From N12k Teacher to Viral Skit Star: Motell's Garri Survival Story
Motell Solomon, widely recognized simply as Motell by his growing fanbase, has rapidly become one of Nigeria's most talked-about skit creators. His signature short videos, often featuring humorous attempts to beg for food—particularly garri—from a faceless neighbor, have resonated deeply with audiences nationwide. In a revealing interview with Legit.ng, Motell opened up about the personal struggles that inspired his content, including a poignant period where garri was his sole sustenance.
The Harsh Reality: Teaching for N12k and Surviving on Garri
Motell's journey to fame was paved with significant hardship. After relocating from Calabar to Agege, Lagos, in 2018, he continued his teaching career to make ends meet. He recounted applying for a teaching position with his last N300, which he used to purchase a foolscap sheet and pen for the application. Once hired, his monthly salary was a meager N12,000.
"I told her my salary is N12k, and I asked if she could help with a custard rubber of garri on credit, promising to pay back at month's end," Motell explained, referring to a neighbor who sold provisions. "So it was garri from the first day of work until I got paid. That experience inspired the garri-themed stories in my skits." For an entire month, garri—a staple cassava flakes food—was his only meal, highlighting the dire financial challenges he faced.
Embracing Short-Form Content in a Saturated Market
Motell attributes part of his success to his focus on skits under one minute in length. He believes the era of longer skit videos is ending due to market saturation and shrinking audience attention spans. "The space is saturated, so we have to bring back seconds skits. You have to hit the punchline quickly, or viewers will move on," he stated. Having consistently produced short content, he is pleased to see it gaining the recognition it deserves.
Mentors and Nollywood Aspirations
Motell credits several figures as key influences in his career. He names content creator Frank Donga, now based in Canada, as his primary mentor, admiring his comic gestures. Additionally, he holds the late actor Mr Ibu, actor Charles Inojie, and skit maker Oga Sabinus in high regard. "I saw myself doing what Frank Donga did—those comic gestures are something I've always done," Motell shared.
Looking ahead, Motell is actively planning to expand into Nollywood. He is developing a YouTube series and expressed a strong desire to collaborate with industry giants like Kemi Adetiba, Omoni Oboli, Funke Akindele, and Iyabo Ojo. "Nollywood is so big; who wouldn't want to work with the gurus? It's part of my dream," he said. He started as a videographer behind the scenes, but when others didn't embrace his ideas, he began posting independently, gaining traction through shares from influencers like Don Jazzy and Tunde Ednut.
Collaboration and Support in the Skit Community
In related insights, skit maker Nduka, who works closely with Oga Sabinus, described the experience as splendid and awesome. He praised Sabinus as God-sent, emphasizing his role as a friend, father, coach, and supporter. This camaraderie underscores the supportive network within Nigeria's skit-making industry, where creators often uplift one another.
Motell's story is a testament to resilience and creativity, transforming personal adversity into viral entertainment that captivates millions. As he pivots toward Nollywood, his journey from a struggling teacher to a celebrated content creator continues to inspire aspiring artists across the nation.
