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How did you discover your passion for comedy?
I would say that it is from the fact that I love to entertain people and make them happy. I have always been the class jester, the one with the funny remarks. Whenever the time came for someone to coordinate or anchor any event, all hands would point at me. The fulfilment I get from telling funny stories, cracking jokes and making people laugh is second to none. Comedy was such a great passion for me back then and it still is. I remember that I would spend my pocket money and take loans to produce comedy shows in school just to make people happy through my jokes. Nothing other than that has made me happier.
You studied Theatre Arts; did it have anything to do with you being a comedian?
No, I had begun comedy professionally before I got into the University of Ibadan to study Theatre Arts. That is not to say that the discipline I derived from the course did not help me become the better comedian that I am today. Talent is not enough; so going to school was key to me. It was pertinent that I studied a course in my area of passion and strength. I discovered my passion early and I took a straight shot at it. Theatre captured a large base for me as a general performer, it sharpened me professionally, artistically and I would say that made me a thorough artist. Theatre made me clearly distinct in my line of career as a comedian, actor, dancer, writer, radio/TV host, the training was real and I hold it sacred always.
What was your parents’ reaction when you started comedy?
My father was extremely sceptical. He had hoped that I would become an accountant because I always had good grades in accounting as a course. But after a while, he sensed I was gunning for something artistic but it was not clear to him. He loved the fact that I started my first business early selling handmade cards and I was making a lot of money from it. My father is an Ijebu man, so money is important to him. He was not too sure that I would study Theatre Arts till I started a diploma course in Theatre Arts. One day, I came home with my results saying I had switched to full time degree and I was studying Theatre Arts. My Mum sighed and gave me her blessings.
What is your father’s disposition to your profession now?
Although my dad is late, every single achievement I have today, we both had pictured it together especially in his last few days on earth. My parents appreciate the fact that I gave it my all and it gives them great joy and happiness that their son brings joy and happiness to as many homes around the world as possible. My mum opened a Facebook account just to let people know she’s my mum. So the next time you see my mum, you better don’t talk to her anyhow because her son is a popular comedian, or else…
There are several up-and-coming comedians in the industry, what sets you apart?
I am always working hard to improve on myself and my performance level and I know my target audience. I don’t just see myself as merely a comedian; I have and will continue to sharpen my skills also as an MC, brand analyst, radio and TV host. The appeal for me has been more on the corporate world, I work on brands and most of my briefs come from the multinationals. Most of the time, I am either pitching or taking briefs and probably coming up with funny copies for advert campaigns or conferencing on brand activation modules or brand trade launch. I don’t follow the crowd, and that’s clearly why you hardly see me in every comedy concert. I’m quite picky and very busy. Another core element that sets me apart in the industry is, until I came to the big picture, most jokes said in modern stand-up comedy, were the general Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Calabar and Warri jokes. I brought that Ibadan niche to it. I popularised the Ibadan stereotype and now it has become a major subject matter in the industry so much people call me “The Ibadan comedian.”
Established comedians often complain that the new crops of humour merchants are not original and they recycle their jokes. Is it true?
Well I feel some people like to say things just to be in the news perhaps as a result of not being popular anymore. I’m a blunt guy and I say it as it is. Which idea is really original? We are all re-inventing. I was once told about one of the “established” guys who almost got into a fight with a colleague because he copied his materials. Weeks later, my partner came home telling me how the “Mr. Established” used one of my old materials that I authored. You know what I said? If a more established comedian can use my jokes, then I’m becoming a god in the game. In a recent interview with CNN on Ali Baba’s achievements in the industry, I mentioned that Ali has travelled far and wide but his jokes have travelled farther. Comedians are the best courier services you can ever think of. My point is that every industry has quacks, don’t overflog it. Guess what? My own jokes got on Night of a Thousand Laughs years before I got a chance to perform on it but heaven did not fall.
Have you ever stolen anyone’s joke?
You have turned this interview to a court martial. I won’t say I have stolen, but I have used people’s jokes with permission. Ask Ali, and some of my writers. It is not stealing because I referenced the jokes to their owners.
What are the challenges you have faced building your brand?
You stop facing challenges when you stop building. We have everything in abundance in this country and it reminds me to keep working. I faced a major challenge in 2008 when I launched my website and after two years, some guys in Canada bought my domain and was asking for a huge amount of money from me. It took me four years to get my domain back. There are needs for better policies to protect me as an artist and my works.
Was there ever a point in your life you felt like quitting comedy?
Yes! Sometimes I wonder what it would be like taking an office job or having a 5am to 8am job, just for the fun of it though. But I love my life and my job. Every challenge or disappointment keeps me in the business, if I chicken out, then I have failed.
How has your wife been coping with your career?
I couldn’t have wished for a better soul mate. She is my best half. We share some similar background having been classmates back in the university. She has a clear idea of what my career is about and she is living the dream with it.
How did you meet your wife?
We met as ‘jambites;’ we were in the same class for four years at the university. She was one of the most annoying people I met in school at first because she didn’t think I was funny in school. She didn’t see the reason why other girls would jump head over heels for me. But as time went on, we became friends and she saw past the comedy part of me.
How did you propose to her?
It was the greatest and most scary day of my life. I proposed to her live on stage at one of my annual shows at Jogor Centre in Ibadan. At first, she didn’t know why I called her on stage and didn’t even want to come up. Meanwhile, I had invited all her siblings and mine to the show. When she got on stage, I was clueless; I went on both knees and then popped the question, ‘Will you marry me?’ She said, ‘Yes baby’ and then she asked, ‘Is the ring original?’ There was no better way to have ended the show that year.
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