Entertainment
Ali Baba Laments Influx Of Quacks In Comedy Business
God father of Nigerian comedy, Ali Baba has frowned at the current state of comedy business in Nigeria. He lamented the alarming rate at which quacks and amateurs are taking over the business.
The humour merchant who is gearing up to mark his 30th years on stage as a stand-up comedian next year, noted that the comedy industry was now filled with non professionals as a result of unemployment, fuelled by the dire quest for an escape route.
The veteran comedian explained that many quacks ventured into the comedy business with little or no sense of humour, all because of the financial gains. He told reporters, “there is a very thin line between been funny and being offensive. Some people don’t know how to tread it because a lot of people have come into comedy because of the financial rewards.
“So there is an influx of people into it because of the unemployment rate, people who have a very little sense of humour would jump into it and make it look like it’s their escape route to their financial glory”.
“So you have a lot of that going on and what that does is that when all comers come into this, you have quacks, people who don’t know the difference between their left and right and so when they come on stage to tell jokes, they jump at anything that they want to”.
The acclaimed king of Nigerian comedy further advised present day comedians to strive to acquire an indepth understanding of the humour making craft to avoid the risk of getting into trouble after cracking jokes on stage.
“Comedians should know that it is not everyone you relate with, you need to have a relationship with certain people, you need to familiarise yourself with the audience for you to get away with certain things that you want to say”, he added.
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.”
Famous Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Davido was spotted among other top artistes at Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour concert in Atlanta, Georgia.
Asake’s performance at his sold-out show at the 17,000-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta began on August 16, 2024, and is set to run for 10 days.
In a trending video on social media, Davido appeared backstage with American rapper Quavo to support Asake during the live performance.
Other musicians in attendance included Nigerian hitmaker Zlatan and American rapper Russ Millions.
The Tide’s source reports that Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour is set to cover six U.S. cities, where he will headline notable venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, the Toyota Center in Houston, and the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Asake’s tour comes just days after the release of his latest hit, ‘Lungu Boy,’ which features several superstars, including Wizkid, British rappers Central Cee and Stormzy, Travis Scott and Brazilian singer Ludmilla.
‘Lungu Boy’ set a new record for the biggest opening week on Spotify Nigeria, garnering 18.9 million streams in its opening week and breaking the previous record of 14.4 million streams held by Davido’s ‘Timeless.’