Interview with President Obonjo of Lafta Republic

Comedy Blogedy: How long have you been gigging in stand-up?

President Obonjo: Since 2010

Comedy Blogedy: How would you describe your comedy?

President Obonjo: My set combines story lines with humour drawing on my African and British influences and the impact they have had on my life; I also talk about the stereotypes of being a Nigerian and the impact of Social media on my life. Also included in my acts are political, topical and observational comedy .

Comedy Blogedy: Which comedians influence your comedy?

President Obonjo: Richard Pryor, Chris Rock and Eddy Murphy

Comedy Blogedy: Did you always want to go into comedy?

President Obonjo: I never thought about wanting to go into comedy it just happened naturally, it was a journey I began right from when I was born, I can’t believe I said that. Every day is comedy for me so why not share my experiences on stage?

Comedy Blogedy: How do you go about writing your material?

President Obonjo: I tend to write things down as they occur either on a note pad or a piece of paper and patiently wait to develop what I have written further, most times ideas just flow… I might be thinking about a particular subject or narrating an experience over an issue that becomes very funny and I write it down.

Comedy Blogedy: Do you gig as a stand-up full time or is it more of a part-time hobby? If so, do you find that your main job influences your material?

President Obonjo: Full time but previously my main job never influenced my material but over the last few months, I do recall certain situations that are now influencing my material. I call them de ja vu situations that end up being funny to me.

Comedy Blogedy: What do you find the most enjoyable and frustrating parts of the amateur comedy circuit?

President Obonjo: I think what I have found most useful is the opportunity to share knowledge and experience with other comics and there is a positive vibe to encourage comics to succeed. There is so much competition out there, I prefer healthy competition, one that encourages others to step up their game. I think one should be selective about the gigs you do, my motto is not how many gigs you have done but how many have been good quality gigs.

Comedy Blogedy: What’s your favourite type of audience to perform to?

President Obonjo: I don’t have any favourite audiences – a good comedian should be able to play to any audience without any preferences.

Comedy Blogedy: Have you been heckled a lot since you’ve started gigging? Do you enjoy being heckled? What’s the best heckle you’ve had?

President Obonjo: Just once, over a joke I made about a particular tribe in Nigeria. It has not happened that often but when it does I find it liberating and challenging that I have gotten under a comedy lover’s skin. I find heckling another opportunity to create comedy gold opportunities.

Comedy Blogedy: What advice would you give to new acts thinking about starting out in comedy?

President Obonjo: Just do it and listen to every good rather than bad advice you can get along the way. Don’t let anyone tell you not to do it, have self-belief and confidence and good luck.