A popular comedian, Julius Agwu, tells NAOMI CHIMA about his struggles with brain tumour and his marital issues
Not a lot has been heard from you in recent times. What is responsible for that?
The truth is that, one’s health comes first. I have been low-key, because I had a brain tumour surgery in 2015 in the United States of America. I thank God that I am alive. Many people who had that type of surgery did not survive it. I believe God loves me because of my good heart towards everyone.
A lot has been reported about that surgery. Can you tell us about your recovery process, and how you got back to living a normal life?
I think I was moving too fast in my career. I started comedy performances at the then popular show, Night of a Thousand Laughs. I was still in the university then. I underwent the National Youth Service Corps scheme in Kastina, and I worked with Opa Williams, the organiser of the show. Back then, I used to travel to Kano and Plateau states to paste posters of the show.
After then and based on the experience I had gained, I started my own show, Crack Ya Ribs. I was also doing other things, such as music comedy.
That was in addition to shooting a comedy series. I was practically everywhere. However, while I was shooting the series, I realised that I started losing weight. Some of my friends noticed it too. One day, after shooting the series, I went home and had a seizure that almost claimed my life.
After I survived that seizure, I went to the US, where I was told that I had a tumour in my brain. I felt it was another way of asking me to slow down on some things that I was doing. I then had a surgery, and I thank God I did not die.
During an earlier interview, you stated that you ‘died’ and were about to be taken to the mortuary before you came back to live. Tell us more about that experience?
The day I finished shooting the series in my office in Surulere, Lagos, I went home to Lekki, Lagos, and I decided to sleep. Shortly after I slept, I had the seizure. It was so severe that my guard had to rush in and put a spatula between my teeth. They took me to a hospital, and the doctor said I had died and should be taken to the mortuary. They had to call my elder sister, who also lives in Lagos, to tell her. When they did, she told them to leave me, that I was not dead. She started running into houses, asking them to pray for me. She went into a particular house, where there were children and an old woman, and told them to pray for me. Immediately the woman heard my name, they started praying for me. As they were doing that, I moved my finger.
While I was in the hospital, I saw myself in a realm, where I met some of people that were dead. An old employee of mine, Abaga, hugged me, saying, ‘Welcome’. I also saw my late dad. When I woke up, I just told my wife that we should go to America.
While in the US, I went for a magnetic resonance imaging scan, and the doctor said I had a tumour in my brain. After I had a surgery, I returned to Nigeria and went to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Lagos to do a Thanksgiving. A year later, I went to London, United Kingdom, for my Crack Ya Ribs Show. Two days before the show, I was rushed again to another hospital, and I was in a coma for three months. That was when I realised the issue was serious.
What lessons did you learn from those experiences?
Having a brain tumour is a matter of life and death. I usually tell people to keep praying to God, keep away from what is bad and do good. Also, they should always be patient, take their health seriously, go for regular check-ups, and to listen to their doctors. If your doctors tell you to slow things down, you should do just that. Be careful in your pursuit of money. You should always consider your health.
How have you been faring since your wife left you?
Life is very good and enjoyable now. When that (separation) happened, I was fighting with a lot; thinking about my sickness and my family. I thank God, because I know everything happens for a reason. When there is life, there is hope. But, a time will come when I might reconsider marriage.
Considering the way your wife left, and the generally high rate of divorce out there, what is your stand on marriage and family ethics?
I believe that any marriage without God would not last. When I married my wife, I did not even consult God. Some of us got married when there was so much money, and at that time, practically every girl wanted to be with us. But, after marriage, if anything happens to one, they would say, “I don’t want this man again”. I suggest that people should consult God first before getting married.
What are the challenges you are facing, as regards staging a comeback?
The major challenge is sponsorship. When I started Crack Ya Ribs, it was used to showcase not just me but other talents as well. The forthcoming edition is my 50th birthday edition. Helen Paul, Romeo without Juliet, and other comedians will be performing.
I implore everyone around there (UK) to join me in celebration. Hopefully, I will have another edition in Lagos State next year.
