Humour has always been a vital thread in the fabric of Black communities, shaping how we process life’s challenges and celebrate our shared experiences. From satirical takes on politics and culture to the raw joy of making others laugh, comedy has long been a refuge for those who have had to find light in the darkest of circumstances. It connects us, allowing us to find solace in laughter even when little else is certain.

With the digital age, however, the ways we consume humour have evolved. Social media has ushered in new comedic trends, and one of the most enduring is the exaggerated portrayal of the “typical” African mother. The hard wigs, bold boubous, thick accents that twist foreign words, and a no-nonsense approach to discipline – all of these have become comedic staples, performed and repackaged for viral entertainment.

This archetype is instantly recognisable, amusing for those who see echoes of their own upbringing in it. But it also raises a crucial question: at whose expense are we laughing?