ENTERTAINERS MUST ALSO GET GOOD EDUCATION AS AFOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS: - Teju Babyface
The comedian who has been in the comedy and entertainment industry for some time now, is a lively, witty and easy-going. He does not carry "air" the way some so called superstars behave. Enjoy his chat with Emmanuel Gabari
*HELLO, CAN WE KNOW YOUR NAMES AND WHERE YOU COME FROM?
my name is Olateju Oyelakin. born in Lagos in the late 70s.
WHEN DID YOU REALISE COMEDY WAS A PASSION YOU HAD?
I realized i could probably do comedy while i was in the university.
*WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND?
I studied Insurance in the University of Lagos
*HOW WAS THE JOURNEY INTO THE ENTERTAINMENT WORLD?
the journey, like all journeys to anywhere worthwhile had, and still has, its challenges.
ARE THERE ANY REGRETS SO FAR?
None whatsoever
IF YOU WEREN'T INTO ENTERTAINMENT, WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU HAVE BEEN DOING?
I would have been an Admiral in the Navy or its equivalent in the Airforce. See, I like the military.
WHO WERE YOUR MENTORS AND HOW DID YOU RISE SO FAST?
Basorge Tariah and Ali Baba gave me the biggest jump starts. As to rising so fast, did i really? Its been nine years and counting o. However, whatever anybody thinks I might have achieved, I give the total glory to God.
IN AND OUT OF STAGE, HOW DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION?
Oh boy oh boy, the man upstairs works overtime on my behalf. You search for it mostly. The odd one comes to you now and again, but basically you have to read,
watch, think and look for it(thats how it works for me anyway). I am on a new dimension these days however. I have started to PRAY for it.
ARE THERE CHALLENGES YOU FACE AS AN ENTERTAINING COMEDIAN?
But of course. Least of them may be the fact that, week in, week out, you have to keep on delivering at every event you perform at.
WHATS YOUR VIEW ABOUT COMEDIANS RECIRCLING FELLOW COMEDIANS JOKES?
As an emcee who is anchoring an event, use it(if you must). But at an all-out, pound for pound concert, maybe you shouldn't. If you must use it, add to it. Make it better, embellish it somewhat. Let the creator hear it and be proud. But make sure you don't use anybody's joke who is at the same show and hasn't performed yet. You may just use the joke they intended to use.
HAVE YOU PERFORMED OUTSIDE THE SHORES OF NIGERIA?
Ghana, Paris and an impromptu charity event in London. All in 2006.
IN ENTERTAINMENT, WE ALWAYS HEAR ABOUT RIVALRY AND BAD BLOOD. IS THERE RIVALRY IN THE COMEDY CIRCLE?
Not really. The prospects are too large for us to fight over as it is.
HOW WOULD YOU RATE THE NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY, AS IN MUSIC, COMEDY AND FILMS?
Music: Solid! Comedy: solid! Films: Could be better.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE TO ANY UPCOMING ACT?
Start where you are, use what you have, do the best you can.
OUR YOUNG ENTERTAINERS STILL DON'T SEE THE NEED FOR EDUCATION. WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON THAT?
I will not even take any calls from any act who is not in college or a graduate already. of cos you need to go to school. comedy is a career not a hobby.
IF YOU ARE ASKED TO MAKE A WISH, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I wish for a 1000 wishes
HAVE YOU EVER HAD A DULL MOMENT ON STAGE, WHEN FANS COULDN'T JUST CONNECT WITH YOUR JOKES?
But of course. Who is the comedian who hasn't? Show me one and i will show you a liar!
HOW DO YOU ALWAYS PULL THROUGH ANY EVENT OR OCCASION YOU PERFORM?
You keep reminding yourself that the balance of your payment is contingent on your performing well. That helps.
COULD YOU ANALYSE WHAT'S HAPPENING IN NIGERIA'S POLITY AND PROFFER A SINCERE LASTING SOLUTION?
Solution? Hang anybody that embezzles public funds!
WHAT'S YOUR PARTING WORD FOR YOUR FANS?
God bless you all.
THANKS FOR FINDING TIME TO TALK WITH US, INSPITE OF YOUR BUSY SCHEDULES.
Its my pleasure, Emmanuel. Thanks too.
EMMANUEL GABARI
REPORTING FOR http://www.nollywoodgists.com