How did your journey into comedy begin?
I would say my journey into comedy was spiritual. I didn’t choose to be a comedian, rather comedy chose me. My dad told me he knew I was a reincarnation of his late multi-talented brother at the time I was born. As I grew, I began to compete in and win dance competitions. I also could make those around me laugh due to my sense of humour. I then decided to take it to a professional level by studying psychology at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
After studying psychology, why the decision to venture into comedy?
I saw my senior siblings cry during their search for jobs after completing their National Youth Service Corps programme. So I made up my mind never to work with a university degree because I know my talent will take me where my certificate cannot. It wasn’t easy but with consistency, I got there.
You’re also an actor, what movie brought you into the limelight?
The character ‘Titus’ in ‘My Flatmates’ was my big break. It also paved the way for all my talents. My fans wanted more of me when they realised I was into stand-up comedy and anchoring events.
How did you nurture your skills?
While carving a niche for myself, I nurtured and mastered my skills by watching veteran actors, comedians and comperes. I get my content from myself, other people’s experiences and the things around me. I love reality and interactive comedy because it cracks up the audience as they get shocked like I’m peeping through their daily lives. Also, I love political issues and matters that affect every citizen so I twist them to bring out the dark humour in it.
What challenges did you face on your journey to stardom?
As a multi-talented person, it’s been challenging to determine whether to prioritise music, acting or comedy. I had to stick to comedy as others needed more funds and were more stressful. Tribalism and nepotism tried to hurt my survival but I worked harder and strove to be a sought-after comedian. Well, no risk, no reward. The rest is history now.
What has stardom deprived you of?
Covid-19 compelled us to use facemask and I’m going to keep on using it for life (laughs). So, I wear a facemask and tie my scarf when I go to some places where I do not need much attention. Also, I can’t go to some places where I usually buy things at a cheaper rate anymore, most of the time I have to buy them at a higher rate, which has affected me but that is what stardom does. Sometimes, someone would have to go and get them for me. Stardom has also brought about trying to keep up with designers, making people happy and looking dapper. It’s not easy to wear designer clothes to an event once and not be able to wear them again because your picture has been taken in it. Stardom has also made me reserved. I can’t just go out to open places to relax, if I do, it becomes a special appearance.
Are you still friends with people who were with you before stardom?
Yes, I don’t know how to create a lacuna between me and my friends because of stardom. Stardom came after and it should not stop me from relating with my friends. It’s just that some friends don’t respect that you are a public figure and want to play with you as before. Some of my friends have been able to adjust to my status and cope with the present standards. I don’t stay far from my friends. I respond to them and we chat. We still greet ourselves with excitement.
What’s your advice to up-and-coming comedians?
Keep working hard and research on what you want to do.
I call them hot-rising because what makes us different is the account balance and the platform. Apart from that, some of the young guys are very good. Comedy is everywhere; you have to market and publicise yourself. Go to comedy clubs, convince them and seize the moment if you are given the microphone. When you leave, they will keep calling you to come back, except you have bad behaviour or village people won’t let you be. After my NYSC in 2013, I went from club to club, took the microphone and became their friend by force through good delivery. I also kept on improving my craft.
