Comedy Central's audition produces bespoke stand-up comedians

Comedy Central has produced four outstanding stand-up comedians at its ‘Grab The Mic Nigeria’ audition held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja in Lagos yesterday.

They are Oveze Godwin Jagbojo, Daniel Jonah, Adeyemi Moses and Oladapo Bele (a.k.a. MC Belefu).

The top four emerged after an eight-hour long screening of scores of upcoming stand-up comedians who took part in the audition.

The audition, which was chaired by ace comedian, Ali Baba, alongside On-Air Personality, Osam of Naija FM 102.7 and internet comedy sensation, Wofai Fada, was hosted by popular comedian, Seyi-Law.

Speaking at the event, Ali Baba said comedy is a lucrative business which demands intelligent performance.

“I will be looking forward to seeing intelligent performances as intellectual comedy seem very scarce nowadays; and if I see one here, I will stand up,” he said.

He added: “I know some people will join just because they see it as a means to make a lot of money. I’m looking out for those set of people to take them out. I wouldn’t want the sector to be corrupted like that of the music which is dishing out crap. 

“Comedy is not a kind of thing you can do and re-do; it’s immediate. You do well or you die on the stage. Like Shakespeare said: ‘If you’re not funny, you can’t be funny. And if you’re funny, you can decide not to be funny.’

“So, we expect choosing the best. I hope to see ladies perform well too. We’re going to clear out the pretenders from the contestants. It’s a lucrative business and of course quacks will always pop up. But the best ones will win.”

"For having the highest marks in this audition, Oveze Godwin Jagbojo will go straight to the grand finale, while Daniel Jonah will contest with other regional winners. The others - Adeyemi Moses and Oladapo Bele - who are the runners-up, will also have the chance to contest at the regional level before the grand finale to showcase their talents," Ali Baba, who chaired the panel of Judges said.

L-R: Oveze Godwin Jagbojo, Adeyemi Moses, Oladapo Bele (a.k.a. MC Belefu) and Daniel Jonah at the audition.

In an interview with Daily Trust, Oveze, who’s one of the winners, said “I feel like a celebrity now. Initially, I was scared but I just told myself: don’t be pathetic, just be yourself. I would advise other (regional) contestants to devote more energy, focus and come out with their good hearts too.”

According to the organiser, Comedy Central, the audition is aimed at raising new generation of stand-up comedians.

Port-Harcourt audition is coming up on Saturday, October 21, while Jos audition holds on October 28, the organiser said.

Comedy Central added that regional winners will contest for a whopping sum of N1.5million at the grand finale while the final winner will also share the stage with ace comedians, Ali Baba and Seyi-Law at an event to be announced later.

By: Mc Jonathan Nanmwa Benard a.k.a Mc Joe Ben
from the desk of R.a.c.e Studio Langtang North
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