Encomium
Millionaire comedian, I Go Dye (Francis Agoda) has every reason to thank God Almighty. Kicking off his career over a decade ago, he has never despised his days of little beginning. And now on top of his game, the high-flying entertainer, who recently returned from Dublin, Ireland, shared his success story with ENCOMIUM Weekly’s Associate Editor, Uche Olehi. He, however parried claims he is one of the richest and most travelled comedians in this side of the world, only admitting God has blessed him beyond words…
You just returned from another foreign trip. Where did you travel this time?
I was in Dublin.
So, what was the show/event all about?
I went for Nigerian Carnival held in Dublin, Ireland. I was there on humanitarian grounds to help raise funds for orphans. I travelled alongside my comedian friend and current S.S.A to the Edo State Governor on Entertainment, Roland Igbadumhe, fondly called Youngest Old Man. The events attended by prominent Nigerians across the globe was for charity. And I thank God it was very successful.
This should be your 16th trip outside our shores this year, indicating you travel at least twice a month?
I can’t really recall. You just said that. I don’t go about counting how many times I travelled out for shows or with my family. By and large, the year has been, to say the least, obviously rewarding and fruitful.
So, how does it feel to be rated Nigerian’s most- sought after comedian outside our shores?
It depends on the record available at any time. Professionally, I feel every other artiste is still busy like me. Entertainment is now big business. I believe we are all doing well. And for me, it’s immaterial classifying who is on top or the bottom of the ladder. I don’t know about others. But for me, I think God has been so good to me.
Your CDs also sell the highest in the country. One marketer even reportedly offered you N40 million or so, for the CD?
Really? To God be the glory. You may have to come to the relevant department in our office to verify this. The last time I checked, we had a mouth-watering offer from our marketer. Our prayer is that this unprecedented wave of acceptance and loyalty should continue. We are open to suggestions that will attract more fans and patrons to the band.
Does that mean you are now the richest comedian?
Wealth and riches depend on one’s state of mind. I exist in my little world, practically being satisfied with my little daily bread that God has gradually provided. I’m still praying for more.
What are you doing to check pirated copies being promoted by unauthorized vendors in some parts of the country?
What really can private individuals do? The constitution does not empower citizens to enforce the law. The relevant agencies of government have the responsibility to checkmate piracy. So, if piracy strives, it’s an institutional failure, and no artiste can single handedly enforce decorum against this form of abuse. Having made this clarification, it behoves on relevant agencies to do their job. On our part, we are ready to co-operate with them at all times.
Having done well for yourself career wise, what’s your next step and ultimate ambition?
My personal ambition depends upon God’s grace and mercy. It is the will of God that actually defines my step; regardless of my desires and goals. But within me, I know there are no limitations. So long it is destined by God. So, I remain focused, hoping on the bright sun to shine on my ambition. Until then, it remains vague.
-UCHE OLEHI
