Those who do not enjoy comedy age quicker – Laughter Overdose producer

How would you describe yourself, professionally? I am a complete entertainer. I am a comedian, an actor, a director… What inspired ‘Laughter Overdose’? In this industry you have what we all know as the godfather syndrome. When I came into it, I had no godfather. I had no one but God to support me. I […]

How would you describe yourself, professionally?

I am a complete entertainer. I am a comedian, an actor, a director…

What inspired ‘Laughter Overdose’?

In this industry you have what we all know as the godfather syndrome. When I came into it, I had no godfather. I had no one but God to support me. I was discouraged at a point in time. But the passion I had spurred me on. Gradually I started growing. It was then that I discovered that there were other upcoming artistes that needed support. That was why I started Laughter Overdose, primarily meant to help these artistes, especially the comedians. That is why in all my shows I feature upcoming artistes alongside established ones.

Is it true that the established ones are not willing to create professional space for the upcoming ones…

 Of course you hear less of people like Ali Baba, Klint the Drunk and Julius Agwu now. These are people that have done a lot for the industry. But you will agree with me that like in politics and the movie industry people hardly want to leave the stage for others. In the movie industry for instance a lot of young artistes came up only when some of the older ones stepped aside. I am not saying the same should be done for the comedy industry. But the older ones should know that it is time for them to give way for the younger ones. AY does that with Open Mike, which is essentially to promote these ones. Other avenues could be created for that. The government and corporate organizations can also support them.

What specific challenges do you face as an artiste?

Parental objection was one of them. I could remember when I came back from school for holidays and my father charged at me, “I learnt you are doing MC up and down.” He said that wasn’t what he sent me to school for. I decided I was going to quit that day. But then he called me later and asked if it was what I wanted to do and I said yes. He told me to go ahead. I changed my mind about quitting. One funny thing is that today he is proud of me. Besides parental challenge, there was of course the financial one. Often I had to shift the dates of Laughter Overdose sessions due to financial constraints. In 2007 the show couldn’t hold because there was no money. As a result of these I usually focus my shows on getting to talents in the suburbs where nobody appears to be looking.

Why are some people generally unaffected by comedy?

Take it from me as the gospel truth: Those who do not want to pay for comedy, look out for them; they grow older quicker. Laughter doeth good, like medicine. When you laugh, it affects your nerves positively. On the other hand, it is very difficult to make Africans laugh. No matter how you try, their face be like bitter leaf. Comedy is worthwhile. Take the whites. Even in their 90s, you can still see them going for comedy shows to have a good time.

Can the industry really be harnessed for national growth like some advocate?

Definitely yes! Nollywood is the second largest film industry today, second to Hollywood. The government over there in the US makes a whole lot of money from the industry. The same can be replicated here if the government is willing to do it. It is a means of employment not only for the youths but adults as well. The government can take it as a business opportunity and invest in it.

What particular movie did you take part in and still brings back fond memories?

Bent Arrows, though not yet out, is definitely my best experience. It’s been shot over a year now. It was directed by Lancelot Imasuen. I was initially cast as a medical doctor. But later on I was given a role of a gangster in which I performed creditably, making Lancelot to call me the best actor he had worked with in Abuja. Another one I cannot forget is The Last Celebrity.

Do you think actors and actresses get what is actually due to them?

No, I don’t think so. I think the upcoming ones are particularly affected by this. You find directors and producers exploiting them. It is not good.

You are direct films as well. Is sex-for-role still an issue in the industry?

Has it really ever been? I believe that you have only two answers for any overture made to you by anybody. No and yes. When a director asks you for something you do not like, you simply say no. Have you ever heard of rape charges against any director? Has any director or producer raped any girl simply because she said no? I think it is a consensual thing between two adults, just like you walking up to a lady and telling her your intentions.

Are there punitive measures for directors who cross the professional line?

 Yes there is the Directors’ Guild that you can approach for redress if you think you have been abused. Or, as an actor, you can make the complaint to the Actors’ Guild, which will take it up from there.

Can the guilds enforce their rulings, going by the frequent bickering among them? Can they fight for their members’ well being?

Yes to a very large extent. It is in the constitution. They can fight for members but of course the member has to signify interest that he or she wants to be fought for. For instance there is a particular clause in the constitution that says that you must not be paid below a specified amount for any scene you take part in. The guild will fight for you. That is why we have the director of guild services.

Is the guild doing anything about ‘spaghetti ‘productions, whereby professionalism is sacrificed for monetary gains?

If the director thinks he or she can work with that kind of money and period and achieve good results, then fine. It also depends on the storyline. But I always advise that we give time to whatever we are doing in order to get good results.

You run a school for entertainment professionals in the FCT. What inspired this?

I run an outfit called Hotshot Productions. I call it ‘star talk’ project. It is not just gathering stars but the upcoming ones. We aim at making them stars. We teach them the ethics of the profession and make them stand tall anywhere they find themselves in the industry. Our products compete favourably anywhere they are.