Funnyman Abovi Ugboma, popularly known as Bovi, talks to JANE KOLADE about his love for entertainment, the art of writing, his craft, and lots more. Excerpts:
AS a popular comedian, could you tell us how it all began?
First of all, I do not define myself by any sovereignty; I entertain people all over the world. I feel that you are tying me down when you define me that way. I do not want that identity.
So would you rather be referred to as a funnyman, as the Americans call it?
I am an entertainer. I would rather call myself an entertainer because I do more than just crack jokes.
So what else do you do?
I am actor, a writer, and make movies.
So, why comedy or entertainment?
That is what comes naturally to me.
When you decided to go into entertainment, were your parents in support of your decision?
They had their reservations, but I studied Theater Arts, so it was a given.
How were you able to sell your brand considering the fact that quite a number of people do what you do?
Everyone has something to sell, it’s about product differentiation. I was lucky that people saw my product and they liked it. Whether or not they like it forever, I can’t tell. Every year, people come out with a new product, one of them sets on fire and the rest is history. I think people like what I do, and I will leave the mystery of how or why they like it to God.
Comedy fans posit that Nigerian humour differs from the American, and British ones. Do you, therefore, have to doctor your jokes for your audience?
Even abroad, the audience is still predominantly Nigerian, so they are used to our nuances and literature, as well as our history and lifestyle, I really don’t have to do much modification. However, yes, comedy differs. For instance, the British comedy differs from the Nigerian one, even American or Australian humour.
Every sovereignty has had their identity in comedy. It all depends on their background, history, and culture, and that is what we do. We have our own culture, and we are exporting it to the world. In Nigeria, we like our comedy broken down to the simplest form. We really don’t want to think or task ourselves, and we simply want a good laugh. So we make it as vivid as possible for the Nigerian audience. American comedy, on the other hand, is very situational, so if you are not informed you won’t get what is talked about. British comedy is not just situational, but cerebral; hiding the punch line in riddles.
One of the issues raised at the last NEC Conference was the MOBICON bill. Could you give us your take on the MOBICON bill?
I haven’t really read extensively on what the bill is about, so I wouldn’t want to comment on it. What I do know is that, if it is a step in the right direction, time will tell. But is the timing right? Absolutely not! More needs to be done rather than push for a bill.
Have you heard about the Intellectual Property Rights Bill?
No. Is it being pushed at present?
Yes.
Really? What stage is it now?
It was in its first reading early in the year. It actually protects the rights of creatives, what constitutes infarctions, penalties and such like. It’s such a shame; you seem not to be the first entertainer who has not heard about it.
I listen to the news regularly, and never heard it reported, which is why I asked if it has passed the second reading.
What made you think that you could take your comedy outside of these shores successfully?
The internet. I do short videos, sketches and put them online, and the feedback made us know those that like our work, that follow us etc. The Nigerian community outside Nigeria is huge, and when we realised the market out there, we pushed out, and the rest is history.
Ten years from now, do you think you would still be doing comedy?
Only time will tell. I was born to be an entertainer; do you think I should do something else?
Were you funny as a kid?
I don’t know, but I’ve always been a story teller. I love to write, I see myself more as an all rounder than just a comedian. People know me more as a comedian in Nigeria because comedy is really big in Nigeria, and I have not really explored the other genres I love. I actually started on TV as an actor, which is where I cut my teeth. I wrote what I acted before comedy came knocking. Eventually, I will go back to TV and film.
So if you were not doing comedy, what would you be doing?
I would be doing TV and film.
Outside of that?
I would be writing for entertainment or film.
So you have never done anything else?
My passion is entertainment. Why should I be elsewhere? I am an advocate of people finding their passion. I would have played football if I were not so passionate about entertainment, maybe football is my hobby.
If a young guy just starting out walked up to you and said he would love to be like you, asking you for advice, what would you tell him?
I would tell him not to be like me but to watch what I do, and draw inspiration to do what he was born to do.
What would you tell him to stay away from?
Drugs.
What do you think are the killers of entertainers?
Bad management, drugs.
In your opinion, what are the qualities responsible for your success?
I am not successful yet, but a work in progress. But so far, hard work, passion, and a love for what I do.
