What does comedy mean to you?
Comedy, to me is life. I see comedy as a platform to express myself fully and doing that really makes me happy.
How and when did you develop the passion for comedy?
I actually developed a passion for entertainment. I believe I’m multifaceted and I have always had it in me since when I was a child. So I always knew I would take up a career that would involve entertaining people, and comedy happens to be one such channel.
So, how did your foray into the professional comedy begin?
I started by creating my first sitcom in 2007 and it was an instant hit. The name of the sitcom was ‘Extended Family’. However, at the time, I knew I was going into standup comedy, but I wanted to use the television to establish myself, so that acceptance would be automatic when eventually I got on stage and it worked as I planned. By 2008, I became a professional.
How was growing up like for you?
Growing up for me was moderate. I had an average and very normal childhood. I had a lot of siblings and relatives, so with so many people around, it was always fun.
How do you source for jokes, where does the inspiration come from?
Sincerely, my inspiration comes from God, we always work together. He guides me. Also, I read a lot, because reading is a weapon, not just for comedy, but for everything in life. Knowledge, they say is power. So, I read a lot to get myself refreshed.
When would you say you had your first major break?
I haven’t had my first major break yet and I can say this with all modesty. I have lofty dreams. If I say I’ve had a major break, I’d be celebrating mediocrity. So, I haven’t.
What were the hurdles you crossed at the initial stage of your career, to get to the stage you are today?
I wouldn’t describe them as serious hurdles though. Entertainment is still like a virgin land in Nigeria. It’s an all comers affair. So the lack of structure was part of the hurdles, but that also had its advantages.
Which platform or stage would you say brought you to limelight?
The ‘Extended Family’ brought me to limelight. From the day it got screened on Silverbird, that was on April 1, 2007, by 8 p.m., the love was overwhelming. And by the next year, I hit the stage and Opa Williams gave me his platform to express myself. And fortunately for me, he even paid me for it, even though I was a green horn that he was showing to the world. Night of a Thousand Laughs unveiled me as a standup comic professionally because prior to that time, I had been on other amateur platforms.
How was your experience the first time you were on stage?
That dates back to 2002 and sincerely, it was really awkward. I had stage fright and all and it was a really funny scene, but that didn’t discourage me from doing what I love and that is making people laugh.
Everyone has his or her own unique way of presenting their jokes, what strategy do you use?
Well at first, I would say I was slow paced, then later, I learned to be fast paced. Then ultimately, I also realised that different events come with their own characteristics, so, now I go with the wind. Sometimes it’s better to swim against the tide to get the audience on your side. It’s a tough terrain.
Personally, how would you describe the Nigerian comedy industry?
It is just like a new born baby with a dangling umbilical cord, waiting to be cut off and cleaned up. We really don’t have a structure yet, but I believe with time, I’m sure we will.
Many jokes are not copyrighted and especially from the upcoming comedians, they just fine-tune it and make it theirs. What are top notch comedians like you doing about that?
It’s a sensitive issue, but like I said, we don’t have a structure yet. As long as the new guys are not being idle and taking to crime, then it is fine by me. With time, they will find their true calling if it is not comedy. So it’s a stepping stone for them.
It is when a so called established comedian starts biting from people’s material that we will have serious issues and some have shamelessly done so lately. But nobody has done it to me, so I’m not crying.
Also, the stage seems to be open to every Tom, Dick and Harry, is there any criterion guiding upcoming acts in the profession?
There is none. Comedy is now an employer of labour. Let them come. It is just like football. If you think you can do it, play and let us see. If you are good, you will be sourced for.
Have you ever heard any of your jokes from others and how does that feel?
I have, several times. Sometimes I get pissed, other times I don’t. It depends on my mood or the event. But most times, it is from the new guns, but I’ve also heard some so called established comics having done so, but since I didn’t see for myself, I try to ignore it. You know in matters like this, if you want to strike, it has to be once and it has to be effective.
Have you ever said a joke and no one laughed?
Yes I have.
How was the feeling and how did you maneuver your way out of it?
I just continue. It’s all part of being a comedian. Brazil loses in football games, Muhammad Ali looses fights. You just have to pick yourself up and move on.
What does it take to make a frustrated person laugh?
It takes good humor
Have you ever been tongue tied on stage, not remembering anything to say, what do you do in such situations?
Simply put, you just untie your tongue. You have to say something, that is why you are on the stage in the first place. So, you just have to find the words.
Many comedians often talk about their miserable childhoods, are people trying to find humour from their challenges?
Well, the truth is you cannot make jokes out of a perfect situation the way you will from an imperfect one and that is what the miserable childhoods offer. Even some of us that didn’t have difficult upbringings try to tap into that channel.
The general belief is that many comedians through their acts can insult personalities and get away with it. Is this true?
I wouldn’t say that, although I know that some jokes can hit below the belt, but it depends on the recipient. Some don’t care, others do. What Mr A likes, Mr B may be uncomfortable with it, so it is a subjective issue.
Have any of your jokes ever led you into trouble?
I think so, but it was nothing really serious.
Which public figure makes your job as a comic easier?
Obj, he’s a good spot and also 2face has a good jaw too.
You more or less started with AY, so what brought about the issue between you two now, as there are speculations that you both don’t even talk anymore?
They are just assumptions and speculations. Like I said, I started with my sitcom in 2007. The facts speak for itself. Extended Family was my first art work ever and after that, I gave a piece of me to several people and shows.
You welcomed the second child into the family late last year, how is life being a father?
It has been fun, it is not so different from what life has always been, but I must confess, it is cool. I like it.
How do you cope with travelling around and being a family man?
When I’m in town, I’m always home most of the time. And besides, traveling has its seasons, so it allows me to plan very well.
How has marriage changed you?
Yes, it has changed me in more positive ways. I no longer live for me and that sometimes makes me feel super human.
How do you perceive the Nigerian comedy industry, would you say it is at its best?
No, it is not at its best, but even if it is at its best, we would have to improve on it too. It is still an individualistic art, so improvement for now has to be on an individual basis and that borders on how we comport ourselves and how we improve and evolve.
If you weren’t a comedian, what other field would you have delved into?
I would have been a sport person, especially football. I would have played for Super eagles and Arsenal. And also, I would have been the world footballer of the year twice.
Personally, who would you say is the best comedian in Nigeria?
I will go with Gandoki.
How do you relax?
I spend time with my family, that gives me enough time to relax.
Fashion sense?
My mood determines that.
What can’t you do without at any moment?
At the moment, that will be my phone.
No comments:
Post a Comment