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With nearly two decades in the comedy business, Bovi Ugboma has evolved from a sitcom creator into one of Nigeria’s most successful stand-up comedians and entertainers.
As he prepares to take his latest comedy special, Guilty as Charged, Bovi, in this interview with Saturday Sun, reflects on his creative process, the business of comedy, handling controversy, staying relevant and the unusual places where he finds inspiration.
Enjoy!
What is the idea behind ‘Guilty as Charged; are you the one who is guilty as charged?
It’s ‘Guilty as Charged’ because, like every show I do, there is always a running title. It’s like an album. Every album usually has one song that becomes the title track. So, most of the jokes in this show are themed around the title, and the majority of them involve pointing an accusing finger. It’s for the audience to find out who or what I’m pointing that finger at on the day.
If you make a joke and the audience doesn’t react positively, do you rethink or redo it?
We’ll wait to find out. I’ve been doing this for so many years, and I’ve never taken my audience for granted. What I can assure you is that I always try to put my best foot forward because people are paying money to see the show, and I need to give them value for their money. That’s not to say everybody will agree with everything said on stage, but the bottom line is that it is a joke. It isn’t meant to be taken seriously or used to form strong opinions. It is for laughs.
What makes your jokes unique?
There are different types of comedy and different approaches to making jokes. Personally, I enjoy listening to virtually every comedian, not just to laugh but also to learn new skills and discover things I can do differently. As for my material, I’m simply being myself. I try to evolve wherever I can, but ultimately, I remain true to who I am.
Has ‘Guilty as Charged’ brought an end to ‘Man on Fire’?
‘Man on Fire’ was a group of shows I did; it was never my name. My name is Bovi. The last time I did ‘Man on Fire’ was in 2019. Since then, I have done two other specials in Lagos and five or six other specials around the world.
‘Man on Fire’ was the name of a product, and that product is done. Because my first shows were called ‘Man on Fire,’ the name stuck and started to sound like an alias.
Do you think ticket sales alone can make a good show or sustain one?
If we had 10,000 – or 20,000-capacity arenas, ticket sales would do the magic, but we don’t. That’s why we are grateful to our sponsors, both private and corporate. We have Printer’s Devil, Nigerian Breweries, Andre Finance, Minimie, Telmec Energy, Canaplus and Yinka Adebayo, among others. Without these people who are helping to propagate the gospel and provide financial backing, it’s not beans.
You are one of the biggest comedians in Nigeria. What is the difference between performing at home and abroad in terms of audience reaction and atmosphere?
I don’t think there is much difference in audience reaction or atmosphere. The product is good; people like comedy, they have a history with comedy, and new converts are coming on board. They turn out in numbers to have a good time, and I give them that.
Structurally, however, the difference is that abroad, I don’t need to lift a finger except to carry myself onto the stage because most of the venues are plug-and-play. Here, we really don’t have that. I’m not just a performer; I’m also an architect and executive producer. It’s wild.
What are you doing to change that?
When I get wealthy, I’m going to build a proper arena that meets modern international standards.
What shapes your comedy?
Everything in life. Even just looking at you people now could shape something in my head.
What is the secret behind your consistency?
I think I love what I do. If I get tired, I’ll stop. I don’t do it strictly for money. Primarily, I do it because I enjoy it. It comes naturally to me. I never get tired of doing it, so it is easy for me.
What is the weirdest place you have ever gotten inspiration for a joke?
A cemetery, at a funeral.
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Are you doing this show solo, or will there be other comedians on stage; Who are we likely to see?
We’ll have one guest appearance by an A-list comedian, but I can’t announce who it is. He is just coming to greet the people.
Other than that, I’m featuring many young comedians. They could be young in their careers, their age, or both. They will be opening acts for me. For several reasons, I have never really been a fan of featuring other established comedians. Part of it is the commercial aspect. If you use somebody’s talent, you’re supposed to pay for it, and the money no reach me.
More importantly, I’m a puritan when it comes to how stand-up comedy should be done. In the future, you might see me say, “The A-listers of comedy” or “Comedy Giants.” That would be a jamboree show where everybody is featured.
But if I advertise a show in my name, it is like inviting people to come and see me, and I don’t want to feed them something I didn’t tell them they were coming to see.
How has your understanding of what makes people laugh changed over time. Are there particular issues you now avoid so you are not taken out of context?
Before, I would say I didn’t avoid any issues. Now, I would say there are issues I tread carefully around because of the people involved and because of the timing. Sometimes, an issue is still brewing.
In your previous shows, you have talked about political events. Will you be doing that this time, considering that we also have elections coming up?
I touch anything I want to touch whenever I want to touch it. There’s a thin line between making jokes and insulting people, and I’ve always tried to maintain that balance, regardless of the season we are in. I want to make people laugh and help them see the funny side of things.
Would you advise upcoming comedians who are trying to build their craft to stay clear of controversial conversations or go at them regardless?
Why would I advise them to stay clear of controversial issues when I don’t stay clear of them? I would advise comedians to be themselves and keep it artistic. There are different types and approaches to comedy, and there are different templates to work with. As long as people leave and say, “He or she made me laugh,” you have done your job.
What makes a successful comedian?
Funny jokes and the ability to scale up the business to the point where you can work with a theme. You have to make yourself a brand that puts food on your table and allows you to create a legacy.
You have made people laugh for years. What makes you laugh so hard?
Everything. When I’m honest with myself and present, everything makes me laugh.
What does it take to move a comedy talent from simply being talented to having commercial value, where people are willing to pay for the talent, book shows and hire the comedian for gigs?
You have to be in circulation. Do comedy clubs in rotation and appear on comedy shows.
Comedy is an art that ultimately boils down to the microphone and the stage. If people laugh, they will remember you and ask for you. It’s very simple.
Once you’re killing it, people will start asking, “Is this guy in this show?” And if the answer is yes, they’ll say, “Okay, I’ll be there.”
After a while, you can say, “I’m doing my own show.” There are so many small venues now, so if you want to start small, why not? Comedy is also very unique. Two people can tell the same joke, and it will still be unique to each of them. Once people connect with you, they will be there.
How do you handle online bullying?
I used to bully back, but I don’t respond anymore.
Has there ever been a time when the audience misinterpreted one of your jokes. How did you handle it?
It has happened before. But I’ve realised that for everybody to understand you or agree with you, you have to be a saint. And to be a saint is not to be on earth. I’m not tired of being on earth.
So, divergent opinions are welcome. I’m past the age of trying to convince people beyond reasonable doubt.
Ever since I found out that what we believe will always give us evidence to support what we already believe, I’ve realised there is no need to try to make someone understand something they have already made up their mind to misunderstand.
