Graphic Showbiz Logo

Advertisement

Lekzy DeComic
Lekzy DeComic

Cat and Mouse - GH comedians and the media

There is a kind of love-hate relationship between Ghanaian comedians and the entertainment media. The kind has over the years raised tempers, especially from the comedians who suspect that despite all they have done to elevate that aspect of the arts, the media still does not give them the due respect.

Before we got to this place, some people in the media had held the view that many of the comedians we had, especially the stand-up comedians, were not funny. 

At the time the leading characters were David Oscar, Foster Koobi and a few others. Those were the graduates of the Charterhouse-organised comedy reality show as part of Stars of the Future.

I must admit that some of the criticisms were too hard. Most of those criticisms were not constructive enough to give room for the budding talents of the only comedians we had to grow fully well to the point that we would enjoy what they gave us.

The reason, if one may find it, was because many consumers of co

Eventually it seemed as though the market had accepted their own and the Ghanaian comedian would have his/her day on stage anywhere in Ghana and they would raise the roof. DKB was becoming the leading force for all the performers in that field and there was hardly a gig he won’t feature on or a show he won’t MC.

Last year, DKB attempted his own show and it was massively successful to the surprise of many. He filled the National Theatre to the rafters and on the bill he had all the people who had been classified as the new face of comedy in Ghana. He was named by KSM as the King of Comedy at this event.

Unfortunately, the then poster boy for Ghanaian comedy and the most vociferous advocate, David Oscar, who had moved on to become a musician did not show up. I felt that should have been his moment of glory.

Be that as it may, the Ghanaian media, especially those in entertainment had been with the comedians throughout this journey I have outlined. When they needed to be criticised we held no punches and where they needed to be praised, we spared no ink.

Recently though there has been some terse responses from some of the comedians because some entertainment pundits had criticised them again, rekindling that old cat and mouse relationship all over again. 

In the midst of this brouhaha, Graphic Showbiz published a front page story quoting former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings as saying DKB was a boring comedian.

That also added some flame to the inferno with the comedians and especially DKB pushing back strongly. He was recently quoted to have said that Ghanaians did not have common sense. In his response though he said he was aimed at some media people who do not recognise the efforts of comedians and not to Ghanaians.

“These false claims are propaganda to tarnish my image because my response was directed to those who constantly disrespect the hard work of Ghcomedy and Ghcomedians. I do agree such comments are needless irrespective of whom it address and our best bet is to remain focused on delivering our refreshing humour to Ghanaians,” he said in a statement.

I honestly think it is not necessary bashing heads between the media and comedians. The fact is that, the media should be able to point out when comedians go overboard or do silly jokes or are boring. It is the duty of the comedians to prove the media wrong on the platform by delivering the best shows.

That said though it is also okay to have a banter once in a while. The media won’t stop criticising (for better or worse) and it behooves the comedians to up their game to meet the expectations of the people. 

The Nigerians and Ugandans will keep coming and our own should better be prepared to meet them boot for boot. Rest assured, when they have an off day and kill fire, we shall talk and write about it. So better get used to it already!

Connect With Us : 0242202447 | 0551484843 | 0266361755 | 059 199 7513 |