Lagos, Nigeria — In a world where trends rise and fade overnight, Abiri Tobi Folagade, better known as Folagade Banks, has stood out for something deeper: storytelling. Through his skits—especially the iconic character Mama Deola—Folagade has used humour to not only entertain but also preserve and amplify African narratives.
A graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, where he studied Geography, Folagade’s creative journey took off during the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as lighthearted Instagram clips quickly grew into a storytelling brand that now commands millions of views, collaborations with global brands, and recognition as one of Nigeria’s most influential comedians.
From partnering with Netflix, Coca-Cola, Toyota, MTN, and Prime Video to featuring in Nollywood productions like The Eve and Okoto, Folagade has proven that comedy, when fused with culture, can cross borders and resonate globally.
In this interview-style feature, he reflects on his journey, creative process, and the future of African comedy.
Q&A with Folagade Banks
Q: Many people know you today as Mama Deola, but how did the comedy journey begin?
Folagade Banks: Comedy has always been a part of me. Growing up, I loved making people laugh. During the lockdown in 2020, I started creating skits just for fun, but the reception was overwhelming. That’s when I realised comedy could be more than a hobby—it could be my way of telling African stories.
Q: Mama Deola has become a household name. What inspired the character?
Folagade Banks: Honestly, it started as a joke among friends. We were talking about how Nigerian mothers act—their toughness, their funny expressions, their wisdom—and I thought, why not create a character that captures all of that? Mama Deola is every African mother: firm, funny, resilient, and full of love. She reminds people of home, and that’s why she connects so deeply.
Q: Your content feels very authentic, even when trends change. How do you keep it that way?
Folagade Banks: For me, originality is everything. I don’t just chase trends because they fade. I draw from real experiences—family conversations, cultural norms, everyday Nigerian life. When people watch, they don’t just laugh; they see themselves, their mothers, their neighbours. That’s why Mama Deola has lasted this long.
Q: You’ve worked with big brands and Nollywood legends. How has that shaped your journey?
Folagade Banks: It has been humbling. Working with people like Sola Sobowale, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, RMD, Bukky Wright—it validates that comedy is not “just skits,” it’s storytelling at a professional level. And with global brands, it shows the world is paying attention to African creatives.
Q: You recently won Trendupp’s Force of Comedy Skits award and were named Nigeria’s top skitmaker for two consecutive quarters. What do these recognitions mean to you?
Folagade Banks: They mean people see the work. Behind every 60-second video is hours of planning, writing, shooting, editing. Awards and rankings are encouragement, but what matters most is impact—the messages in the stories and the joy people get from them.
Q: Looking ahead, what is your vision for Mama Deola and African storytelling?
Folagade Banks: I want Mama Deola to move beyond social media—into films, stage productions, even global franchises. My dream is that she becomes a cultural symbol, not just a character. And for African comedy in general, I believe we can export our stories in a way that entertains but also preserves culture. Laughter is universal, but the stories behind the laughter are uniquely African.
Q: Finally, what do you want your legacy to be?
Folagade Banks: That I stayed true to my roots. That I entertained, but also educated. That Mama Deola became a bridge—between generations, between Africa and the world. If people remember me for originality, consistency, and cultural storytelling, then I’ve done my job.
With over 72 million views in just six months of 2025, numerous awards, and a growing global fanbase, Folagade Banks is proving that comedy is more than laughter—it’s a cultural archive, a mirror of society, and a powerful export of African creativity.
By Adeola Olaniya | August 30, 2025
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