International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: The comedy skit industry in Nigeria has emerged as one of the leading entertainment media for addressing various social and political issues. However, many of these productions amplify sexual objectification, stereotypes, and exploitative narratives that distort the identity of African women. This, if left unchecked, could reinforce harmful gender dynamics, contribute to the normalisation of objectification, and influence societal attitudes towards women. Despite the importance of studies in this area, there remains a glaring lack of research on how these comedic representations shape perceptions of women and inform gender relations in Nigeria.
Objective: This study examines the portrayal of women in selected comedy skits by two prominent Nigerian skit makers, Mr. Macaroni and Kelvinblak. Anchored on Feminist Objectification Theory, the study examines how these skit makers construct and normalise gender inequality.
Method: Using a qualitative case study design and content analysis, four skits, namely Beautiful Sheena (2024) and The Delivery Girl (2024) by Mr. Macaroni, and Schoolmates (2025) and Delivery Marriage (2024) by Kelvinblak, were purposively selected and analysed.
Result: Across the skits, women were portrayed as objects of male pleasure, and victims of the patriarchal system, while men were positioned as providers and dominant figures. Finding also shows that harmful stereotypes are sometimes perpetuated by women themselves, further complicating the struggle for gender balance.
Conclusion: The study concludes that comedy skits shape public perceptions and risk distorting women’s identities in society.
Unique Contribution: This study offered a critical examination of how Nigerian skit makers employ humour in ways that objectify women. Its findings will be particularly valuable to feminist media scholars, as it underscores issues concerning the representation of women on social media.
Key Recommendation: The study recommends the need for positive representations of women, and increased participation of female skit makers to challenge patriarchal narratives and promote gender equity in digital media.