By Christian Agadibe
The Nigerian stand-up comedy scene is fast filling up with new acts, that are energetically trying to establish themselves and earn a strong fanbase that can propel them to stardom and achieve celebrity status.
However, there will always be the all-time leaders like Alibaba, Basketmouth; the men (the stars) and of course, the boys. This perhaps explains why star comedian, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, popularly known as Oga Sabinus, says that he is not bothered by the success the growing pack of new comedians coming into the standup comedy sector of the Creative Industry, some of who he is mentoring and giving opportunities to shine. He asserts that he has cut a niche and solid identity for himself and his brand and is more interested in the legacy he will leave behind by giving others a pull-up to stardom.
Known for his unique blue shirt and special tie, that both feature in his video skits, he presented a seeming makeover image by ditching his trademark blue shirt and “dwarf” tie when he entertained fans at an event put together by Franchez, The FunnyMan 5.0 edition. Sunday Sun has a chat with him.
Please tell us how you started?
Starting wasn’t easy. It all began in 2015 when I was in University of Port Harcourt, UNIPORT, where I graduated from with a degree in Linguistics and Communication Studies.
What is the craziest thing a fan has done to you?
So many things I must say. I have met many situations where what I never expected came to me so I can’t really pinpoint any right now.
Growing up, have you experienced heartbreak before?
No, the same girl I have dated back then is still the girl I am with up until now so there was no such thing.
What are you currently working on?
Right now I am working on my African Tour. I just finished with East Africa; I will be in Liberia on November 15 and Sierra Leone on the 20th of December. These are African countries I have never been to previously but I have fans over these countries who have been inviting me. And I am working on ensuring that the West African tour turns out successful.
What is your greatest dislike about the entertainment industry?
I must say is that the younger ones need to understand that there is no saviour again. In the comedy industry you just have to be creative, focused, know what you are doing and put all your efforts into God’s hands and also have a niche.
What do you have to say about the event today?
The event is awesome, I was at the last one and it was awesome too. Frankay is my friend and he followed me to the United Kingdom and I had to come back and support him because he’s someone I appreciate and supported me on my tour in the UK.
What was is it like growing up?
It wasn’t easy, I wasn’t born into a rich family. My dad was someone that really loved education and made sure that no matter what I went to school. I feel that no matter what you are doing in life you need education because it has helped to fashion me in terms of public knowledge, when to say what and where. It has helped me a lot. My father never had much but the little he had he made sure to use it to train all of us in school.
This part of the industry hardly helps the upcoming ones but you have mentored few people in the industry, what is the secret to your success?
There is something we call legacy. Some people came out and they had fame but not legacy. A legacy would stand higher than fame that is why you need to nurture people after you because you can never be there forever but what can be forever is your name.
What is your biggest fulfillment in the industry?
That is when I am seeing people that I’m bringing become big like me also. I am not threatened by their success because I also learn from them. This is also my greatest achievement and my biggest fulfillment.
Do you have any plans to settle down anytime soon?
No comments. That is off the media for now.