August 15, (THEWILL) – Owing to her near-perfect depiction of a typical African mother, content creator, Ezeani Chinaza, more popularly known as Miss Ezeani, has been able to capture an audience that keeps yearning for more of her skit videos. The 24-year-old has an instagram following of over 100,000 and her videos sometimes score as much as 125,000 views on her page alone outside of views from reposts. She speaks to Ivory Ukonu on the gains of skit making as well as the challenges that come with it.
How did your journey to becoming a content creator begin?
I was waiting on my National Youth Service Corps posting which was taking a lot of time to materialize. I had always wanted to act too and coupled with the fact that I was a creative dabbling into a lot of creative aspects. I’d draw today, write tomorrow, dance the next then do a skit. All we’re on my Instagram page but I noticed skit making was picking up more traction. People were more excited about it and so I decided to focus more on it. At the time, I didn’t know I could make a living out of it. I just knew it kept people entertained but when I began mingling with other established creators, I realized I could do what I loved and still make a living from it.
The kind of contents you put out varies, all touching various aspects of life. What inspires them?
A lot! Life generally. It could be from movies to normal everyday encounters.
Even though your contents are relatable, especially the ones that feature a Nigerian mum, are they in any way reflective of what happens between you and your mum?
Not at all. My mum was like my sister, she still is. I exaggerate most of that aspect for comedy.
How easy or difficult is it for you to create these contents?
It’s actually very difficult but it gets easier. I am always coming up with new ideas every now and then. When I come up with these ideas, I am usually at a loss as to how to properly interpret them but I just know I want to do them. Most times, I realize how difficult it is translating my idea into actual skits when I am halfway through. In my creations, I’m everything; from the producer to the director to the actor, the editor, sound mixer etc. It takes between five and ten hours to make a short video.
Your editing skills are top notch. Are you self trained or did you acquire your editing skills in a school?
Thank you. I am hundred percent self-taught. Some with trial and error, some with tips from YouTube.
Did you ever think in your wildest imagination that your contents would be well received when you started out?
No. I didn’t think I had it in me. I just knew I loved art and creating stuff. It took like two years of convincing from a friend for me to post my first skit on Instagram.
How did your family react to your decision to be a skit maker, were they receptive or not?
The thing is, I never made a conscious decision to become a skit maker. I just found myself being a skit maker. My dad passed before my skits became popular on social media but with my mum, once she saw I was able to take care of my bills from “pressing phone”, she didn’t mind.
Beyond the feedback you get in the comment section of your Instagram page, what other kinds of feedback have you gotten that spurs you on?
It’s mostly the comments but then looking at my work and seeing what I can create with almost nothing, motivates me to do more.
How about feedback from some of your older colleagues or celebrities?
Oh, it’s amazing. The very first big celebrity to encourage me was music producer Don Jazzy. He told me how wonderful I was doing. It was a feel-good feedback.
What would you consider to be the challenges of skit making?
The Instagram algorithm. It’s not always favorable.
Has this ever made you think about quitting?
No. I didn’t come this far to quit.
Who are some of the people you look up to in the industry?
I look up to a lot of creatives but I would rather not mention names.
With the efforts you put into creating your skits, especially the ones that portray Nollywood, have you thought of trying out your skills in the movie industry?
Yes. I have. I’ll definitely move towards it sooner or later.
Has there ever been an occasion where there was a conflict of interest as regards your contents being quite similar to that of another skit maker’s?
It was a constant when I started. People just don’t understand that an idea can occur to two creatives independent of each other. They’d flood my comment section with “XYZ already did it”, “why are you trying to be like xyz”. It bothered me then but then I felt, Gucci makes shoes but it hasn’t stopped Louis Vuitton from making shoes too. Everyone has a niche.
Have you ever had to deal with negative comments or online stalkers?
Once you’re in the public light, it’s expected. I ignore most of them and address those I feel I should address.
What was growing up like?
Lonely. I was an only child for 14 years. I did yearn for more company although my parents were there in many ways than one, I wanted more, someone my age. My younger brother arrived much later.
What would you say must have significantly shaped you to be who you are today?
Books. I read a lot of them, thanks to being alone most of the time. And my family too.
What did you study in school?
I studied English language.
If you weren’t a skit maker, what else do you think you would have excelled in?
Perhaps an artist, a writer or an actress.
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