‘I make people laugh to earn a living’ - Comedian

Michael Ofili Chijindu is a young professional compere and comedian who started his career from events management then to exiting people. Michael who was born in Kazuare town now in Jigawa state, also holds a degree in French language. He speaks with WEEKEND on why he makes people laugh for a living with his stage name, the ‘Grand Komanda’

How is your typical working day like? Well a typical work day for me would have me stand in front of an audience and coordinate the event flow and of course, getting them to relax, laugh and have a hitch-free event. Most people think the job of a Master of Ceremony (MC) or comedian is all about telling jokes well it goes far beyond that. As a compere and comedian, I'm paid to tell jokes and coordinate the event flow but sometimes I have to ensure the event flows seamlessly. So I find myself coordinating the guests, ushers Disc Jockey (DJ), food vendors and more. Your work has known for being informative, how did you get the inspiration? Inspiration. I get mine from God at all times, additionally lots of the things that happen in our society inspire me too. I am very observant about minute happenings so I am able to get a funny story out of it. On the other hand I love travelling and that has also helped me to interact with different people. These interactions helped build up my experience base while telling tales of past experiences and people to laugh. Often times the jokes people hear are life experiences but they unbelievable at first because I present them hilariously. And how profitable is the trade of comedy? I did say being an MC and comedian is highly profitable because the Nigerian comedy industry has become a force to reckon with. It is also profitable as star-studded comedians are now employers of labour.

Are there pains and gains of being a comedian? The best thing in being a comedian and Mc differs you know. For me it's about ‘making people smile and laugh’ at an event. The feedbacks I get from clients make me happy always; being an Mc and comedian simultaneously makes me face various people daily so I'm able to meet and interact with people I would have met ordinarily. A major hitch in the job is when people aren't able to decipher between the ‘me’ on stage the ‘me’ offstage. I could be really funny on stage because that's the act of show business, but the serious part of me comes up after that. Do you have challenges in your line of work? The job of an Mc and comedian is highly intellectual and demanding but lots of people are unable to see this and that's sad because they don't appreciate that. Being a role model to youth, how would you want them to grow-up? Being a comedian isn't a child's play but you've got to be funny, creative, spontaneous and highly disciplined. Every comedian or Mc has a brand they represent and that's what your clients would associate with. So discipline and a good work ethics would be required. But basic education is key so get some form of education. Don't see becoming a comedian as an excuse not to get educated. You must know that most of the Nigerian comedians are graduates of different fields. What is your advice to the teeming unemployed Nigerian youth? They should look on the inside and start something. If it's a talent, a gift, or an idea, just start something no matter how little it is. Whatever part of the country you are, if you properly package that thing you have, it would sell and yield money for you. You have a unique fashion sense, how did you start it? Fashion is all around us but I really don't think I am a good dresser. I love to watch fashion shows and follow trends but above that, looking good doesn't require millions. It's the right combination of colours that makes the difference. I love to experiment a lot and try new things especially on bright colours. What is your biggest project so far in the comedy industry? All the projects and events I have hosted so far have turned out to be big. However, the best is yet to come. In my line of business one gets lots of referrals from different events; when you do a good job people would always reach for you. It's that simple. In this competitive industry, how do strive to stay atop? Every line of business product or service is competitive because we live in a competitive environment, but every brand and product still sells. Comedians have their style so does every MC and I don't do anything special; I simply keep to my words and honour the terms and conditions agreed with clients. DAILY TRUST WEEKEND