Punchline Lagos Open Mic Elevates Inclusivity As SammyCole Takes Top Prize

A thrilling stand-up comedian, Dada Samuel Femi, better known by his stage name ‘SammyCole’, has emerged the winner of the maiden edition of Punchline Lagos Open Mic, a talent house for comedians.

SammyCole shone as the brightest star displaying raw talent on an evening filled with laughter and heart as Punchline Lagos Comedy Club hosted its first Open Mic Edition – a vibrant celebration of emerging voices in comedy.

While the event offered a stage for Nigeria’s young comedians to showcase their craft, it also became a profound reminder of the importance of inclusion, resilience, and the transformative power of opportunity.

Despite living with a disability, SammyCole did not just step onto the stage – he commanded it with sharp wit, magnetic delivery, and a performance that resonated far beyond the walls of the club. His first-place victory was not only a personal triumph but a symbol of what becomes possible when platforms are made accessible to everyone.

In many societies, people with disabilities often struggle against structural and social barriers that limit their participation in public life. Opportunities in entertainment, like in many other industries, can feel closed off due to stereotypes or inadequate accessibility. SammyCole’s win disrupts that narrative, proving that talent, when given a fair stage, can silence prejudice and inspire change.

Second- and third-place winners, Favour Godwin (GF Classic) and Subair Winnie (WinniePoo), also delivered performances that highlighted the depth of Nigeria’s comedic talent pool. Nonetheless, it was SammyCole’s performance that sparked conversations about how much untapped creativity exists within communities of people living with disabilities, waiting to be recognized.

According to Ebunoluwa Salako, Project Manager at La’Deva, the night was more than a competition as it was a cultural statement.

“This event marks the beginning of a bold new chapter for Punchline Lagos Comedy Club,” she said, announcing upcoming themed editions such as the Independence Day show in October and the Santa Edition in December.

On his part the Founder/ Host of Punchline Lagos Comedy Club, Godwin JP, stressed that creating a diverse and inclusive platform is central to Punchline’s vision of comedy not just as entertainment, but as a tool for mental wellness and social transformation.

Globally, the entertainment industry has increasingly recognized the importance of representation. When audiences see performers like SammyCole thriving on stage, it challenges long-held stigmas and inspires others with disabilities to pursue their passions. More importantly, it pushes event organizers, production houses, and cultural institutions to rethink how inclusive their platforms truly are.

Nigeria, with its youthful population and rapidly growing creative industry, stands at a crossroads. By embedding inclusivity into the DNA of its entertainment culture, the country can unlock a wealth of talent that has long been overlooked. From music to film, theatre to comedy, people living with disabilities bring unique perspectives shaped by resilience that enrich the creative landscape.

Inclusion cannot be left to chance; it requires deliberate effort from stakeholders via accessible venues, equal audition opportunities, mentorship programs, and funding support. By ensuring that the creative industry mirrors the diversity of society, Nigeria not only fosters fairness but also expands its cultural reach, as stories told by marginalized voices often resonate most powerfully.

SammyCole’s triumph at the Punchline Lagos Open Mic is therefore more than a headline – it is a call to action. It reminds us that talent thrives when barriers fall and that creativity is limitless when nurtured in an environment of equality. His victory should challenge institutions, policymakers, and communities to ensure that people with disabilities are not spectators in the cultural space, but active participants and trailblazers.

As Punchline Lagos Comedy Club continues to grow, its commitment to spotlighting diverse talent is laying the groundwork for a new kind of comedy culture in Nigeria – one where laughter unites, creativity heals, and opportunities exist for all, regardless of ability. If the Open Mic night was any indication, the future of Nigerian comedy will not only be funny, it will be inclusive.