A comedian, Otaghware Onodjayeke, who goes by the name I Go Save, believes that stand-up comedians have an advantage over skit makers because the latter are only “trending” for a while until another skit maker takes center stage.
Onodjaye said Saturday Beats, “Stand-up comedians have an advantage over sketch makers. When a comedy comedy comes out, everyone takes it. But, the moment another one starts ‘in vogue’, people migrate to the new one.
“Conditionally, for stand-up comedy, it can be there for 15 years, depending on one’s talent and ability to research and create new material. As far as I’m concerned, beggars don’t affect stand-up comedians in any way.”
Asked to comment on the issue of young comedians not receiving proper training and mentoring, I Go Save said: “The problem with most young comedians today is that they are usually in a rush, and they are very discouraged. They are usually eager to impress and make a quick buck. Because of this desperation, they do different things without class or shame. Some even take to the stage to beg for money, while others vilify the comedy industry they built over the years.
“In our time there was no formation. We got here based on God’s street talent, which we developed on our own. Also, there are no associations in the industry, so most comedians are pretty much on their own.
The comedian also asked the police to stop profiling and harassing the youth. He added, “Police need to do more community policing, get along with young people and make life easier. Most cops are being desecrated by this intense bullying and greed to get rich overnight, and make the good cops out there look bad.”
