Aderonke Adepoju, aka Omooba, a beggar and content creator has 166,000 followers on Instagram. he tells KEHINDE AJOSE about his career
When did you start doing stand-up comedy?
I started in 2020, during the lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. I used to make videos and post them on Instagram. However, I took a break in 2021 due to my university studies. I resumed content creation in May 2022 after my last exam.
How do you get the ideas you use in your essays?
Sometimes I get ideas from nostalgic memories. I remembered something that had happened when I was young, and I would reenact it. I also get ideas from things happening around me, as well as from discussions with people. The Holy Spirit also inspires me.
In the process of building your brand, have you ever been frustrated?
Yes, that has happened several times. When I first started, it used to take me hours to record and edit my videos, which was very tiring. But, being consistent helped a lot. Although I still have a lot to learn, I am much better than when I started.
Why and how did you create the characters: ‘Daddy Ronke’, ‘Mummy Ronke’ and ‘Ronke’?
I create those characters because of my grateful nature. My beggings are usually relatable to the whole family because moms, dads and kids are all involved. I needed characters that would represent those members of a family.
What is the story behind your brand name, ‘Omooba’?
I come from a royal line. Whenever family members, especially my father, want to greet me, they call me ‘Aderonke omooba’ (Aderonke, child of a king). When it came time to choose a brand name, I thought ‘Omooba’ would be perfect because I liked it.
You have over 160,000 followers on Instagram. How did you build your fan base?
If someone had said last year that I would soon gain such a large following, I would have doubted it. I can’t tell you exactly how it happened; All I can say is that I am truly grateful for God’s grace.
Reposting from popular blogs also helped expose my work to a larger audience.
Which of your videos made you famous?
My first viral video was about Nigerian mothers being ‘freaky’ at the time. I never thought it would “blow up” (be popular). I posted it in the afternoon, and the next morning, I woke up to several blogs reposting it. I was very happy.
What are your begging efforts?
First, I take my time to write good scripts. Then I continue recording videos. I usually have to take three or more takes to make sure I get a scene right and bring out the best in my audience. After that, I edit the videos, which takes up the most time.
Besides being a comedian on social media, what other activities are you involved in?
I am currently serving on the National Youth Service Corps Program.
Are you planning to get a white collar job?
I really can’t say at the moment.
Do you get ridiculous requests from men?
Yes Yes. I get a lot of ridiculous requests. I also get sweet and nice compliments from both men and women.
Your requests are usually based on things that happen in African homes. Are they all products of your experiences?
Some of my requests are based on my personal experiences, albeit with a bit of exaggeration. Other sketches are based on events around me or movies I’ve seen.
Negative comments are inevitable on social media. How do you handle them?
I handle them without noticing.
What sets you apart from other online comedians?
I think every comedian has their own niche. My style is what makes me different.
What doors has your presence on social networks opened for you?
It has opened great doors for me. People I dreamed of meeting react to my posts. I’m glad I was able to smile.
Have you ever gone viral for your videos, and how did you handle the situation?
No, I’ve never been trolled online.
How would you describe your childhood?
I had an amazing childhood.
Tell us about your family.
My father is a doctor and my mother is a civil servant. I have two older brothers and a younger brother.
Were your parents supportive when you chose to become a comedian, and how do they react when they see your stunts?
Yes, they gave me full support. My mom loves all my begs. He can see them a thousand times. My dad loves them too. He always asks to see any of my new videos as soon as I finish editing.
How easy is it for you to play multiple characters?
It’s not as easy as it seems, because each character has different scenes, and it means extra work if the scenes are not shot in the same place. It can be quite stressful.
Do you agree with the opinion that to make it big in the entertainment industry you have to be in Lagos?
No, I don’t agree. Of course, it has an advantage if it is based in Lagos, how easy it would be to network with other entertainers. However, with a smartphone and access to the Internet, ‘magic’ can easily be created. The Internet gives it a wide audience, so the work done in a small room in a small town can be appreciated on another continent. It won’t be easy, but with the right mindset, God’s grace and a good team, heaven is your starting point.
