In his skits, he plays a wealthy, pompous older man in a bow tie and agbada, flirting outrageously with young women and lecturing everyone around him. His catchphrase, “you are doing well, sir”, delivered with exaggerated approval, became one of the most repeated lines on Nigerian social media. Debo Adedayo, known as Mr Macaroni, turned short comedy videos into a career that has taken him into films, advertising and activism.
Early life and the character
Debo Adedayo studied theatre arts and began acting before finding fame online. Mr Macaroni plays an exaggerated “daddy” figure, a satire of wealthy older Nigerian men and their attitudes. His short videos, often featuring recurring characters, built a large following on Instagram and YouTube.
Lines from his skits, especially “you are doing well”, became part of everyday Nigerian conversation. During the 2020 EndSARS protests against police brutality, he was one of the visible celebrity supporters. He was briefly arrested at a protest in Lagos in 2021. He has acted in Nollywood films, including Brotherhood.
Skits, adverts and influence
He is part of a wave of Nigerian skit-makers who have built large audiences online and turned comedy into business. Brands hire him for campaigns, often featuring his characters. His comedy often contains commentary on class, gender and politics. Some viewers have criticised aspects of his humour, prompting debate. Young comedians cite him as an example of building a career through social media.
His theatre training shows in his timing and characterisation. Most of his videos are short scenes with recurring characters: Mr Macaroni, the young women he flirts with, servants, friends and rivals. The comedy relies on exaggeration, sharp lines and the actor’s facial expressions. Fans eagerly wait for new episodes and share them widely on WhatsApp and Instagram.
From skits to screen
His growing fame led to film and television roles, part of a trend in which Nigerian skit-makers move into mainstream Nollywood. After his arrest during a 2021 protest at the Lekki tollgate, he said he would continue to speak out on issues affecting young Nigerians. Companies use his characters in adverts because his audience trusts and enjoys him.
Mr Macaroni’s character tells everyone they are doing well. For the actor who plays him, the line has turned out to be fairly accurate.
