Taaooma Talks About Her Journey and Life as a Content Creator

Content creator, Maryam Apaokagi, known as Taaooma, shares her experiences with KEHINDE AJOSE.

Creating comedy is harder than it seems. Each character has a unique personality and way of reacting. When I shoot, I switch between characters, sometimes four or five times in one skit. It's not just about changing clothes or putting on a wig. I have to think like the character. If I don't, people will notice.

Over time, the characters feel natural to me. They come from people I know. Nigerians are full of personality, and I love to watch them. Sometimes, someone says something funny, and before I know it, that line becomes a Taaooma character.

Tao is the character closest to my true self. She’s the easiest for me to play because there’s a lot of me in her. However, each character has a part of my life and the people I’ve met.

I don't see comedy as the only thing I do. It's the foundation that helped me meet people, and I’m grateful for that. When I make skits, I don’t think of myself as just a comedian. I see myself as a storyteller.

The skits were the first way I could share stories with what I had. Now, filmmaking helps me tell longer and deeper stories.

Some might still see me as a comedian, and that’s fine. As I make more films, I believe my work will show my true talent. I don’t need to convince anyone; I just need to create.

Observation is where it all starts. I watch everyday conversations, family interactions, and small things that people do without realizing they’re funny. Nigerians have a way of making normal situations entertaining.

When I get an idea, I write it down and build the story. I think about characters, pacing, camera angles, and how I want viewers to feel. Editing is also a big part of the process because timing is key in comedy. A few seconds can change if a joke works or not.

There’s a lot of work behind what people see as a one-minute video.

Bullying leaves a mark long after it happens. While writing my film’s script, I thought about the feelings that come with it and how deeply it affects someone’s confidence.

I wanted to show this through film because it helps people feel those emotions with the characters. Hearing about bullying is one thing, but watching it happen shows how it impacts a person’s life.

At the end of the day, I hope viewers enjoy the film and leave with more empathy for those who have faced similar issues.

It made me more empathetic. I learned that we don’t know what others are dealing with, so kindness is important.

As a comedian, I love to make people laugh because laughter can heal. As a storyteller, I focus on everyday people, their struggles, and how they overcome them.

Looking back, I wouldn’t say bullying defined me, but it shaped how I see people and the stories I want to tell.

Definitely. Many creators feel this, even if others don’t see it. Life goes on, even when you have an audience. I faced personal issues but still had to create content and meet deadlines.

During tough times, I reminded myself that it’s okay to be human. I learned to rest when needed and lean on my support system. I’m thankful I have people who remind me I don’t have to handle everything alone.

Motherhood has changed me in beautiful ways. The biggest lesson is to be intentional with my time because my choices affect more than just me.

It taught me patience. I quickly learned that not everything happens right away, and that’s something I apply in my career too.

I still love creating and telling stories, but I’m more aware of balancing time for my family. It has given me a new perspective on life.

Many women experience being underestimated, and I’m no exception. People sometimes think someone else is making decisions or don’t expect me to lead a production.

But I’ve learned not to waste energy proving people wrong. I let the work speak for itself.

Thankfully, things are changing. More women are leading conversations and productions. I’m proud to be part of a generation showing that talent, hard work, and consistency matter more than stereotypes.

I believe women can succeed. It might not be the fastest way, but it’s sustainable.

I always think your work should stand on its own. Trends come and go, and while controversy might attract attention, earning trust with your audience lasts longer.

I’ve stayed true to myself from the start. I think people value authenticity. If you’re consistent and improving your craft, while connecting with people, there’s room for success.

Our stories make us unique, and we should keep sharing them. Growing up, I admired many Nigerian actors, and now working with them is something I appreciate.

We can learn a lot from them because they helped build the industry we all benefit from today.

As creators, we must preserve our culture while making it relatable for younger generations. I’ll always try to do this through my work.

I see technology as a tool, not a threat. Technology evolves, and every generation of creators adapts.

AI can help with research, planning, and efficiency. But it can’t replace real human experiences and emotions.

People connect with authenticity, and that will always matter, no matter how advanced technology is.

I’ve always seen my skits as short films due to the effort I put into them, from production to editing. Making feature films is my new chapter.

In the future, I’ll keep creating stories that entertain but also linger with viewers long after they finish watching.

Consistency is key. I focus on improving rather than chasing trends.

I treat my work like a business. Each video involves planning, teamwork, and intentional choices.

Most importantly, I’ve protected the trust I’ve built with my audience because it’s one of the most valuable things for any creator.

Storytelling is powerful because it shapes how people think and see the world.

Creators might not have all the answers to society’s issues, but we can start conversations, promote empathy, and inspire change through our stories.

Entertainment should make people laugh, cry, and think. If we can do this while helping people become better, we’ve done something meaningful.

I want to be remembered as someone who told meaningful stories and made people feel something, whether through comedy or film. If my work connects with people years later, that’s a beautiful legacy.

To young creatives, I say don’t just aim for going viral. Work on being great at what you do. Keep learning, stay consistent, and don’t be discouraged if growth takes time.

Success doesn’t happen overnight, but if you improve and stay true to yourself, opportunities will come.