The ’90s in Nigeria were a golden age for television. From hilarious takes on family dynamics to witty and relatable depictions of society, Nigerian sitcoms brought laughter into homes across the country.
This article explores the top 10 ’90s sitcoms that had audiences glued to their screens, sparking joy and conversation during this unforgettable decade.
Top 10 ’90s sitcoms
1. Checkmate (1991-1994):
Checkmate, which aired from 1991 to 1994, was a cornerstone of Nigerian television. Though classified as a drama series, it weaved strong comic elements into its narrative. It captivated audiences with its portrayal of a wealthy Lagos family, the Haatropes, and the dramatic (and often hilarious) situations they encountered.
Checkmate‘s impact on Nigerian television is undeniable. It ushered in a new era of sophisticated storytelling that balanced drama with humour. The show’s legacy lives on, not just in reruns that continue to entertain audiences but also in its influence on future Nigerian sitcoms that followed in its footsteps.
The show’s title held symbolic weight. The opening credits featured a chessboard with the Haatrope king under direct attack by an opponent’s pawn, a visual metaphor for the constant challenges the family faced. Their wealth and success attracted envious enemies determined to bring them down.
Characters:
- Chief Haatrope (played by the legendary Pete Edochie): The family patriarch, a stern businessman with a dry wit and a protective streak a mile wide. His attempts to maintain control often led to comedic clashes with his children.
- Mrs Haatrope (played by Ego Boyo): The ever-supportive wife, a pillar of strength for the family, who navigated Chief Haatrope’s moods with grace and a touch of humour.
- Andrew Haatrope: The eldest son, a charming playboy who often finds himself in comical situations due to his romantic escapades.
- Bimpe Haatrope: The headstrong daughter, a lawyer with a sharp mind and a sassy tongue, whose arguments with her father provided some of the show’s funniest moments.
2. Papa Ajasco (1996-present)
Papa Ajasco and Company, or simply Papa Ajasco, is a Nigerian television sitcom that has transcended generations. Debuting in 1996, it remains a popular show, a testament to the enduring appeal of its slapstick humour and iconic characters.
The show revolves around the Ajasco family, though the term “family” is used loosely. Papa Ajasco, the titular character, is a mischievous, womanising and bald man (though his baldness is a wig, not his natural hair). He is constantly at odds with his long-suffering wife, Mama Ajasco. Their son, Bobo Ajasco, is an impish child who often amplifies the chaos.
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Characters in Papa Ajasco:
- Papa Ajasco (played originally by Abiodun Ayoyinka, later by Femi Ogunrombi): The show’s centrepiece. His signature look is a suit, tie, and his aforementioned bald head. Papa Ajasco’s antics are a mix of physical comedy, silly jokes, and chasing after younger women, often to the chagrin of Mama Ajasco. His most iconic move? Bumping his head in surprise!
- Mama Ajasco (played originally by Iyabo Momoh, later by Moji Oyetayo): The voice of reason (somewhat) amidst the madness. Mama Ajasco constantly deals with her husband’s infidelity and their son’s mischief.
- Bobo Ajasco (various child actors): The mischievous son, often seen carrying a slingshot and causing trouble. While not the brightest bulb, Ajasco’s childish antics add to the show’s slapstick humour.
- Boy Alinco: The neighbourhood playboy, a rival of Papa Ajasco in his pursuit of women.
- Miss Pepeye: A gold-digging temptress who often uses her feminine wiles to manipulate the men in the neighbourhood.
- Pa James and Pa Jimoh: A pair of elderly neighbours who add another layer of humour with their nonsensical conversations and eccentric personalities. Originally, it was just Pa Jimoh (played by the late actor, Chris Erakpotobor) and Pa James (Kayode Olasehinde). It was later narrowed down to just Pa James, following Erakpotobor’s untimely demise.
3. Ripples:
Ripples, though starting in the early 80s, was a major Nigerian sitcom throughout the 90s. It tackled a unique premise, following the lives of a polygamous family, the Akpobasas, and the hilarious situations that arose from their dynamic.
Ripples deviated from the typical family sitcom format by centring on a polygamous household. Chief Akpobasa, the head of the family, had three wives—Mabel, Agnes, and Beatrice, each with their distinct personalities and parenting styles.
Characters in Ripples:
- Chief Akpobasa (played by Akin Omotoso): The patriarch, a man struggling to maintain order and affection amongst his three wives. His attempts at fairness often led to hilarious misunderstandings.
- Mabel Akpobasa (played by Bukky Ogunnote): The senior wife, a strong and outspoken woman who was not afraid to voice her opinions, often to the amusement (and sometimes annoyance) of the others.
- Agnes Akpobasa (played by Ibidun Allison): The middle wife, known for her flamboyant taste and dramatic personality. Her clashes with Mabel provided much of the show’s comedic spark.
- Beatrice Akpobasa (played by Eucharia Anunobi): The youngest wife, beautiful and cunning, often manipulated situations to her advantage, adding another layer of humour to the family dynamic.
- The children: The Akpobasa children, from different mothers, added another dimension to the show. Their sibling rivalries and attempts to navigate the complex family dynamics provided relatable moments and comedic fodder.
4. Super Story
Unarguably the most dominant sitcom of the late 90s Super Story has a huge spot in the history of Nigerian Television. This anthology series, a staple of Nigerian television in the 1990s, presented a new self-contained story each week. Unlike traditional sitcoms with a consistent storyline, Super Story offered a diverse range of narratives. For a month or two, you could be chuckling at a witty romantic comedy and when the series eventually comes to an end, you might be on the edge of your seat with a crime thriller when a new Super Story series emerges. This format kept audiences engaged and coming back for more.
Corruption, poverty, gender inequality, cultural clashes—these were just some of the issues tackled by Super Story. Sometimes, the show used humour as a tool to spark national conversations about pressing social issues Nigerians were facing. It was not afraid to dive deeper into relatable scenarios in everyday Nigerian society, it held a mirror to society, prompting viewers to reflect.
Super Story transcended mere entertainment. It became a cultural phenomenon, a platform for social discourse and a springboard for many Nigerian actors and writers. Reruns of the show still hold a nostalgic charm for audiences today. The sitcom’s famous soundtrack, which was sung by veteran songstress, Essence, remains unforgotten to this day.
5. Everyday People
Everyday People, a beloved Nigerian sitcom that graced screens in the 1990s, was not your typical laugh-a-minute comedy. It offered a heartwarming portrayal of a middle-class Lagos family, the Agwus, navigating the joys and challenges of everyday life.
The show’s strength lay in its well-developed characters, who felt like your own neighbours.
Characters:
- Chief Mike Agwu: The patriarch, a man juggling work and family life. His attempts at discipline often led to humorous misunderstandings.
- Mama Agnes Agwu: The matriarch, the voice of reason and humour who kept the family grounded. Her practical approach to life, sprinkled with wit, resonated with viewers.
- Chidi Agwu: The eldest son, a teenager navigating the complexities of adolescence, with his attempts to be cool and offer relatable humour.
- Uche Agwu: The mischievous daughter, known for her quick wit and tendency to get into trouble. Her sibling rivalry with Chidi and her interactions with her parents provided a source of constant amusement.
- Aunty Lizzy: The ever-present aunt, a source of comic relief and unsolicited advice for the Agwu family.
It starred the late Nigerian actor, Sam Loco Efe; Carol King, Norbert Young, Ify Onwuemene, Anthony Ogbetere, Ejiro Okurame and the late Ignis Ekwe.
6. I Need to Know
I Need To Know was one of the most popular Nigerian sitcoms back in the day. Airing from 1997 to 2002, it tackled the serious issue of adolescent reproductive health in a lighthearted and informative way.
Produced by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), “I Need To Know” aimed to educate young Nigerians about sexual health and reproductive rights.
Each episode focused on a central theme related to adolescent health, like peer pressure, contraception or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
The show revolved around a group of teenagers navigating the complexities of adolescence. Their experiences and challenges resonated with young viewers.
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I Need To Know Cast:
- Funke Akindele as Bisi
- Uche Ejiogu as Ngozi
- Taiwo Lesh as Hauwa
- Amaka Egwuatu as Essien
7. Fuji House of Commotion (1990s):
Fuji House of Commotion was a beloved Nigerian sitcom that dominated screens from the 1990s to the early 2000s. It offered a hilarious yet thought-provoking take on polygamy. The show revolved around Chief T.A. Fuji, a wealthy man juggling life with his four wives.
The show’s humour stems from the clashing personalities of the wives, their attempts to gain favour with Chief Fuji, and the children’s navigating this complex family dynamic. While the show’s primary focus was humour, it subtly addressed social issues surrounding polygamy in Nigeria.
Cast:
- Mama Moji (Toun Oni): The first and senior wife, known for her strong personality and traditional values.
- Peace (Ngozi Nwosu): The second wife, known for her gossip and flamboyant style.
- Ireti (Louisa Onu): The third wife, known for her intellectualism and modern outlook.
- Caro (Ireti Doyle): The youngest and most educated wife, known for her independence and progressive views.
8. The New Masquerade
The New Masquerade’s peak popularity was not necessarily in the 90s. It emerged in the mid-1970s, following the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970).
Created by James Iroha, “The New Masquerade” began as a radio programme called “The Masquerade” on the Eastern Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation. In the aftermath of the Civil War, the show aimed to bring humour and joy back into people’s lives. It transitioned to television in the mid-70s, becoming a mainstay on the Nigerian Television Network (NTA) for over two decades.
Unlike most sitcoms with a continuous storyline, The New Masquerade was an anthology series. Each episode offered a self-contained story with a different cast and setting. This format allowed the show to explore a wide range of themes.
The show boasted a repertoire of iconic characters who appeared throughout the series:
- Chief Zebrudaya (Chika Okpala): A domineering ex-serviceman with a larger-than-life personality. He often used a mix of English, Igbo, and Pidgin English in his speech.
- Ovularia (Lizzy Evoeme): Zebrudaya’s submissive wife, who grounded his antics with her common sense.
- Jegede Sokoya (Claude Eke): Zebrudaya’s friend, known for his arrogance, get-rich-quick schemes, and bombastic use of English.
- Giringori (James Iroha): A houseboy known for his Pidgin English and childlike innocence.
- Clarus (David Ofor): Giringori’s fellow houseboy, often the voice of reason amongst the chaos.
9. Basi and Company
Basi and Company, also known as “Mr B”, was a groundbreaking Nigerian sitcom that ran from 1986 to 1990. Written and produced by the famous activist and writer Ken Saro-Wiwa, the show lampooned the widespread corruption plaguing oil-rich Nigeria during the late 80s.
The show used humour to criticise get-rich-quick schemes, greed and the exploitation of the poor by the wealthy.
- Basi (Mr. B): The protagonist is obsessed with becoming a millionaire through outlandish schemes. His trademark red t-shirt and catchphrase: “To be a millionaire, think like a millionaire!” became iconic.
- Madam: Basi’s landlady, equally greedy but frequently the victim of his antics. Her love for money was reflected in her catchphrase, “It’s a matter of cash!”
- Alali: Basi’s dimwitted sidekick, often the butt of the joke but also providing lovable comic relief.
- Dandy & Boy Josco: Basi’s rivals in the get-rich-quick game, running a dilapidated bar and often failing even more spectacularly than Basi.
- Segi: A beautiful but devious woman, another competitor in the shady money-making schemes.
10. Tales By Moonlight
Created in 1984 by Victoria Ezeokoli, Tales by Moonlight was a conscious effort to offer Nigerian children a local alternative to popular foreign shows like “Sesame Street”.
The description of the show’s signature tune and Sunday evening airing perfectly captures the nostalgic feeling associated with “Tales by Moonlight” for many Nigerians who grew up in the 90s and 2000s.
The show offered urban Nigerian children a glimpse into traditional village life and folklore, creating a connection to their cultural heritage.
Nkem Oselloka-Orakwue, affectionately known as “Auntie Nkem”, became synonymous with the show. Her dedication to children’s education and entertainment left a lasting impact on Nigerian media.
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