Popular Nigerian content creator and filmmaker, Maryam Apaokagi, better known as Taaooma, has revealed how personal struggles, including childhood bullying and other private challenges, influenced her evolution from a comedy skit maker into a filmmaker committed to telling meaningful stories that inspire empathy and social change.
Taaooma disclosed this in an interview with Journalist on Saturday, where she reflected on her creative journey, motherhood, the future of filmmaking, artificial intelligence, and the responsibilities of content creators in preserving Nigerian culture.
The entertainer said her latest film, Terms and Conditions, drew inspiration from her personal experience with bullying, noting that the emotional scars left by such experiences motivated her to tell stories that resonate with people facing similar struggles.
“Bullying is something that stays with a lot of people long after it happens. While writing the script for the film, I found myself thinking about some of those emotions and how deeply they can affect someone’s confidence and sense of belonging,” she said.
According to her, she chose film as the medium because it allows audiences to experience emotions more deeply than ordinary conversations.
“I wanted to tell the story through film because it allows people to experience those emotions alongside the characters. At the end of the day, I hope people watch the film, enjoy it, and also leave with a little more empathy for those who have gone through similar experiences,” she added.
Taaooma also admitted that despite becoming one of Nigeria’s most successful comedians, there were periods when she had to entertain millions while dealing with personal battles away from public attention.
“There were moments I had personal challenges but still had to show up, create content and meet deadlines. During those periods, I reminded myself that it’s okay to be human. I also learnt the importance of resting when I needed to and leaning on the people around me,” she said.
She explained that comedy has always been more than making people laugh, insisting that storytelling has remained the foundation of her work from the beginning.
“I actually see comedy as the foundation that introduced me to people, and I’m very grateful for it. But even when I make skits, I don’t see myself as someone who is only creating jokes. I have always seen myself as a storyteller,” she stated.
Speaking on her transition into filmmaking, the actress said she never considered her skits to be ordinary comic content, describing them as short comedy films that prepared her for bigger productions.
“I have never really seen my skits as skits. To me, they have always been short comedy films because of the effort I put into them, from production to post-production. But yes, making feature films is the new chapter,” she said.
On the growing use of artificial intelligence in content creation, Taaooma described AI as an opportunity rather than a threat, stressing that technology cannot replace genuine human emotions and lived experiences.
“AI can make certain parts of the creative process easier, whether it’s research, planning or improving efficiency. But I don’t think it can replace genuine human experiences and emotions. People connect with authenticity, and that’s something I believe will always matter,” she noted.
The filmmaker also rejected the growing belief that creators must rely on controversy or sexually suggestive content to remain relevant, maintaining that originality, discipline and consistency are enough to build lasting success.
“I absolutely believe creators can succeed without controversy. It might not always be the fastest route, but I think it’s the most sustainable. I have always believed that your work should be strong enough to stand on its own,” she said.
She further emphasised the need for Nigerian creators to preserve the country’s culture by working with veteran actors and producing stories that younger generations can relate to without losing their originality.
Reflecting on the future, Taaooma said she hopes her legacy will be defined by meaningful storytelling rather than fame, encouraging young Nigerians to prioritise skill development over the pursuit of instant online popularity.
“I’d love to be remembered as someone who told meaningful stories and made people feel something, whether through comedy or film. For young creatives, I’d say don’t focus only on going viral. Focus on becoming really good at what you do. Keep learning, stay consistent and don’t be discouraged if growth takes time,” she said.
