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By Damilola Fatunmise
For versatile comedian, Fagade Olufemi Ademola aka Omobaba, the way and manner the comedy industry is run in Nigeria is worrisome.
Speaking at the maiden edition of his comedy club show tagged: ‘Unknot Your Tie’, which held recently at The Zone, Gbagada Industrial Scheme, Gbagada-Oworonshoki Expressway, Lagos, the comedian lamented a situation whereby up and coming comedians are ushered onto the big stage without first undergoing tutelage.
According to Omobaba, his desire is to change the narrative through the comedy club, where a comedian can come and test the waters and feel the reaction of the people before going onto the main stage.
“I think we jump the gun too much in the Nigerian comedy industry; we discover a talent and before you know what’s happening, the talent has jumped onto the big stage. Yes, you can dribble but you need to play in the lower divisions before moving to the premiership. However, in the Nigerian comedy industry, it’s the discovery of talent straight to the big stage,” he lamented.
Shedding more lights on the comedy club, Omobaba said it’s a hub for all stand up comedians. “I am somebody that gives back to society without looking forward to any recognition. I want to keep that culture alive in Nigeria. By doing that, we have already started seeing the results. One of the guys that started Unknot Your Tie with me just released his ‘special project’ on Netflix Global, and that’s big for Nigeria,” he quipped.
On why he’s called ‘Jesus of Nigerian comedy’, Omobaba said it’s because he’s the person always doing the dirty jobs in the industry.
“I’m clearing the road for a lot of comedians. Some people call me ‘Jesus of Comedy’ because of my style of jokes, and you see some of my colleagues using me for their jokes. That’s the reason my name rings a bell in the industry.”
Meanwhile, the comedy club, which last held at Sidewalk Restaurant and Lounge, Victoria Island, Lagos in 2021, will now hold every last Friday of the month at The Zone.
