Nigerian skit maker and actress Maryam Apaokagi, popularly known as Taooma, has revealed that her mother and the everyday behaviour of African parents are the biggest sources of inspiration for her comedy content.
Speaking in an interview with TheCable shared on X on Monday, Taooma said she often overcomes creative blocks by drawing from relatable experiences within African households, particularly the habits and mannerisms of parents.
“It’s not like I don’t run out of ideas, but I obviously recoup and rejuvenate. 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,” she said.
She noted that ordinary family interactions provide endless material for comedy, adding that many of the situations portrayed in her skits are inspired by real-life experiences.
Taooma also said she is intentional about the content she consumes, choosing materials that inspire creativity and contribute positively to her personal development.
While admitting that reading is not one of her strongest habits, she joked that she had only recently started reading James Clear’s bestselling book, Atomic Habits.
“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,” she said.
The comedian also explained the origin of her popular character, Quadri, revealing that the role was initially created as a temporary character, possibly for an advertisement or to introduce a new personality into her skits.
However, the positive response from viewers convinced her to keep the character. She described Quadri as representing the bold and outspoken traits often associated with young men from Ilorin, Kwara State.
Taooma added that although she enjoys showcasing elements of Nigerian culture in her work, most of her creative decisions happen naturally rather than through careful planning. “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.
