Otolorin Kehinde Peter, popularly known as Kennyblaq, a.k.a God’s grace ambassador, currently is the reigning king of the comedy industry. With the new style of using music to crack jokes, the comedian, in this interview with DUPE AYINLA-OLASUNKANMI, speaks on how he discovered the new trending style of delivering jokes, among other issues.
WHY music comedy?
I have always been a fan of music. I started as a backup singer with a Yoruba band in 2004. All I wanted to be was a musician, but then I realised that when I hear a song I always want to sing it the other way round.
So in 2008 I said to myself if I was going to ever do comedy they must know that I can sing too. That was how I started writing my jokes with music.
Where have you been hiding all the while?
I have been working, and trying to make sure I don’t hide under the shadows for too long. So I have been in my room watching standup comedy shows and going for some local shows.
You see I have not been hiding really; let’s just say I have been working on building the Kennyblaq brand.
And who discovered you?
I will say one of my uncles. His name is Ezekiel, popularly known as P. famous. He saw the gift and gave me my first platform in 2008.
You seem to be the reigning comedian at the moment?
I don’t know about that but if that is true I feel honoured and I give God all the glory.
Tell us how you feel about your success story
I feel blessed. Sometimes when I am alone, I just look back at how I started and all I can say is to thank the Lord for His grace.
I remember when I wanted to go for my first international show last year Easter and I was refused visa, I cried. But today I have performed and also received awards as ‘Comedian of the Year’ in Egypt and Malaysia.
I have also been to the same country I was refused visa more than once. I just finished my Europe tour, and presently in the United States of America for my USA tour. I feel blessed to be God’s grace ambassador.
What was your first experience like on stage?
It was crazy; I didn’t know what to say. Back then I was a clown; I used to dress like Baba Suwe. I was shaking and people were laughing; since it was comedy I turned it to a joke like “omo, the way everybody dey look only me, na him make me dey shake oo. E be like say una won beat me.” They laughed so hard and that was all I could say but I had fun.
I came back home with joy in my heart and all I was saying for a week was “they laughed.”
How did you feel when three top comedians; Ali Baba, Okey Bakassi and AY came out to introduce you at one of his shows?
Hmmmmm, that I call an experience I will cherish forever. I did not see it coming, it was like a dream because I have never seen them do that to any comedian before.
But I was scared because with that hype I needed to give my best so they can be super proud of me. The audience were waiting after the introduction to see if what they actually said was what was about to happen.
I thank God because not only did the audience give a standing ovation, they sprayed me pounds and dollars too.
Ali Baba, Okey Bakassi and AY, I go dye, Klint the drunk, and all the comedians present at the event, came up to me and said, “Kennyblaq, welcome to your success story page 1.” It is a day I will never forget.
How do you intend to continue to thrill your fans?
It is going to be continuous had work.
Comedians usually recycle jokes; don’t you feel you might run out of ideas later?
I am not God, so I don’t know what will happen later. But for now, ideas come every day, all I need is you to keep praying for me (pray for more grace to do exploit).
Any regrets so far?
All I count is joy presently.
Would you change your style of music, if the need arises?
I am not sure and I don’t have any plan to do so soon.
What do you mean by this statement, “I’m a virgin so I don’t know what s3x is”?
I read it in a book.
Tell us the life of being a twin
Sweet ooooo. Chai, you know you have that someone you can tell anything. My twin sister Otolorin Taiwo Hannah is my second mummy.
Are you thinking of settling down soon?
Haba no ooo, school is there and the brand also still needs to get better and better.
Tell us the concept behind ‘The Oxymoron of Kennyblaq’, slated for July
It is all about comedy but this time it’s going to be musical. You know how I do my thing; I am a story teller, so I am going to be uncovering some stories behind some of the songs you listen to.
How long do you think you can last on stage, with your kind of style?
I think I can do 1hr. I am planning to do that on July 23, at Eko Hotel, for the ‘Oxymoron of Kennyblaq’.
Which would you describe as your worst show?
I learn from every show, good or bad; so I am not sure I have any at the moment.
Are your parents cool with your choice of career?
They are; they see me as a relief to Nigeria in this time of trial.
What are your plans not to fade out with time?
Always put God first, and then work endlessly.
