During the creative rise of Nigerian television in the 1980s, Basi & Company emerged as one of the country’s most influential sitcoms. Created, written, and produced by Ken Saro-Wiwa, the programme offered laughter wrapped in everyday reality. It became a household favourite, delivering humour that reflected the challenges, ambitions, and resilience of urban Nigerian society.
The Birth of a Classic
When Basi & Company premiered on the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, in 1986, it introduced viewers to Mr B, a character driven by relentless schemes to acquire quick wealth. His humorous missteps, big dreams, and constant improvisation resonated deeply during a time shaped by economic pressure and rapid urban changes.
Running until about 1990, the sitcom stood out for its lively dialogue, memorable characters, and ability to turn life’s frustrations into comedy. The show became a staple on television screens across the country, reflecting the shared experiences of millions of viewers who recognised themselves in the challenges and choices faced by Mr B.
READ MORE: Ancient & Pre-Colonial Nigeria
A Television Landscape Full of Talent
The 1980s marked a vibrant era for NTA productions, with Lagos serving as the central hub for many nationally broadcast programmes. Basi & Company developed within this thriving creative environment, supported by a skilled team of performers and writers who shaped its distinctive voice.
Among Saro-Wiwa’s creative collaborators were:
- Tekena Harry-MacDonald
- Bob Ejike
Their contributions strengthened the comedic rhythm and cultural depth of the series, helping establish its unique place in Nigerian entertainment.
NTA was home to a wide range of talented actors throughout the decade. Figures such as Aso Douglas, known for her memorable roles in programmes like Madam the Madam, represent the dynamic pool of performers who shaped the era’s television identity. The broader NTA network provided the creative energy that supported many productions of the period, including the artistic environment that allowed Basi & Company to flourish.
Themes That Spoke to Everyday Life
The popularity of Basi & Company came from its ability to reveal the humour beneath life’s difficulties. Its themes reflected the realities faced by many Nigerians during the era:
- The constant pursuit of opportunity
- The temptation of quick success
- The pressures of survival in a competitive society
- The creativity required to navigate limited resources
- The comedic side of failure and renewed ambition
In each episode, Mr B’s determination to outsmart circumstances highlighted the optimism and ingenuity often required to navigate daily life. His quick thinking, flawed plans, and unbreakable spirit formed a comedic portrait of the Nigerian experience.
A Sitcom That Captured a Nation
Though precise viewership measurements were not documented at the time, Basi & Company became one of the most widely recognised and frequently discussed comedies on NTA. Its characters entered popular culture, its jokes travelled across households, and its storylines shaped the direction of Nigerian televised comedy.
The show’s successful blend of humour, relatability, and social reflection solidified its place in the country’s cultural memory. Many Nigerian filmmakers and screenwriters credit the series with influencing their understanding of comedic storytelling.
READ MORE: Ancient & Pre-Colonial Nigeria
The Enduring Influence of Ken Saro-Wiwa’s Vision
Basi & Company continues to stand as a testament to Ken Saro-Wiwa’s creative insight. Long before his name became globally associated with activism, he used television to explore everyday realities with warmth and humour. His ability to transform social commentary into compelling entertainment shaped a generation of viewers and left a lasting mark on Nigerian screen culture.
The sitcom remains an important part of the country’s storytelling history. Its themes still echo in modern conversations about ambition, resilience, and the complexities of navigating society. For many, revisiting Basi & Company is not just a return to a beloved show, but a reminder of how laughter helps make sense of the world.
Author’s Note
This article reflects on the origins, creative energy, and lasting cultural importance of Basi & Company. The sitcom is remembered not only for its humour but for the way it captured the heart of Nigerian life during a defining era. It remains a meaningful example of how storytelling and comedy can illuminate the shared experiences of a nation.
References
Ken Saro-Wiwa, On a Darkling Plain
Nigerian Television Authority programming history
Asiri Magazine features on Nigerian television
Interviews and retrospectives on 1980s Nigerian entertainment
