Abiri Tobi Folagade, professionally known as Folagade Banks, is a celebrated content creator, actor, and digital storyteller redefining contemporary comedy in the digital landscape. Best recognised for his iconic character Mama Deola, a witty, sharp-tongued yet relatable portrayal of the quintessential Nigerian mother, Folagade has built a brand that transcends entertainment, bridges generations and cultures through humour and social commentary.
A graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, where he earned a degree in Geography, Folagade’s journey as a comic storyteller began during the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as short Instagram skits quickly evolved into a thriving career that has positioned him among Nigeria’s most influential comedic voices. His performances are culturally authentic, witty, and showcase a fearless ability to spotlight the everyday realities of a Nigerian home in ways that resonate deeply with millions of viewers beyond Nigeria. His acting credits include appearances in The Eve (2019) and the Africa Magic series Okoto (2021), further establishing him as a versatile entertainer. Alongside his creative work, Folagade has collaborated with an impressive roster of celebrities, including Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Sola Sobowale, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Bukky Wright, Kizz Daniel, and PSquare, and has partnered with global brands such as Netflix, Coca-Cola, Toyota, Shoprite, KFC, Knorr, Prime Video, Colgate, MTN, Peak Milk, Close Up, and Sprite, reflecting his cross-industry appeal and commercial value.
In 2025, he was honoured with the Trendupp Award for The Force of Comedy Skits, recognising him as the most engaging and influential content creator in Nigeria’s comedy niche between March 2024 and March 2025. In 2024, Pulse Nigeria named him the number one Top Instagram Comedian, while Dataleum ranked him Nigeria’s Number 1 male skitmaker for two consecutive times (2025 Q1 and Q2), spotlighting his impact with over 72 million views and numerous viral collaborations. Through the Mama Deola brand, Folagade Banks continues to amplify African voices, stories, and humour on a global stage. His work not only entertains but also preserves cultural narratives, offering global audiences a mirror into everyday African life. With a growing influence across Africa, Folagade Banks is one of the leading cultural architects in Nigeria’s emerging creative economy.
In this interview with BD Weekender, he speaks on what inspired him to pursue a career in comedy and content creation and how he balances humour with cultural commentary in his work, amongst others.
What inspired you to pursue a career in comedy and content creation?
It is my passion to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I have always sought to bring smiles to people’s faces in my own unique way and to utilise my talents to their fullest potential. From a young age, my parents recognised my natural gifts, and deep down, I knew I had to follow a path that would allow me to express myself. Like many children, I once dreamed of becoming a doctor in primary school. However, I soon realised this was not my path, especially since mathematics was not my strongest subject. I then considered becoming a banker because I enjoyed economics, but I questioned whether that was my true calling. Did I really envision myself in an office every day? The truth is, I have always been more artistic than scientific. This realisation empowered me to embrace my true self and lean into my creativity. Ultimately, it is my passion for making people laugh, feel joy, and connect through my art that has led me to this point.
How did your background in Geography influence your approach to storytelling?
Studying human geography taught me how to analyse populations, demographics, and trends, and I’ve applied this knowledge to my content creation. It has helped me to tell stories for different demographics of people and make strategic decisions.
I study my audience similarly to how I would analyse data in geography, by identifying patterns, interpreting statistics, and understanding what people truly enjoy. I perceive the preferences of different groups, how far they’re willing to engage with content, and the best ways to connect with them. This knowledge is what has enabled me to create relatable content. I ask myself questions like: Will this resonate more in the Southwest, Southeast, or nationwide? By understanding these dynamics, I create skits in ways that feel authentic and impactful to the audience.
What role did social media play in launching your career, and how did you leverage it to build your brand?
When I began my journey as a professional content creator, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when physical auditions were nearly impossible. Social media became the platform available for me to showcase my storytelling skills. I turned to Instagram, consistently creating and posting content. Over time, various blogs shared some of my videos, which went viral and helped me gain popularity on social media. About a year and a half later, I made my television debut. I have successfully leveraged social media to build a dynamic brand, create relatable family-friendly content, and foster a strong online community. My social engagement encouraged various brands to collaborate with me. Additionally, I have utilised social media as an income-generating tool while also aiming to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
How did you come up with the character of Mama Deola, and what inspired her persona?
The inspiration for Mama Deola came from a casual conversation with my friends during my final year at university. We joked about our mothers and how hilarious they can be at times; their mannerisms, unique ways of reacting to situations, and the funny little attitudes they all seemed to share. At one point, we laughed so hard that it felt like our moms must have attended the same “school of motherhood” and taught the same expressions and behaviours. That conversation stuck with me. I thought, if four of my friends could relate so easily, surely countless others could as well. That was when the Mama Deola brand was born. It initially consisted of simple monologues delivered in front of a camera, with a plain white wall as the backdrop. Over time, the character evolved, and Mama Deola became a distinct personality and beloved character that people recognise today.
Can you walk us through your creative process when developing new skits or content?
Society and everyday life influence my creative process. I draw inspiration from my surroundings, personal experiences, stories about African mothers, and the people close to me, particularly within Nigerian culture. Conversations with friends, family, and even my mum often spark new ideas, which I then translate into my content creation. I usually jot down these ideas, develop them further, and collaborate with my team to bring them to life. For me, it’s about taking something familiar and presenting it in a way that feels funny and relatable. This approach helps me create new skits and fresh ideas that resonate with people.
How do you balance humour with cultural commentary in your work?
By consistently telling relatable stories. Every African has a Mama Deola as a mother, aunt, neighbour, market seller, or sister. How I have balanced humour and cultural commentary is by staying true to my original goal of reflecting society while allowing humour to emerge naturally. It hasn’t been hard to achieve this balance because, from the beginning, comedy wasn’t my sole focus. In fact, I didn’t set out to be a comedian at all. I intended to create relatable stories that reflect our daily lives, childhood experiences, and cultural patterns within society. My starting point was to tell stories that people could see themselves in. As I continued, I began to incorporate comic elements, and I discovered that audiences found these stories amusing. Consequently, what started as purely relatable content gradually evolved into something comical and entertaining.
What do you think sets you apart from other comedians and content creators in Nigeria?
My dynamic storytelling style; it allows me to connect with different generations and vividly bring to life fascinating and dramatic family memories through Mama Deola. As I mentioned earlier, every Nigerian and African has a relationship with a Mama Deola, who often brings excitement into the home. As a creator, I draw inspiration directly from societal patterns and everyday life, striving to replicate reality as closely as possible. I pay close attention to details such as slang, mannerisms, props, and locations; everything is intentional. This dedication is why many viewers watch my videos and remark, “This is too real to be just a skit; it feels like you’ve been peeking into our lives.” This level of accuracy reflects my commitment to staying original and authentic in every piece of content I create.
How do you navigate the challenges of working in the digital space, where trends and algorithms are constantly changing?
By being willing to evolve. I have gone through different phases as a creator. My journey started with commentaries, followed by banters, and eventually led to the creation of the Mama Deola personality. Mama Deola has evolved from simple monologues against a white wall to indoor skits with props, and later into variations such as UK Mama Deola and Mama Deola as a marriage counsellor. Each stage has enabled me to grow and keep my content fresh for my audience.
One important lesson I have learned is that building a brand on trends is not sustainable. If you rely solely on trends, you will always be waiting for the next one to create your content. Instead, I have chosen to focus on originality and creativity. This approach challenges me to evolve continually, work harder, generate new ideas, and stay attuned to the needs of my audience. For me, it’s about adaptability, knowing when to introduce something new, when to push harder, and when to refine what already works.
What advice would you give to aspiring content creators and comedians looking to build a similar career?
I will encourage them to keep the fire burning. Passion and consistency are essential in this industry. At the beginning, it will not always be easy; you may post videos that do not receive likes, comments, or engagement. It can feel discouraging and even embarrassing at times. Some people might even tell you directly that you should quit and try something else. That is why having passion is crucial.
You need to love what you do enough to persevere when it feels like nobody’s watching. Do not let money be your primary motivation, because, in the initial stages, there may not be any financial reward. If money is your only incentive, you will likely give up too quickly. Instead, allow your passion and intentionality to guide you. Be clear about the type of content you want to create and your reasons for doing so.
Most importantly, keep showing up. Day after day, continue to put in the work. That consistency will eventually pay off. One day, that big YES will come; that viral content will break through, and you will see the results of your dedication. But it all starts with staying committed, passionate, and consistent.
Can you tell us about some of your favourite collaborations or projects you’ve worked on, and what made them stand out?
I have been blessed with incredible collaborations, making it challenging to choose a favourite. Working with legends like Aunty Sola Sobowale, Aunty Bukky Wright, and Aunty Omotola Jalade remains a highlight in my career. Sharing the screen with those I admired growing up has been surreal and uplifting.
On a personal level, I’m particularly proud of the skit I created about the “morning of Yoruba weddings.” That video went viral, filled me with joy, and has demonstrated the profound connections people have with cultural storytelling. It inspired me to keep creating content that celebrates our identity. I am thankful for every opportunity and project, whether big or small. Each has shaped my journey, and I am grateful to God.
How do you measure the impact of your work, and what do you hope audiences take away from your work?
The measure of success for a creative person lies in how their work touches lives, spreads joy, and brings people together. I gauge my success through the people I meet and the stories they share with me. I receive countless direct messages and emails, and when I travel, many people recognise me for my craft. That recognition serves as a reminder that what I do goes beyond simply creating content; it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives. Nothing compares to hearing from someone who says my videos made them laugh on a tough day, or from families who share that my skits have become a part of their group chats, helping them feel closer together. I have even had people tell me that my content played a role in reconciling partners because it gave them a reason to laugh again. That kind of impact means everything to me. It transcends numbers and awards; it’s all about the human connection.
How do you balance your personal life with the demands of your career, and what self-care practices do you prioritise?
I make it a priority to establish healthy boundaries in my life. I take breaks, rest, and spend quality time with my family and friends. It sometimes means staying home to catch up on my favourite shows or enjoying simple pleasures like making and drinking fresh fruit juice, which I love. I also prioritise exercising daily and staying hydrated because my health is important to me.
Given the nature of my work, I am around food and have irregular schedules, so I’ve learned to be intentional about my choices. For example, I limit myself to eating once a day to maintain discipline and avoid overindulgence. It’s all about self-control and achieving balance.
What are your goals and aspirations for the next few years, both creatively and professionally?
My vision for the Mama Deola brand is to elevate it to a global stage. I aspire for it to expand beyond skits into franchises, films, and projects streamed worldwide. I want the brand to be recognised not just for its comedy, but also for Folagade Banks’ extraordinary creativity, originality, and impact. I aim to be remembered for greatness, creating work that inspires, entertains, and sets a high standard in the industry. This journey is a progressive one, and I am committed to taking each step until I reach even greater heights.
Are there any new projects or initiatives you’re working on that you’re excited to share with your audience?
I am currently involved in several projects and initiatives, but I’d like to keep them under wraps for the moment. If you know me well, you understand that I love surprises. I enjoy surprising my loved ones, and I find even greater joy in surprising my audience. Therefore, I prefer to let my work speak for itself when the time is right. All I can say is: keep your fingers crossed because I am coming back bigger and stronger than ever.
