Entertainment
How Arinze Baba Revived Comedy In Rivers
Stand-up comedy once
regarded as a pastime of the unserious and the uneducated, has transformed into a big business, turning its practitioners into millionaires and throwing up a huge industry with several direct employment opportunities and support services.
It would be recalled that before now, comedians were regarded as mere jesters and clowns used at intervals of events and paid pittance, but today, through Oprah Williams Night of a Thousand Laughs, he made Nigerians realize that comedy is a veritable business venture and Nigerians now have to pay to laugh. In Port Harcourt, the Rivers State, capital modern comedy business could be traced to the exploits of Arinze Baba.
The ace comedian has been recognised as the brain behind the introduction of modern comedy in Port Harcourt City. He initiated the first Port Harcourt comedy club right from his days at Army Day Secondary School, Bori Camp, Port Harcourt. His funny, humble and calm nature pierces the heart of many on whose faces he leaves genuine smiles. This multi-talented comedian left video shooting and editing for professional comedy. The Badagry, Lagos State-born humour merchant was born and brought up in the oil rich city of Port Harcourt where he started his comedy career in 1998, but went professional in 2004 when he first performed at a comedy events titled “Day of a Thousand Laugh held in Port Harcourt.
In a recent interview, he stated that his major triumph is that he was the first non-indigenous comedian to have come this far in the oil-rich city. He disclosed that when he came to Port Harcourt comedy industry, he met the likes of Yibo Koko, Mic Ogbolosinger, Michael Ogolo, Iyowuna Obumanu, Basurge Tariah and a host of others who were either indigenes or based in the state.
The comedian, who is also known as the Boss to the boss of the boss recalled that when he came into the comedy scene in the state, he faught for the growth of the industry which is evident in what we see or hear around us today, stressing that the movers and shakers of comedy business in the city of Port Harcourt came from his struggles, “this is why I said I am the boss to the boss of the boss, they all see me as a father, leader, brother and friend”, he stated.
He noted that as part of celebrating his birthday he hosted a talent hunt in search of new potentials and eventually the crowd declared both Warri boy and Mic Advisers as the winners of the contest, this was on 15th of July 2012, he disclosed that he also initiated a Comedy Club called ‘funny house’ with the sole objectives of discovering new potentials, promoting and improving the Port Harcourt Comedy business at large which has never been done before in the state.
According to him, Funny House started 1st July 2012, with its maiden edition which was also used as Chelsea FC’s victory party, he paraded the likes of Chuddy K, Paulyno (qualified doctor), Prince Hezekiah, Wonder, Jesse and Walenayo, it was gathered that the success of the first edition made the second edition a bomb on the 5th of August, parading the likes of slow dog. Dan the Humourous, Donald Diva, Sparta E. and the two winners of the maiden edition of the talent hunt, Warri Boy and M. C. Adviser.
Commenting on the Nigerian Comedy Clan, Arinze described Ali Baba, Basket Mouth, AY, I Go Dye and Gordon as his first five favourite comedians “I like Ali Baba for his presentation (English jokes), I like Basket Mouth for his business sense, I like AY for his packaging, I like I Go Die for his creativity and I like Gordon for his energy”, he said.
Apart from the Port Harcourt based comedians, other veteran humour merchants in Nigeria include late Mohammed Danjuma, Sam Loco Efe, Boma Erokosima, Sammie Needle, Junior and Pretty all of blessed memories. Francis Duru, Okey Bakassi, I Go Dye, Bovi, I Go Save, Dandoki, M.C Abbey, Klint de drunk, Teju Baby Face, Maleke, Holy Mallam, Elenu, M.C Shakara, Onyebuchi Ojieh (Bauchi), Emeka Smith, Dave Sikpa, Princess, Lepacious Bose, among others. These professional comedians are reputed for their exploits and ribcracking jokes that put smiles on the faces of their audience as they smile to the banks at the end.
The Nigerian film industry has lost another of its veteran performers, Columbus Irisoanga, fondly known as ‘Igbudu’ following his unforgettable role in the 2001 Nollywood classic, Isakaba.
His passing was announced by actress and politician, Hilda Dokubo, who expressed her deep sorrow over his death.
“Our uncle, columbus Irisoanga has gone to be with the Lord. Ikoli eh dein na mu. There can’t be a shortage of Angels in heaven that the few here are called home like this! This one is heavy on Uniport, Rivers State and Nollywood,” Dokubo said
Irisoanga’s death is a significant loss not just for Nollywood but also for the academic community. He was a respected senior lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), where he earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees.
Over the years, he nurtured and mentored many students who have gone on to become industry professionals.
Columbus Irisoanga made a lasting mark on Nollywood with his compelling performances, particularly in epic films and traditional roles. His portrayal of Igbudu, the formidable chief priest in Isakaba, cemented his place as one of the industry’s respected character actors. With a commanding presence and a deep understanding of dramatic storytelling, he brought authenticity to every role he played.
The Tide Entertainment reports that beyond Isakaba, Irisoanga was known for his dedication to the craft, collaborating with some of Nollywood’s finest filmmakers. His contributions extended beyond the screen, as he was also instrumental in shaping the next generation of actors and filmmakers through his academic work at UNIPORT.
His passing comes just days after the industry mourned the loss of Nollywood actress, Pat Ugwu, who died at the young age of 35. This string of losses has left Nollywood fans and colleagues heartbroken, with many expressing their condolences and tributes on social media.
While the cause of Irisoanga’s death has not been officially disclosed, his impact on Nollywood and the academic world remains undeniable. His work, both in film and education, has left an indelible mark, and his legacy will live on through the students he taught and the audiences he entertained.
As the industry reflects on this great loss, many will remember Columbus Irisoanga not just as Igbudu, but as a mentor, a scholar, and a passionate storyteller whose influence will endure for years to come.
Popular businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, has said that his relationship with singer Davido is beyond money and gossip.
He stated this in a recent interview with BBC Igbo.
“Davido is my friend. He is my in-law; he married Chioma who is from Imo State where I hail from.
“So the relationship I have with Davido is beyond money and gossip,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Chief Priest disclosed via his Instagram page that his outfit for the wedding of the singer, Davido and his wife, Chioma, in Lagos on Tuesday cost seven million Naira.
The socialite recently appreciated Davido for not “discarding” Chioma.
He stated that the DMW boss has made Imo State proud by choosing to marry from the state.
Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has lent her voice to the ongoing anti-tax hike protests in Kenya.
The Tide’s source reports that Kenyan youths are marching against tax hike in widespread demonstrations tagged ‘RejectFinanceBill2024.’
Five people were shot dead and dozens wounded after police clashed with protesters who stormed the parliament building in Nairobi on Tuesday, according to Amnesty Kenya.
Reacting via her X handle on Tuesday night, Simi declared her support for the demonstrators.
She stated that “it is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights.”
The singer wrote, “I stand with the people of Kenya. It is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights. Godspeed and Strength. [Hash tag] RejectFinanceBill2024.”
In a series of other posts, she wrote: “Wow. When you’ve had enough, the fight is almost inevitable.
“African leaders- have not you done enough?
“I can’t wait for the day Africa is not a weapon fashioned against Africans. All of this amazing Black power and human resource, but the majority are not likely to thrive unless they run.”
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