Ghanaian stand-up comedian who doubles as an optometrist, OB Amponsah has disclosed that he failed miserably during his first performance because he didn’t get guidance from veteran comedians.
Speaking in an interview, OB noted that he was ignorant about several details in the comedy industry and that led to the failure of his first show. He noted that if there was a collective agenda that promotes unity in the entertainment industry then he wouldn’t have suffered this fate.
“When I started, I didn’t know that you didn’t have to perform new jokes at a comedy show. I failed miserably at my first thousand and twenty-two laughs show. That is because I didn’t get the right guidance from the veterans”.
Speaking further about comedy shows in Ghana, the comedian lamented that most at times, event organizers place a lot of emphasis on foreign comedians. But according to him, it shouldn’t be so, because at the end of the day most Ghanaians relate more to Ghanaian comedians than foreign comedians.
“They should give us more platform to perform. More of these organizers should put more light on Ghanaian comedians”.
OB Amponsah and Lekzy talks about challenges in their industry
OB Amponsah when asked about some of the challenges he and his colleague Lekzy Decomic are facing in the comedy industry, he noted that the political influence in the entertainment industry, in general, isn’t helping the industry to grow. He averred that some pro-NDCs and NPPs in the entertainment industry are always quick to chastise the work of another industry person even if it is the right cause.
“So when Mark does something nice or laudable, because Rex Omar is supporting another party he will say what Mark did is nothing. If the current government does something against the entertainment industry, Mark can’t comment on that. This is not right. It’s not helping our industry”.
Lekzy Decomic in the same vein also emphasized that another challenge they face as comedians is that comedians in the county are underrated.
“Our impact is underrated in this country. Steve Harvey came to Ghana, Michael Blackson, and some others and we weren’t linked to meet any of them. Because we are underrated. When Steve Harvey came it was the Minister of tourism that met him. Meanwhile, we are ardent followers of these comedians”.
OB Amponsah and Lekzy Decomic faces some challenges due to COVID 19
Speaking on how COVID 19 affected their shows, Lekzy Decomic disclosed that they had to cancel every show they had planned for. He also shared that they had to tour internally, however, that was also canceled due to the lockdown.
“We had plans, then we had just blown out of the waters and people were beginning to notice us. So, we were now showing our prowess in the comedy industry. Then we had the lockdown and so, we were restricted as comedians”.
OB Amponsah also added that: “That didn’t even hurt much because that;was the point we were about to travel to the UK to have our first UK show. Everything was ready and online tickets were already sold. Then lockdown just spoilt everything. We are still on top of our game but covid seems to slow us a bit because we are not used to a virtual audience. We are comedians and we need a direct response from our audience”
When asked if they have tried to hold virtual shows, OB Amponsah answered in the affirmative, he said:
“We’ve tried a couple of virtual shows but the only laughter we get is ‘LOL’ and Fire emojis. And all those are typed with straight faces. So virtual shows are tough”.
The comedians share how they genrate income
Touching on how they are working to sustain themselves, Lekzy Decomic disclosed;that they’ve found other means to ensure that they are generating some income.
“We came up with a radio show to reach thousands of people;at a go and sometimes we shoot skits to engage our audience. We post these videos on YouTube too so we get views from there too. Covid taught us to explore other branches in our field that is not stand-up comedy but another aspect of comedy”.
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