By Elizabeth Osayande

Dr. Ibukun Filani, a distinguished Nigerian scholar and humour researcher based in the USA, in an exclusive interview with Vanguard, discusses his upcoming book, Intentions in Comedy Discourse: A Linguistic-Pragmatics Approach to Stand-up Comedy. Dr. Filani, whose work has earned international recognition through awards and fellowship in Germany, Hungary, and the United States, etc. In this exclusive interview, he tells us how humour shapes societal narratives, offering insights into his research and what readers can expect from his new book. He also reflects on his academic journey and highlights his contributions to understanding Nigerian stand-up comedy’s impact on identity, gender, and politics.

Excerpt of the interview

Your upcoming book, Intentions in Comedy Discourse, scheduled to be released on February 10, 2025, has generated considerable excitement. Could you start by telling us what inspired this project?

The inspiration for this book comes from my lifelong fascination with humour and its unique power to address serious societal issues. Growing up in Nigeria, I witnessed how comedians could simultaneously entertain and critique, offering laughter while holding a mirror to society. My academic journey deepened this curiosity, particularly in the fields of linguistics and pragmatics. This book is the culmination of years of exploring how humour operates as a communicative tool, its cultural significance, and its ability to foster critical discourse.

At its core, the book examines how stand-up comedy configures us as postcolonial, neoliberal individuals in Nigeria’s capitalist-driven economy. It also explores its socio-political function as a public sphere where cultural, governance, and identity-based deliberations occur. People often view comedy as mere entertainment—a way to laugh and relieve anxieties—but it is much more than that. Through jokes, comedy reflects societal norms, critiques governance, and provides mechanisms for coping with socio-economic challenges. This layered complexity is what the book unpacks.

You’ve published extensively on humour and discourse. How does this book build on your previous works?

This book ties together themes I’ve explored in many of my prior studies. For instance, my 2021 paper, Performative Masculinities in Basketmouth’s Stand-Up Comedy, analysed how Nigerian comedians navigate gender roles throughhumourr. Similarly, my 2023 article in Pragmatics focused on how Nigerian comediennes express femininity on stage. These works provided the foundation for examininghumourr as a communicative act that transcends mere entertainment. In this book, I go further, exploring how comedians use language pragmatically to engage audiences, negotiate identities, and critique societal norms.

You’re a global scholar with academic roots in Nigeria. How has your journey influenced your research?

My academic journey has been a blend of local and global experiences, each shaping my perspective. My foundation at the University of Ibadan gave me deep insights into Nigerian linguistics andhumourr. My time at institutions like the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation allowed me to explore these topics on an international stage. This mix has enabled me to highlight Nigeria’s rich comedic tradition while connecting it to global discourses onhumourr and identity.

Your upcoming book is being published by De Gruyter, a leading academic press. What does this mean for your work?

It’s anhonourr. De Gruyter’s reputation ensures the book reaches a global audience of scholars, practitioners, and students. It validates the years of effort I’ve put into studyinghumourr and its impact. I hope this platform sparks further conversations about how comedy serves as a mirror to society, especially in African contexts.

Can you share a standout insight or finding from the book that readers can look forward to?

One compelling insight is how comedians construct dual identities during performances—both as relatable insiders and critical observers. This duality allows them to connect with audiences while also challenging societal norms. I also explore how digital platforms are transforming stand-up comedy, makinghumourr more interactive and accessible. Additionally, I dive into how jokes about topics like gender roles or political leadership subtly shape societal attitudes, often serving as a barometer for public sentiment.

For instance, jokes targeting Nigerian presidents like Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari, or Bola Tinubu highlight how elections have consequences. Comedians use their platforms to encourage audiences to transcend ethnic and religious biases in voting. This intersection of comedy and civic engagement is a recurring theme in the book.

How do you see Nigerian humour contributing to global conversations about comedy?

Nigerian humour is central to my work. It’s not just entertainment—it’s a cultural tool that addresses identity, governance, and resilience. For example, in my 2020 paper, A Discourse Analysis of National Identity in Nigerian Stand-Up Humour, I explored how comedians critique politics while fostering a sense of community. This dynamic makes Nigerianhumourr a rich area for academic exploration. And, indeed, Nigerian humour is rich, complex, and deeply rooted in our cultural and political realities.

It stands out for its ability to blend entertainment with critique. Comedians like Basketmouth, Ali Baba, and others are not just entertainers; they’re cultural commentators. Globally, this adds a unique perspective to discussions about how humour functions as a societal tool. My work aims to amplify these voices on the global stage.

What do you hope audiences take away from your book?

I want readers to see comedy as more than just laughter. Comedy may start with laughter, but it doesn’t end there. It’s a medium for civic engagement, cultural critique, and even economic development. For example, the Nigerian comedy industry was valued at N50 billion annually as of 2015.

Beyond economics, comedy creates spaces where people can address societal anxieties, critique governance, and envision better futures—all under the guise of entertainment. It’s a form of communication that reflects societal dynamics and challenges norms. Whether you’re a scholar, comedian, or enthusiast, I hope this book deepens your appreciation of humour’s complexity and impact.

What’s next for you, Dr. Filani?

I’m working on a comparative study ofhumourr across African cultures, focusing on how comedians address shared themes like migration and identity. I’m also collaborating on a project exploringhumourr’s intersections with artificial intelligence — how machines interpret and generate jokes.