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Apaokagi Maryam also known as Taaooma, a popular Nigerian comedian and content creator have said that she has more passion for acting and content creation, than Tourism, hospitality and event management which is her course of study. Although she believes that acting could also be a part of it.
This was gathered from her interview with Mrs Temitope Duker as she graced the weekend edition of the popular radio show Serenade with the Bosslady on Fad93.1fm Calabar.
According to the young talented Maryam Apaokagi, she never saw production of skits and content creation as business, she only saw it as something she wanted to do for fun. “I wanted to learn how to edit, that was why I ventured into it” She added. She also added that the nick name Taaooma is just an abbreviation of all her names.
In your skit you depict the typical Nigerian mother and it is easy for people to follow and understand it, why did you decide to depict the Nigerian mother in that like? Was your mum like that? Mrs Duker asked.
In response, Taaooma revealed that she picked some things from her mother and then added something extra, like the slaps and sometimes too much nagging. “I created Iya Taaoo to be one who loves nagging and doesn’t take nonsense. Although my mum doesn’t take nonsense, she is just about 20% of who I created Iya Taao to be” she said.
Taaooma also mentioned that as growing child, she had received slaps from her mother and believes that everyone did, but not as much as Iya Taaooma does.
As regards the viral video of the boy who said mummy calm down, she said that if Iya Taaoo was in the shoe of that woman, then the boy would have definitely receive the beatings of his life.
Why didn’t you study creative art considering the fact that you started you skits about the same time you got your admission?
“I was already in school, I started comedy in the second semester of my first year.” She said adding that she wanted to study law, but her school didn’t have law at that point. She further added that after she started comedy and began to love performing art, she couldn’t change because she would have to start afresh.
You started with video editing, why did you decide to play the character of Taaoo yourself? Is it that you never saw anyone else capable of playing that role?
Taaoma responded that she never found someone who could play the role of the mother and besides, she just felt that if she is to act her mum, then she is the best person to interpret her mum, and someone else cannot understand her reactions or the best reaction to what her mum does, that’s why she also chose to play the role by herself.
Meanwhile, Taaoma has added that her mother likes her comedies and is always amazed that in every scene there is a slap, but will always say “this is not me.”
Do you write your comedy scripts alone?
“Yes, my scripts are written by me and it is easy because its family concept and everyone has a family.” She said.
The renowned content creator have also revealed that she has more passion for acting and content creation, and also belief that acting is also needed in her line of study. She also mentioned that she always wanted to own a restaurant, but it was not possible during her days. Now she owns and runs a food business called “Chop Taaoo” “it is not easy but I am doing it.” She added.
What are the challenges you face as a content creator, when know started and now that you’ve gotten used to it?
In response, she mentioned that she started with her boyfriend when she was in Ilorin, “he always shoot and edit for me, but he later returned to Lagos and I went through the stress of shooting and editing for myself.” She said adding that she had to learn editing which has made it possible for her to edit her videos to her taste, “I prefer to edit for myself because I don’t feel satisfied when people edit my work.” Also Taaoma mentioned that she had the challenge of getting another story ready for the next week while trying to meet up with the demands of her studies was really a big stress then. But now, she think sometimes she goes through a creative block. And sometimes have to sleep or cook to get back herself.
You talk a lot about your boyfriend, how much impact has he made on you and your content creating?
Apaokagi Maryam also known as Taaooma in response said that it is only when she feels like telling lies about her journey that she will not talk about him. Adding that he is her husband. According to her “He is not just my boyfriend, he is my husband and we have fulfilled the traditional rights, so we will call people for the celebration soon.”
Content is key, how do you intend to remain relevant in the business of business creating? Mrs Duker asked.
“I think it is just in Gods hand, so I will keep doing my thing and depend on God for the rest” she replied.
Also Apaokagi Maryam (Taaooma) has revealed that to have Taaooma as a brand, all you need to do is send an email to taaooma@gmail.com and my management will attend to it and also apologies to those whose messages have not been replied.
Meanwhile, she has also revealed that she does not foresee any future in music.
As way of advising fellow youths, Taaooma has mentioned that School is very important, “try as much as you can to finish it but don’t depend just on what you studied, learn other things and be diligent in them”
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