From humble beginnings in Jos, the Plateau State capital, the rib cracker known as Senator has risen to be one of Nigeria’s prominent comedians. In a career spanning 10 years, he has showcased his stuff on the biggest stages across the country and has worked with international artistes including Brandy, Joe, Keri Hilson, Loyiso Gola and Ndumisho. In this interview with Vera Wisdom-Bassey, Senator opens up on his inspiration and challenges among other issues. Excerpts:
What inspired the name, Senator?
The name, Senator, came up when the need to brand myself arose. That was in 2003 when the country had just emerged from years of military rule. I decided to carve a niche in comedy by tapping into the mood of the nation. So, I came up with the name; I saw myself as a representative of humour and laughter.
The name, Senator, came up when the need to brand myself arose. That was in 2003 when the country had just emerged from years of military rule. I decided to carve a niche in comedy by tapping into the mood of the nation. So, I came up with the name; I saw myself as a representative of humour and laughter.
When did you discover your talent for comedy?
Comedy came to me naturally. I studied Theatre Arts and majored in Directing & Choreography. Back then I never got to do tragic roles because my interpretation always made people laugh. Before I knew it I was doing standup comedy and then it grew into a profession.
Comedy came to me naturally. I studied Theatre Arts and majored in Directing & Choreography. Back then I never got to do tragic roles because my interpretation always made people laugh. Before I knew it I was doing standup comedy and then it grew into a profession.
So when did you go into comedy professionally?
I started comedy professionally in 2004 as a radio presenter at Ray Power FM, Jos. Back in the University, I used to do mock acts and mime Baba Fryo’s song, Denge Pose, which was my favourite. Then we had just three steaming acts that locked down the university environment. They were Baba Fryo, Organized Confusion, and Smooth Criminals (P-Square); we were the toast of the day. I left Ray Power in 2006 to do my own thing. I created my own show, Check Your Blood Pressure, which was a huge success. Shortly after, I graced my first- ever big stage at Julius Agwu’s Crack Ya Ribs in Abuja; that was 2006. Ever since, I’ve never looked back.
I started comedy professionally in 2004 as a radio presenter at Ray Power FM, Jos. Back in the University, I used to do mock acts and mime Baba Fryo’s song, Denge Pose, which was my favourite. Then we had just three steaming acts that locked down the university environment. They were Baba Fryo, Organized Confusion, and Smooth Criminals (P-Square); we were the toast of the day. I left Ray Power in 2006 to do my own thing. I created my own show, Check Your Blood Pressure, which was a huge success. Shortly after, I graced my first- ever big stage at Julius Agwu’s Crack Ya Ribs in Abuja; that was 2006. Ever since, I’ve never looked back.
How do you get inspiration for your jokes?
I get inspiration from my environment, people’s actions and character, my power of exaggeration and above all, divine inspiration from God (Laughs).
I get inspiration from my environment, people’s actions and character, my power of exaggeration and above all, divine inspiration from God (Laughs).
How’s the journey been so far?
The journey has been quite challenging but I’ve been very consistent and determined. And with the help of God I have made great success and grown as a brand.
The journey has been quite challenging but I’ve been very consistent and determined. And with the help of God I have made great success and grown as a brand.
Could you share your most memorable experience?
Honestly, every experience is memorable; there’s always something new to learn.
Honestly, every experience is memorable; there’s always something new to learn.
Would you say the comedy industry has come of age in Nigeria?
I would say that comedy is on the wake. There are numerous forms of comedy yet to be explored. In no time, stand-up comedy would make way for other forms; we have come a long way.
I would say that comedy is on the wake. There are numerous forms of comedy yet to be explored. In no time, stand-up comedy would make way for other forms; we have come a long way.
How would you describe your style of comedy?
My style of comedy is spontaneous, interpretative, intellectual and analytical. My style is suitable for the corporate markets though I’m versatile.
My style of comedy is spontaneous, interpretative, intellectual and analytical. My style is suitable for the corporate markets though I’m versatile.
Who are your role models on the global comedy scene?
My role models are Danny Davito, Kevin Hart, David Chapelle and Chris Rock. In Nigeria, I have Ali Baba, Julius Agwu and Basketmouth as my role models.
My role models are Danny Davito, Kevin Hart, David Chapelle and Chris Rock. In Nigeria, I have Ali Baba, Julius Agwu and Basketmouth as my role models.
What challenges did you face when you started and how did they inspire you to continue?
Wow! The challenges were much. My father felt Theatre Arts was a course of study for lazy people. My father felt I was escaping hard work by being an entertainer. But today, because of my success, he argues that entertainment runs in our family (laughter).
Another challenge was that I made an excellent result in the university so, most people felt the proper thing was for me to work in either banking, telecommunications or oil & gas. I refused because of my passion for the arts. My mother always stood by me because she believed in my passion. She alone supported me all the way. In fact, I used her as my audience each time I had a new joke; she has an amazing sense of humour. I also had the challenge of getting people to pay for services rendered in Jos. When I eventually relocated to Lagos, I faced the challenge of ‘who be this Jos person again?’ Some of my colleagues hid useful details from me for fear of losing clientele. Sometimes they said that because I was not from a certain ethnic group, I didn’t deserve certain jobs. But like the Holy Book says: ‘A man’s talent maketh a way for him.’ Today, it’s a new song I’m singing; challenges make me strive for more.
Wow! The challenges were much. My father felt Theatre Arts was a course of study for lazy people. My father felt I was escaping hard work by being an entertainer. But today, because of my success, he argues that entertainment runs in our family (laughter).
Another challenge was that I made an excellent result in the university so, most people felt the proper thing was for me to work in either banking, telecommunications or oil & gas. I refused because of my passion for the arts. My mother always stood by me because she believed in my passion. She alone supported me all the way. In fact, I used her as my audience each time I had a new joke; she has an amazing sense of humour. I also had the challenge of getting people to pay for services rendered in Jos. When I eventually relocated to Lagos, I faced the challenge of ‘who be this Jos person again?’ Some of my colleagues hid useful details from me for fear of losing clientele. Sometimes they said that because I was not from a certain ethnic group, I didn’t deserve certain jobs. But like the Holy Book says: ‘A man’s talent maketh a way for him.’ Today, it’s a new song I’m singing; challenges make me strive for more.
You speak about Jos with fondness. Was that where it all began?
I strongly owe my career to Jos. It all started there. Jos is entertainers’ breeding ground. It has produced notable entertainers no doubt. Back in Jos we never performed for monetary reasons.
I strongly owe my career to Jos. It all started there. Jos is entertainers’ breeding ground. It has produced notable entertainers no doubt. Back in Jos we never performed for monetary reasons.
How can entertainers help quell the tension in Jos?
Entertainers worldwide are trailblazers, role models and all of that. (Barack) Obama’s victory to an extent hinged on entertainers in America. But that’s a society that’s not dealing with corruption and greed as its main problems. Here in Nigeria, the case is different. Entertainers grace occasions of corrupt leaders so how would they correct the society? Every now and then, entertainers are at loggerheads with each other over personal interests, so it’s difficult for them to contribute their own quota to nation building. On the crisis in Jos, it’s not different from what we have in other states. Maiduguri is home to Boko Haram. Abuja, Niger, Kogi and Kaduna have experienced severe bombings, and kidnappings in the East have raised the level of insecurity. I think they’re all national issues that must be discussed with all sincerity.
Entertainers worldwide are trailblazers, role models and all of that. (Barack) Obama’s victory to an extent hinged on entertainers in America. But that’s a society that’s not dealing with corruption and greed as its main problems. Here in Nigeria, the case is different. Entertainers grace occasions of corrupt leaders so how would they correct the society? Every now and then, entertainers are at loggerheads with each other over personal interests, so it’s difficult for them to contribute their own quota to nation building. On the crisis in Jos, it’s not different from what we have in other states. Maiduguri is home to Boko Haram. Abuja, Niger, Kogi and Kaduna have experienced severe bombings, and kidnappings in the East have raised the level of insecurity. I think they’re all national issues that must be discussed with all sincerity.
What are your dreams?
As a trained Theatre Art practitioner, I’m armed with all the skills of the trade. My major concentration shall be to provide content. Content is the future of entertainment. And then I will explore other forms of comedy. This year, I’m breaking new borders. I’m currently working on my TV show, which would be out soon. I also just hosted my own show tagged, ‘Comedy in The Mix’, in Houston, Texas in April 2013, in collaboration with my international DJ friend, DJ Mix Master Brown, who is based in America.
As a trained Theatre Art practitioner, I’m armed with all the skills of the trade. My major concentration shall be to provide content. Content is the future of entertainment. And then I will explore other forms of comedy. This year, I’m breaking new borders. I’m currently working on my TV show, which would be out soon. I also just hosted my own show tagged, ‘Comedy in The Mix’, in Houston, Texas in April 2013, in collaboration with my international DJ friend, DJ Mix Master Brown, who is based in America.
Check These Out
0 comments:
Click to see the code!
To insert emoticon you must added at least one space before the code.