mbarachi chukwuebuka
Jamescode2000@yahoo.co.in
In Nigeria, a tension soaked clime where anger and frustration seem to have enveloped many, the business of comedy which was hitherto taken for granted has begin to blossom, making celebrities out of many and serving as means of livelihood for others.
In the past, event planners either cared less about comedy or had no business with it in their programme’s schedules. For those that dared give it a thought, it was either last in the order of priorities or entirely excluded.
Fascinatingly, the trend has changed. You either give a pride of place to comedy or risk a flopped event. With this unprecedented regard for comedy, rib-crackers have suddenly turned celebrities, becoming brand ambassadors, thereby living large, even larger than most movie and music stars.
In this list, Entertainment Express showcases 13 humour merchants who are gradually and stylishly taking over in the business of wit. With the level they have upped their games and stepped up their antes, they are tipped to wow in 2013 like never before.
Elder O
He was born with no spoon, not even a silver spoon. But when he burst sensationally onto the humour business, his awe-inspiring renditions immediately fetched him a spoon, a golden one.
In his words: “The truth is that I was born without any spoon. You know kids like us born without any spoon had to grow up looking for the spoons ourselves, whether gold, silver or plastic. Gradually, I located the plastic spoon, now I’m striving for the silver, hoping to end with the gold someday”.
With his presence in virtually all events in the city of Lagos, either as MC or Comedian, Elder O, whose real name is Ogechukwu David is gradually taking over the industry. The Bende, Abia State-born rib-cracker who prides himself as the youngest elder of Federal Republic of Nigeria is indeed a star comedian to watch out in 2013. His unique style of dressing-natively-and ability to hold his audience swaying in laughter stands him out in the league of comedians.
Odogwu
Sylvester Obialor otherwise known as Odogwu is another star to watch this year. His audio CD joke compilation featuring MC Abbey and De Don is on the verge of being released to the public.
The University of Abuja graduate of Business Administration has received endorsements of colleagues and fans as one of the most promising talents. It is a common secret in the industry that he is a joke-spinning machine who many resort to for inspiration.
This is why he has been a favourite choice for organizers of corporate shows such as the recently held Coppa Lagos among others.
Every week, he keeps date regularly with fans at upscale hangout, SS Lounge, Victoria Island.
Enenche De Comedian
Abuja based Benue-born comedian-cum-activist Enenche Ononyilo Peters popularly known as Enenche De Comedian is another promising act capable of recording breakthrough in 2013. The Chemistry graduate of Benue State University, Makurdi came to national limelight when he mimicked Chris Oyakhilome in Vol. 14 of Opa William’s Nite of a Thousand Laughs.
His natural sense of humour is mixed with the flavour of an educated entertainer. He can readily convert everyday’s happenings to “stomach tearing jokes” which leaves his fans in the state of uncontrollable ecstasy.
Youthful Enenche won the PAMSA awards 2012 - Comedian of the Year. His audio CD-Laughter of Hope with Enenche-according him, is set to hit market any moment from now.
Benjy D Joke
With his irresistible jokes and stage management ability, Onwume Benjamin, popularly known as Benjy D Joke has maintained a steady rise to stardom. In 2012, he proved his mettle, wowing audiences beyond expectation. Even in the face of serious competitions, the popularity of the Delta State-born budding comedian has continued to soar. His recently held an event tagged Laugh for Change, which attracted audience from far and near. Indeed, the Mass Communication graduate of Lagos State Polytechnic is a star to watch out for this 2013.
Mr. Makati
Five years after abandoning football for comedy. Papa Pass Pikin, as Ejike Richard is fondly called is another rib-cracker that is gradually becoming a household name in the business of comedy.
Perhaps, when he left football for the gutsy ride in comedy little did he know that a fortune awaits him. Today, his name comes aloud in major events within and outside Lagos, a testament that he has distinguished himself. He currently rocks at XFactor Lounge, Surulere, where he thrills as the in-house comedian.
Acapella
Young and witty Acapella is stylishly becoming a top rib-cracker in Nigeria; he can thrill and titillate any audience, irrespective of age or socio-cultural background. His rise to fame started on September 25, 2008, when he emerged winner of AY Open Mic Show. Known for his originality, the Imo State-born act is indeed among the next biggest things in the comedy industry, as he has already been eulogized by celebrated comedians like Gbenga Adeyinka.
MC Filosopher
He is the brain behind the popular comedy audio CD entitled Philosophy of Laughter, and was once the cynosure of all eyes when he emerged winner of the coveted AY Open Mic Show. According to the Isiukwuato, Abia State-born promising act, passion and determination are the ingredients of success. This he believes has catapulted him to limelight, and would keep him afloat in 2013.
Danni B
Groomed by his elder brother, Sheddi Baba, Danni B is one of the newest rib crackers set to rock 2013. Currently under the tutelage of Comedian of the Federal Republic, Gbenga Adeyinka, the Kogi State born entertainer is always a delight to watch.
Rugged Pastor
Born Ubi Emmanuel, this Rivers State born comedian is new and in hot demand. He constantly shuttles between Lagos and Port-Harcourt while plying his trade. The University of Port Harcourt, Theatre Art graduate is also an OAP. He will definitely raise the bar of comedy this 2013.
MC Obeleife
What he lacks in physique, he is doling out in comedy. This petite entertainer is an embodiment of laughter and is set to thrill this 2013 with his jokes and jibes.
MC Rhoda
Bold and brainy comedienne, MC Rhoda seems to be the only fast rising female act in the comedy industry. Born Rhoda Olofua, Rhoda MC boasts of being the most talented female comedian in Nigeria and the only female comedian in Delta state where she hails. “The fact is, I am the only female comedian in Delta State. I have all it takes to make sick and frustrated people to forget their sorrows by laughing. All aspect of me is comical”, she boasted in a recent phone interview with Entertainment Express.
Her “Season of Laughter” comedy audio CD is gradually becoming a street anthem and a major Sound beat that brightens the gloomy faces of Delta State residents. Currently, the 24-year-old Delta State based act is shooting the video of her comedy album which according to her will add glitz and glamour to comedy in Nigeria.
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