Alibaba Slams Nigerian Comedians for Using Inappropriate Jokes at Corporate Events
Alibaba has condemned the rise of vulgar jokes at formal events, citing poor professionalism.
He urged young comedians to respect boundaries and learn emotional intelligence instead of chasing shock value.
Veteran Nigerian comedian Alibaba has spoken out against what he describes as a troubling decline in professionalism among some of the country’s up-and-coming comedians. During a recent discussion, the comedy icon expressed his concerns about the rising trend of crude and disrespectful humor being delivered at high-profile events where decorum is expected.
Sharing a personal experience, Alibaba recalled attending a corporate function where a young comedian made a tasteless joke about the plus-size wife of the company’s chairman. According to him, the remark was not only inappropriate but also deeply embarrassing and disrespectful to the hosts. Shocked by the poor judgment, Alibaba confronted the comedian privately to offer some guidance only to be met with hostility.
He recounted how the comedian dismissed his advice and accused him of being jealous of his rising popularity. “I was trying to offer correction, not condemnation,” Alibaba said. “But instead of listening, he brushed it off and saw it as envy.”
The comedy legend stressed the need for comedians, especially those handling corporate gigs, to understand their audience and apply emotional intelligence. He emphasized that not all jokes are suitable for every setting and that the art of stand-up comedy requires more than just trying to shock the crowd.
“There are about three Nigerian comedians I really can’t stand,” he admitted. “They lack decorum and constantly cross the line. You try to correct them, but they don’t listen. You send them to a corporate event, and they start telling dirty jokes. Then when the company complains and you confront them, they act like it’s not a big deal.”
Although he refrained from naming the comedians involved, Alibaba made it clear that his aim is to protect the integrity of the craft, not to tear anyone down. His comments have since sparked a conversation among industry insiders and fans alike about the need for greater professionalism and respect within Nigeria’s comedy scene.
