Encomium
Popular stand-up comedian Idowu Nuel famously called Koffi, is set to unleash the second edition of his monthly gig Koffi Comedy Nite Live Ladies on Rampage.
In an interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly, Koffi talked about his plans for the show, how he came about the idea of Ladies on Rampage, and lots more…
What’s Koffi comedy nite live Ladies on Rampage all about?
Comedy Nite Live is a monthly gig that entails quality humour, music and other forms of pure entertainment. It kicked off in 2011 at the Kingsize Place, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, but recently resumed at the Ember Creek, Ikoyi. The first Edition this year held on March 25. The next edition on April 29 carries the theme Ladies on Rampage because it is an all ladies affair, involving some of the funniest female comedians in Nigeria and budding musicians, poets etc.
What inspired the idea of “ladies on rampage”?
This was inspired by the need to do something different and also encourage and showcase more talented female entertainers.
What have you been up to?
I have been quite up to my neck in several ventures most especially in creating contents and platforms. After my concert, Out Of Control in November of 2015, I have been working on my new television Programme Funny Moments with Koffi’Tha Guru, A magazine Programme of comedy, music, lifestyle, drama, and interviews with Dame Abimbola Fashola, Bunmi Davies, Dr. Muiz Banire, Pretty. Okafor, Agatha Amata, amongst others. I also took time to create a Skitlet series Unlike Father Unlike Son starring my protege Josh2Funny, and some notable colleagues like Omobaba, MC Abbey, Lolo 1, Bash, Cee.Y, etc.
My last album Metamorpho also enjoyed a couple of video shoots for the songs, “E Get As E Be” featuring Iya Rainbow, Kunle Afolayan, Labi, Frank Donga, Patrick Doyle, etc. And “Jabele Remix” featuring Classiq, Boomerang, Obadice, Josh.
So far, can you tell us how the year has been for you career wise?
The year has kicked off well with Comedy Nite Live, also just released a new song Ilu Le! And concluded recordings on my 12th Album in 12 years, Ijinle The 12th Commandment. My company Worker man Entertainment has also been on a content provision spree for several online and terrestrial platforms. Soon as the new album is released on June 12.
I shall be heading back to the studio with my SplufikTeam mates Boomerang and Josh2Funny to finish up work on another album called Hunting Season. Besides that, work is going underground for a sitcom series and a movie before the end of the year. A Yoruba television Programme is also in the works.
What’s your assessment of Nigeria’s entertainment industry?
The industry is losing a lot in terms of values as most entrants into entertainment are just coming in for the fame and fortune. No commitment to adding quality. The corporate world is not helping matters either by
continuously endorsing lackadaisical acts instead of hard work and longevity.
If you could, what would you change about the industry?
I would love to really change the way Government sees and treats entertainment. Not realizing that entertainment and social work are the two major disciplines that can save Nigeria from the doom of joblessness and terrorism.
What would you say is the secret of your success so far?
No secret. It has been God and he is not a secret (laugh).
Let’s talk about your love life, how have you been coping with marriage?
Beautifully and I’m grateful to God for blessing me with the right partner.
Are you interested in anything else apart from comedy?
Emancipating the young and next generation. Impacting them with the right things that need be done to maintain a good Nigerian legacy.
What has been your challenges in entertainment so far?
None. God has been good. I follow his instructions strictly.
What is your advice for upcoming artistes and entertainers?
Be real. Add value to yourself and society at large. Don’t conform yourself to what is in vogue continuously create a path and innovate constantly.
What are your plans for the success of Koffi Comedy Nite Live girls on Rampage?
The necessary publicity has been put in place, the stage and necessary technical have been sorted, the rest is left to God.
Do you think Comedy is contributing to the development of Nigeria entertainment industry as a whole?
Very much indeed. First, as an income earner for a lot of practitioners and as a major stress reliever of the nation as a whole.
Do you honour all invitations?
I am a professional first and foremost. Tribe, race or religion does not becloud my judgement in any way. I offer my services to all and sundry. The very elitist class, the medium level audience and pedestrian crowd all
enjoy the wit and fun I have to offer. I don’t discriminate at all financially or physically. All man deserves to be happy.
Would you say comedy is working for you?
That is why this interview is happening. If it wasn’t we won’t be here (laugh).
