Motell Solomon is a content creator, comedian and event host. The social media personality, who has 208,000 followers on Instagram, tells FAITH AJAYI about his content creation journey
Tell us about your background.
I was born in Cross River State to a family of six children. I am the first son.
What educational qualifications do you possess?
I enrolled in the University of Calabar, but I had to drop out because of financial challenges.
When did you become active on social media?
I started being active online when I noticed I had something to put out. I believed I would become relevant by not just showcasing my funny side, but by putting out life-related content as well.
What influenced your decision to become a content creator?
The things that I saw around me every day inspired me to start creating content.
Which of your skits has had the most engagement?
That would be the ‘Hello Philip (1k guy)’ skits. Everything I portrayed were actually things that I had experienced. Aside from that, I have put out different content that people can relate with content. Basically, ‘Hello Philip’ put me out there.
What are some of the challenges you have faced in the course of creating content?
There have been many challenges. I wouldn’t say getting ideas is one of them because, by the grace of God, I never ran out of ideas. God keeps blessing me with ideas. Money is generally a challenge to everyone.
However, the actual challenge I had was time. I am also a master of ceremonies. It got to a point that my fans would accuse me of not putting out content daily. But, I always let them know that I needed to take my time and prepare something unexpected for them.
Another challenge I have had is getting an available cast for outdoor shoots because I love evolving. I don’t have to be ‘the window guy’ all the time. Getting a good videographer for outdoor shoots was also a challenge.
How were you able to overcome those challenges?
I was able to overcome them by being consistent. I wrote down my plans with the conviction that I would definitely actualise them at the right time. Basically, I overcame those challenges by sticking to the plan, no matter how long it took me to achieve them.
In most of your videos, your character is either owing someone or wants to borrow money. What is the idea behind that?
I believe that the average young Nigerian lives the kind of life I portray in my skits. In practically every compound in Nigeria, there will be one or two people living the kind of life I portray— begging, having a sense of entitlement, and not willing to go out there and work on their dreams. Some of these people actually have dreams, but making a move is the problem they have. Some of them even believe that they can beg their way to success.
In my skits, you’ll realise that no matter how much my character begs for money, when he gets it, he ends up not using it for the purpose intended, due to one reason or the other. Another funny thing is the particular amount he asks for, which is N1,000, which he calls. ‘just small 1k’, and that smirks of entitlement.
Basically, the message is clear— nobody owes you anything. You should go out there and work for whatever you want. No matter how much one begs, one might not be able to achieve one’s goal, and one might be stuck in poverty.
And please, don’t ask me if that was the life I lived, because I get that question a lot, due to how well I portray the character.
Most of your skits seem to have the same pattern, and people feel it is predictable. What are your plans to diversify your content?
I am already creating content that incorporates various characters with a style that is different from what people are used to from him, while maintaining the person I have come to be known and loved for.
What memorable interactions have you had with fans?
There have been so many of them. I am still learning to navigate this aspect of my life, and it has been really interesting. I try my best to interact with my online family as much as I can, and I am thankful to everyone who truly supports my brand.
Which celebrities have you worked with, and which will you like to work with in the future?
I have worked with another skit maker, Nasboi. I have also talked to Sabinus, and we are working on something juicy.
Don Jazzy and I have concluded, and we are working on something as well. I will also be working with Craze Clown.
How would you describe your creative process?
When the ideas come naturally, I sit and write. I am proud to say I am blessed with the type of facial expression I need to make my skits. Most times, I make use of my mirror to rehearse. Sometimes, I just make the content without rehearsing, and boom, it’s a hit on TikTok, Twitter and Instagram.
However, I usually write and rehearse my lines for proper delivery. I then place my phone by the window and record. I actually edit my videos myself, because I am a perfectionist. I love taking my time to work on my content, so I can deliver the best.
What do you enjoy most about creating content?
I enjoy everything about creating content; right from the time the ideas pop into my head, to the point of executing the shoot, to editing, and being able to watch the skit and see how perfect it is, before putting it out.
The engagements my videos generate also make me happy. Many times, people send me messages, asking how I come up with my ideas. That makes me happy, and motivates me to do even better.
Aside from content creation, what are your other areas of interest?
I love every aspect of technology; from social media management to data analysis. I also anchor events. And, I love investing as well.
In what ways have you impacted your audience with your craft?
I have impacted my audience positively. Many people reach out to me, and I tell them that they don’t need too much to be creative. Originality pays. All one has to do is find a niche, polish it and put it out there. However, it is one thing to find a niche and be creative, and it is another thing to be consistent and evolve.
I am glad that I have been able to impact my audience positively.
What impact has social media had on you?
Social media has changed my perspective. It has shown me how relevant one can be, and contribute positively to the growth of society.
I spoke at a seminar recently, and I told them that it was almost impossible for me to start, because of the discouragement I faced.
What opportunities have content creation brought your way?
It has brought lots of opportunities to me. I have been opportune to work with great minds, as well as given me financial opportunities.
How do you balance your work and personal life?
I am actually a shy person, and a lot of people have noticed that. I am still baffled at how quickly I am recognised when I am in public these days. Even when I travel to a different city, people recognise me, right from the airport.
I put myself in character when it’s time for content creation, and I do my best to be creative and keep my content short, simple and interesting. I spend more time indoors.
How do you relax?
I unwind by travelling.
