in digital content
The role of skits in reinforcing or challenging cultural hegemony
The economic impact of digital skits on the Nigerian entertainment industry
Comparative studies of Nigerian skits with other forms of digital entertainment
The influence of skits on Nigerian popular culture and social media trends
Ethical considerations in the production and consumption of drama skits
The impact of social media on narrative structures and genre boundaries
We are particularly interested in interdisciplinary approaches that combine media studies, film studies, literary theory, cultural anthropology, gender studies, linguistics, and digital humanities.
Please submit your 150–300-word abstracts to: woleolami@yahoo.com or tony.adah@gmail.com by Abstract Deadline: January 1, 2025.
We look forward to receiving your innovative contributions to this exciting and rapidly evolving field of study.