Maryam Apaokagi, the renowned Nigerian skit creator and actress, popularly known as Taaooma, has admitted to anticipating criticism from trolls as her fame grew.
She disclosed that as a public figure, she has grown accustomed to handling criticism with resilience. A viral photo depicting her being lifted by two colleagues stirred widespread outrage among the public.
In an interview with Punch, she expressed that the criticism did not catch her off guard, indicating her preparedness to face such reactions.
She said: “I have been ready for things like that ever since I realised that I am popular. It is very normal for people to talk. Many people just take out their anger and frustrations on celebrities, and that is quite understandable. We are in the public eye, and things like that should not surprise us.
“That was an innocent photo I took with my colleagues, but a critic decided to create intentions for us. Things like that don’t surprise me anymore. They have said worse things in the past”.
Taaoomaa also argued collaboration was key to succeeding as a creative.
She said: “As a content creator, collaboration is essential. My recent collaboration has been in the works for quite some time, and I am glad they eventually saw the light of day.
“I believe that collaboration takes one far as a creator, and that is the goal; to keep moving forward. It helps to expand one’s audience beyond Africa to the rest of the globe.”
Asked about the effect that working with American acts such as Terry Crews and King Bachelor has had on her career, she said: “I have achieved some of the goals I set for myself, as I am a very determined person when it comes to ticking things off my bucket list.
“This is one thing I have always looked forward to, and ticking it off my list is a great catalyst for myself and my career. As for other things that might come from it, I guess we will wait and see. There will be more collaboration, but I cannot say which for now. I will just keep working towards many more.”
