Cynthia Erivo and Ayoade Bamgboye Bring Early-2000s Nollywood Style to ‘Nigerian Wicked’ Sketch

Saturday Night Live UK has reimagined the world of Wicked through a distinctly Nollywood lens. In a sketch titled “Nigerian Wicked,” host Cynthia Erivo and comedian Ayoade Bamgboye step into the roles of Glinda and Elphaba, styled in the low-rise jeans, colourful tops, side bangs, gold jewellery and beaded curtains that defined early-2000s Nollywood films.

Glinda, Nollywood Style

Cynthia Erivo, who hosted the episode, takes on Glinda in a metallic pink off-the-shoulder top paired with low-rise jeans featuring rhinestone detailing. A silver gear-link belt sits at her hips, leaning into the era’s love for pink, sparkle and statement accessories. The outfit is completed with a quilted pink crossbody bag and pink bow platform heels.

Her dark-rooted blonde hair falls into side bangs, while dark lip liner, stacked gold hoops, a nose ring and long red acrylic nails add to the throwback styling.

Elphaba’s Early-2000s Makeover

Across from her, Ayoade Bamgboye gives Elphaba a very different take on the same era. Green face paint and a dark brown flip bob establish the character, while emerald tailored trousers, an olive-brown draped cardigan and a turquoise marble cowl-neck top bring the outfit together. She finishes with a green shoulder bag, chunky gold rings and a gold watch, taking the familiar witch character far from the look audiences might expect from Wicked.

Setting the Scene

The setting is just as important to the visual joke. Vintage backdrop prints and traditional beaded door curtains complete the scene, recalling the interiors that appeared in many older Nollywood films. Rather than simply dressing the characters in Nigerian-inspired outfits, the sketch draws on the styling and set details associated with a particular period of Nigerian screen culture.

The Talent Behind the Sketch

Cynthia Erivo, known for her roles in The Color Purple, Harriet and the film adaptation of Wicked, hosted the episode. Ayoade Bamgboye, a London-born, Lagos-raised comedian and Edinburgh Comedy Award winner, wrote and co-starred in the sketch.