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| Comedian |
Anthony Ikechukwu Ofili, a comedian with the stage name Big Ant is today regularly seen anchoring shows and parties in Lagos. The Psychology graduate from the University of Lagos spoke with ADUNOLA OLADAPO on his journey into comedy, life as a showbiz personality, and other issues. Excerpts:
Can you offer us a peep into your background?
I had my elementary education at the University of Lagos Staff School, after which I went to Saint Finbar’s College, both in Akoka, Yaba, Lagos. I studied Psychology at the University of Lagos. I was brought up in a good Christian home; my parents ensured we went to church regularly. I grew up just like a regular kid from a humble background would. I lost my dad during my first year in the university; but this didn’t stop my schooling, thanks to my mum. It wasn’t easy, but we pulled through.
Would you say you grew up with a silver spoon in your mouth, so to say?
Well, I was brought up in a comfortable way.
How many are you in the family?
Just four of us; my parents gave birth to three boys and a girl. I’m the first in the family.
After your father died, how did life treat you?
Back then, when he was alive, he used to take us out as a family. It was as if he knew he was going to die, because he tolerated a lot of things from us (children), but my case was different; he was tough on me. I guessed he was preparing me for greater things. He was a disciplinarian. At a point, I started to wonder if he was actually my father. Eventually, it paid off for me, because right now, I’m better person.
Was there anything you did to support your mum?
Yes, since I realised that my dad was no more, I had to assist my mum. When I was in school, I did part-time job within the university.
What type of job was that?
We were just posted to some departments in the university; most of those jobs had no need for us. As a matter of fact, it was because the programme was put together by the then Vice Chancellor, the late Professor Jelili Omotola.
How much were you paid?
In a week, we were paid N4000 or so. The money went a long way in sustaining both me and my family. Sometimes then when I got home for the weekend, my mum would ask me if I needed money and I would tell that I had what I needed.
For how long were you on this job?
I guessed it was up to six months or so.
You have never done comedy before, even as a student?
During my days in school, I was a shy person.
How did you start comedy then, since you were shy?
I did say I was shy in my university days, but within my clique and course mates, I used to speak up. Nobody could predict me. I did say that I did psychology in school. I used to twist a lot of things upside down to make people laugh.
When I eventually delved into comedy, the only problem I encountered was adapting to the crowd. It was a totally different ball game; I am no longer facing my course mates but a lot of people I don’t know, who are looking at me, waiting for me to deliver. It was not easy at all. The first few times I held the microphone, it was not easy, but I eventually got used to the crowd.
Did you take alcohol or any stimulants to help you overcome your shyness?
Well, like they say, no be ordinary eyes person take dey misbehave. I won’t lie, sometimes, I used to take a can or glass of beer, but I never did drugs and will never do it. But right now, I do my thing without alcohol.
For how long were you out of job?
When I got back from my youth service in Ekiti in 2003, I was at home for about six months trying to get a job, and it wasn’t forthcoming. I said to myself, I can’t keep staying at home doing nothing, and something just said to me go and do comedy.
And before I knew it, I got hooked up with the likes of Ali Baba, Julius Agwu, Basket Mouth, Gandoki and Okey Bakassi. I really respect Ali Baba, because he has a very broad shoulder. He carries a lot of people around a lot and helps them get into the right places. The good thing I had then was that I was very close to Julius Agwu then; he had an office at Tafawa Balewa Square; also Gandoki. We were always going to shows together. I remember Agwu would tell me to go on the stage first, especially on ‘Rhythm Unplugged’.
...So you featured in ‘Rhythm Unplugged’?
Not really, but I was very close in featuring Crack Ya Ribs by Julius Agwu. Something came up and I didn’t do it again. He has always been a forerunner and godfather to me. He did a lot for me at that point in time. It was through him I got to meet Ali Baba.
What help did Julius and Ali Baba render to you?
They took me to lots of shows, and in the process I met a lot of people. Also, they gave me a lot of events to participate in, and it helped me in boosting my confidence and morale.
Why is pidgin a part of comedy in Nigeria?
I would say pidgin is an integral part of comedy in Nigeria. For me, it has always been a part and parcel of me to speak pidgin. I have been speaking pidgin since I was a kid. Pidgin adds flavour to your jokes; people get hooked quickly to your jokes. It also depends on the kind of event you are anchoring. We can’t take pidgin away; it all started in Warri and it cannot be taken away from comedy.
When would you say you started comedy professionally?
2005.
What was your first experience on stage before a large audience like?
The first outing I did was an event that was put together by Tee A; it was called Comedy Challenge. It was more or less my birth into the comedy sector. There were a lot of comedians there, and the judges there were Ali Baba, Barsorge Tariah Jnr, Adeyinka the 1st, and the rest of them. It was very competitive and challenging for me.
Were you jittery?
I was confident of myself. The competition was very tough and that’s what one needed at that stage. I had to be as creative as possible.
Do you memorise your jokes or it just flowed when you mount the stage?
Comedy is dynamic; comedy to me is something that comes spontaneously. Sometimes the moment you get to the stage, it could be something you see in the crowd that will be a starting point for you. You will also have to do some rehearsals before getting on stage and know the type of jokes you will throw.
How long can you stay on stage before you run out of jokes?
I could do about an hour or so without getting dry. At times, you crack a joke and they don’t laugh; that means the problem is beyond the joke. It depends on the crowd, which is why I do sitcom. Gone are the days when I had to rehearse. Right now, you give me the microphone and I do my thing.
Do you repeat jokes?
At times, I remix the jokes. It depends on the situation or the audience. I remix other people’s jokes, but I acknowledge the person first of all.
Doing other people’s jokes? Is it ethical?
There is nothing wrong in doing so, but there is a limit to that.
Has it ever happened to you that you crack a joke and the crowd does not laugh?
It has happened to me; that was when I was getting to know the industry.
Is it ethical in your profession to crack a joke about the ills of government?
In every profession, there are ethics. You just abide by that. I think basically there is a limit to what one could do. For instance, you are invited to a church to come and perform and you are doing vulgar jokes. If I was to be in an event and the president was there, all protocol must be duly followed.
Has cracking a joke about dignitaries or celebrities ever landed you in trouble?
I have been very fortunate in not getting into trouble. I’m always careful with what is say.
How do you get inspiration for your jokes?
First of all, I get my inspiration from God. Most of the jokes I do nowadays are bible-oriented, and it was God that gave us these talents. I also draw my inspiration from other comedians
Does being a professional comedian require one to be versed in current affairs?
Gone are the days when people thought that comedy was the job of a push over. Being a comedian is serious work. You have to do a lot of work and be abreast with what is going on. If you look at the Boko Haram thing now, you see that the Federal Government is considering granting them amnesty. To me that’s the funniest joke I have ever heard in my life. I can’t imagine them granting amnesty to a faceless people that have killed a lot of people. It’s a joke.
Do you think the Nigerian comedy industry has been able to put good changes through the means of satire?
I think it has contributed immensely to the development of this country, it all started with former President Olusegun Obasanjo. A lot of comedians drew inspiration from him; some of them jokingly let him know where he needs to brace up more, which really helped in some changes. This trend has really continued. Although we cannot over-emphasise that, because we have come a long way.
You have never worked with your certificate?
I did work with it for a while, back in 2006 as a flight attendant I did it for about six months, but I had to (abandon it) because of the risk of flying to and fro. You know then, the rate of plane crashes was on the increase.
What was your mum’s reaction when you told her that you had decided to take up comedy as a career?
It was not funny, when I decided to go into comedy and events, my mum looked at me and asked whether I was serious at all; that I must be joking. I told her that was the joke itself. I have always had my way by letting people see my point of view in things. And that has helped me a lot. She later told me, if that’s what I wanted do, I should go ahead with it.
Why ‘Big Ant’?
People look at me when I give them my card, since I’m not big. My name is Anthony. I like thinking big; that was how the name came out – big and Ant (from Anthony).
Are you married?
Not yet.
Why not?
Marriage no be wetin dem dey jump enter. One needs patience. Marriage is not all about the money. It’s not all about the money or right partner. One has to be careful so that you don’t regret it later.
Are you into any relationship?
Yes.
You do get advances from women? How do you handle your female admirers?
I do get advances. I just have to draw the gap between pleasure and work.
How often does the job pour in?
As often as possible; it’s lucrative, but I have to work for it.
Do you have any regrets so far?
Not at all.
If you were not a comedian, what would you be?
A pilot; I like flying an aircraft by myself, because I will be in control, but I don’t want to die young.
Do foresee veterans in this sector coming up with a comedy school for prospective learners?
It’s not a bad idea; it’s possible for us.
Source: Tribune
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