Do we still need Nigerian comedians in Ghana?
Last week, my piece centered on the good things worth noting at the Point of View, a comedy show organised by DKB with support from his other colleagues at the National Theatre.
Advertisement
This week, I intend exploring more on the show and the impression it has created in the minds of many Ghanaians. DKB and the other comedians, Khemikal, Ajeezay, Hogan, I.D James Brown, Jacinta, Comedian OB, Foster Romanus, TK, Nino and Lekzy The Comic did put up a spectacular show.
The success of the show meant Ghanaian comedians were talented and when given the platform, would excel. They proved their critics wrong and comedy lovers were definitely overwhelmed by their delivery on the night.
Though there will be few who will disagree on the excellent performance, I’m more than convinced that our comedians have proved their worth and have no doubt won the confidence of most Ghanaians.
Strong impression
By this piece, I strongly think that DKB and his colleagues did not only succeed in making history if I may put that way but they created a great impression in the minds of patrons.
That show has made most Ghanaians, especially those who doubted the capability of Ghanaian comedians to have contrary views.
Comedy can sometimes be subjective because what could be funny to you may not be funny to the next person. On such basis, why do we write off our comedians?
The success of Point of View has sprung up series of discussions in the media and among Ghanaians as well. For now, some confident Ghanaians feel it’s about time to let the Nigerians stay in their country so we can support ours to become competitive big brands.
‘A Night of Laughs and Music’ series
When Charterhouse announced comedians billed for the first edition of this year’s ‘1000 Laughs and music’ series dubbed 1022, many people were surprised and it generated a lot of buzz on social media. This is because Nigerian comedians, as usual, were top on the list.
The MTN sponsored and Charterhouse produced ‘A Night of Laughs and Music’ series is the biggest comedy platform in Ghana. The platform has seen performances from the best of comedians on the continent.
As a big stage, every budding comedian strives to be on the platform and has been a prestigious stage for many to “launch” their worth to the people.
At least, comedians such as Gordons, Basket Mouth, Klint da Drunk, Bash, Okey Bakassi, Akpororo, Helen Paul, Bovi, and other Nigerian comedians won the love of Ghanaians with their debut act and for years, have blessed patrons with their craft. .
Until recently, the few Ghanaian comedians given the opportunity to showcase themselves couldn’t live up to the task.
Perhaps, they caused disaffection for their colleagues but it seems the good days are here for them.
Let’s not forget, Charterhouse is not a non-profit organisation, As such, they are in business for profit and not for charity so they definitely need comedians who will pull crowd and not the ones who just add to the numbers.
Nigerian comedians again
I Go Dye, Acapella, Kenny Black and Destalker from Nigeria and Ghana’s Foster Romanus, Comedian OB and Lekzy Decomic have been announced as the “jokers” to split the sides of patrons at next month’s comedy show.
Obviously, Nigerians outnumber their Ghanaian counterparts but if you look closely, the comedians have been carefully selected not just to make Ghanaians happy but based on their credentials. Undoubtedly, OB has been superb in all his performances and Lekzy Decomic was the discovery at the Point of View Comedy Show.
It’s understandable the protest of some Ghanaians on social media about the dominance of Nigerian acts like a fan who posted on his facebook wall “Nigerian comedians again?” For such, they believe since Ghanaian comedians proved their worth and have shown they are equal to the task the Nigerians play when they come down, there was absolutely no need bringing them again. Could such people be right with their opinions?
The same sentiments has been expressed by some Ghanaian comedians. In the words of Foster Romanus, “I feel comedians in Ghana are taken for granted by event organisers. An event is hosted in our own country and it is sad that event organisers pay Nigerian comedians better than their own comedians. I don’t really see the impact the Nigerian comedians make when they come down here to perform,” he is quoted to have said in a recent interview he granted.
You may agree or disagree with Foster but can Ghanaians say that they do not need Nigerian comedians because of a successful show? Well, let me leave that to your judgement.
[email protected] or tweet @anangfio
Advertisement