Encomium
+Talks about 6 month old daughter
Comic star, Otaghware Otas Onodjayeke (Igosave) is on a tour of 10 European countries. And very much excited with the success of the shows in Belgium, Germany, Holland, Austria, Czech Republic, France, Switzerland, Spain and Italy, he shared his experience with ENCOMIUM Weekly.
Igosave, who is on the shows with compatriot, Klint Da Drunk, also reviewed his career, revealing why he won’t ever retire from the business of making people happy. And opening up on family life, the high-flying entertainer and Auchi Polytechnic graduate of Painting and General Art unveiled his 6 month old daughter, Alian Oghenemaro whom he confessed has changed his life forever and more…
Few weeks ago, we had your name Igosave trending on social media what was it about?
Igosave is currently on tour, doing what he enjoys most. And that’s making the world happy. Apparently, fans who we thrilled in the course of our tour were tweeting at me so much because they had real value for their euros.
We learnt you are currently on a 10 country European tour. Can you please share the experience with us?
I am on European tour and the idea is to get close to my fans in this part of the world. We’re targeting Africans, especially Nigerians. It has not been easy, though we are catching up with flights from one country to the other and hoping from one city to another. There has been long road trips and most times short sleep. But trust me, it’s been fun as well because I am working with the best team in the world.
The shows have been very successful. And all praise to God Almighty because most of the shows sold out two days before the event date. So far, we have been to Antwerpen in Belgium which was graced by the Nigerian ambassador. We have also been to Germany, Czech Republic, Holland, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Italy, Hungary and France.
So, you’ve been accepted in Europe?
It’s been awesome as most attendees of the shows are Africans with few Europeans making us do our joke in pidgin and standard English because most of them understand English and our body language does the rest for them. So, we just dey try our best, na baba God dey finish am.
Are you doing the show all alone?
No, Klint Da Drunk and Igosave are on the tour together.
How would you assess Klint Da Drunk?
I have seen another part of Klint Da Drunk on this tour. He’s very humble and wondrously creative. He does his comedy act real good and does different genres of comedic songs that get people asking for more. The only wahala be say he too dey quick wake up to pack make we for dey in time. So, I go soon investigate am if he’s from Pakistan.
A lot of people would be pleased to know more about Igosave and how the journey has been so far?
We just do most of the physical which we always see as the best but I give God, who oversees and guides my steps to the right path, all the glory. In this sense, I would not say I am a sojourner since I have God by my side and I keep working hard daily to upgrade and sustain my brand of comedy. I’m enjoying the trade of making people laugh as it gives me joy to see others happy.
Rita Mae Brown once said, “Moral passion without entertainment is propaganda, and entertainment without moral passion is television”.
So, the passion for Igosave in doing what he loves keeps him going. Igosave sleeps, eats, drinks, and thinks comedy. You can add that how to emulate laughter encompasses my thoughts daily. So, in terms of my career, I’m living my dream.
Did you ever believe that comedy would take you this far?
I just keep doing my research to flow with present trend of standup comedy and God has been driving me ahead. I’ve always put my trust in God.
At what point would you retire?
There’s no retirement age in comedy, So, I will never retire. It is not like music or football where you are limited. That’s why you still find the likes of Steve Harvey in the trade. Igosave won’t ever get tired of comedy. I would even be doing jokes until I drop dead.
Let’s get more personal, Otas. How is your daughter doing?
My daughter, Alian Oghenemaro Onodjayeke is very well and growing fine by His grace.
How old is she?
My daughter is just six months and she is the best thing to happen to me.
Has being a father changed you in any special way?
Being a father has taught me how to love more and very emotional because each time she cries and I’m around, it hits me straight in the heart to know her want. This might sound weird, but I love carrying her on my back with a wrapper.
When are you expected back to the country?
Klint Da Drunk and I will be back in the country before the end of the first week of August once we are done with Italy and Spain.
What next after the European tour?
After the European tour, we are performing in China but just for a week then back to Nigeria for serious business. And hustle continues oh, my brother. I will also be laying plans for the fifth edition of my annual comedy show IGosave Unusual, which we expect to bring in foreign comedians.
-UCHE OLEHI
