The origin of the comedy industry in Nigeria dates back to 1995 when Opa Williams’ ‘Nite of A Thousand Laughs’, a stand-up comedy show that produced several superstar comedians such as Alibaba, I Go Dye, Okey Bakassi, Basketmouth, AY and Bovi, debuted
In recent times, the tides have turned as Nigerian parody makers seem to enjoy the spotlight.
Some say they threaten stand-up comedians who are now branching out into skits.
But, in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Nigerian comedian and actor Abovi Ugboma, better known as Bovi, maintained that skit-makers don’t threaten the livelihood of their fellow comedians, they complement them.
He did, however, say that the collaboration between comedians and skit comedians is a welcome development.
The 42-year-old comedian revealed it at the premiere of a new movie, ‘Perfect Arrangement’, which he recently starred in in Ikoyi, Lagos State.
Bovi said, “Sketching and stand-up comedy have been two different practices; we must learn to be collaborative instead of competitive; there is room for everyone. What parody creators do is online, and there’s a market for it, and what we do is offline, and there’s a market for it. Collaboration is the only solution to the cold war and rivalry in the comedy industry.”
The father of three children noted that some of his colleagues are just skilled comedians. On the contrary, others like him have diversified his art to combine stand-up comedy and skit-making.
The Edo state-born actor also has several comedy skits including the renowned “Back to School”, “Visa on Arrival” and many other comedy skits that he releases at intervals.
Noting that skit production is an emerging industry, Bovi added, “Instead of competing with them, we should be encouraging them, if not for something, because they can make a lot of money from it and it’s a booming business.” it is an advantage for the entertainment industry.”
Bovi, a graduate of Theater Arts from delta state universityhe said that comedy is one of the multi-billion naira businesses in Nigeria.
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The comedian, who began his career 15 years ago after appearing on the comedy series ‘Extended Family,’ said he has no regrets.
“I have always rebranded myself and worked to surpass my previous exploits; I have no regrets about my career,” she said.
2023
With the 2023 general election in the offing, Bovi urged Nigerians to vote for the most credible candidate in the upcoming election.
“Nigerians should vote for the candidates of their choice, so their manifesto presents instead of the gifts they tend to receive. They should vote for whoever they know can get the job done regardless of tribe, religion, region, and creed,” he said.
Asked to reveal his personal choice, Bovi said: “Let’s listen to the candidate’s manifesto; that is important. All the candidates are my friends, so let’s hear what they have for us.”