Why I’m Taking Davido, Funke Akindele To Ibadan-Gbenga Adeyinka 1st

Gbenga Adeyinka 1st (GCON) has become known for his Laffmattazz brand since his incursion into the world of humour several years back. Recently, the city of Ibadan has been agog with the staging of his Laffmattazz show with Davido and Funke Akindele as headliners. The humour merchant spoke to Bayo Adeoye on his mission and reason for taking 28 top entertainers to Ibadan among other issues.

You are one of those who changed the face of comedy in Nigeria, how would you compare when you started and now?
When I started, it wasn’t as easy as it is now but thanks to AliBaba, who had paved way for all of us because he was able to make a way for us and began the revolution of a sector that is now recruiting several Nigerian youths and providing jobs for several others. Things weren’t as easy as they are now, not many people would give you a chance let alone pay you well and when they do, it’s out of pity. But now, you see a young comedian charging N100,000 for his first job, so things have changed and the industry has sincerely grown big and is still growing.

Several young comedians come into the industry every day, don’t the older ones sometimes feel threatened?
Why should we feel threatened? The more, the merrier and don’t forget that these young ones help you realize that you need to up your ante always because most of these guys are hilarious and witty.
When you started, there wasn’t so much money in the industry, did you anticipate that years later, comedy would flourish this much in Nigeria?
At first, it was for the fun and passion, if you enjoy what you do, you wouldn’t be so worried about the finances, however, as it continued, I started noticing that the comedy industry had become a sector under the Nigerian entertainment industry which had contributed to the entertainment industry as a whole and I knew it’s worth living on.
What were the challenges when you started and now?
Challenges like I say are hurdles you need to jump or cross to make you see the better side and every challenge comes to me as a need to conquer a hurdle. I don’t see those things we faced as challenges but a reason to strive hard and do more for success. But if you say challenges, I would probably say people are not taking us serious and it wasn’t Gbenga Adeyinka 1st alone but all my colleagues.
Those that influenced you?
My late mother, Chief M.K.O Abiola, Martin Luther King Jnr, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and most recently, President Barack Obama.
Aside comedy, what else do you do?
TV presentation because I have a TV show called ‘Gbamu Gbamu’. It’s actually a contemporary Yoruba TV show that airs on LTV 8 and I act also whenever the occasion arises.
People say you are more of an MC than a comedian, will you say your strength lies more in anchoring events?
Truly, you can’t take away the fact that I remain a complete entertainer with strengths in anchoring events and comedy. I’m a comedian and MC, it depends on the occasion that arises.
What legacy do you hope to leave for those coming behind you?
Hmmm! That would be to have impacted and imparted in people’s lives so positively that when I’m gone, I would forever be remembered and an issue to be discussed always.
What will you like to tell those coming into the industry?
Be focused, refine your art and act always, you are as good as your last joke and remember no matter where you are today, some people have been there before you.
It is good to know that you are going back to Ibadan after a year. What should we expect this Easter?
A lot should be expected from Gbenga Adeyinka 1st GCON this year and my team. We are coming with a more star-studded team this year. As you know, it’s Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka 1st GCON and friends and I’m always glad to bring my friends down to Ibadan. In a nutshell, the people of Ibadan should be ready for fun and nothing but fun. This edition is the homecoming and I can tell you that we would be coming back to celebrate the people of Ibadan as usual. What more, Her Excellency, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, the first lady of Oyo State has thrown her heavy weight behind us and we are set to explode. Funke Akindele, Davido, May D, Dammy Krane, Owen Gee, OmoBaba and several others would be leading over 28 artistes to Ibadan to entertain the people of Ibadan with me.
Many people believe Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt are the best cities to hold events like this. Why do you believe so much in selling LAFFMATTAZZ in Ibadan?
Like I always say, Ibadan is actually the home of comedy. I have said this time without number that comedy for me began in Ibadan with the likes of Pa Ajimajasan, Papi Luwe, Jacob, Aderupoko, and Baba Sala among several others. Remember, Ibadan used to be the hub for entertainment in those days because the only and first TV station was situated in Ibadan. Aside that, celebrities and people of the entertainment world used to relish their stay in Ibadan but after a while, everything moved to Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja. And in my little way, I’ve decided to always bring the fun as much as I can back to Ibadan because I still strongly believe in Ibadan and the people have always shown me love, telling me they want a comeback after every edition. Moreover, Lagos market is literary saturated.
You were said to have made big money from the event last year that had the presence of the First Lady of Oyo State. What is your comment?
I believe that is one of the jokes that has been trending since we recorded a huge success at the last show. When we say we recorded a huge success, most times, it’s not about the financial success, rather it’s about the people, who had fun and didn’t have cause to regret their coming out and people, who came and were secured and had unlimited fun. Huge success for us is about the artistes that we brought into Ibadan, housed in one of the best hotels in Ibadan and gave the best we can as to their standards. All these can’t be achieved with just being friends although majority of our friends are always ready to support us. The first lady was at our last edition and between you and I, isn’t that a success on its own, at least, she has endorsed our brand and that would further see more corporate organizations to want to identify with us and be ready to part with good finances. In all, I would say, yes we recorded a huge success at the last edition of the show but Nigeria hasn’t reached that stage where an artiste makes so much from a show as it is being touted, I would simply call it media stunt.
What were your high and low moments at the previous editions?
Well, like we have always said, it has always been endorsements from corporate and big brands. We also have challenge of finance but as far as I am concerned, the show must go on. We still haven’t found big indigenous brands from Ibadan identifying with us but we have had support from the Beat FM, First Bank, Arik Air, Squadron Dry Gin amidst other big brands but brands from Ibadan shouldn’t be left out because they stand the chance of gaining more. High moments have always been seeing guests and people attending enmasse and going home without regrets. We try as hard as possible to bring all the artistes we promised to showcase irrespective of where they are situated in the country and we won’t promise what we won’t offer.
Do you plan expanding LAFFMATTAZZ to other states?
Most definitely, we would be expanding the Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka 1st GCON brand to other states. As you know, I have been to the 36 states of the country and that is why in line with the current happenings and titles conferred on dignitaries by the presidency, I have decided to be known and referred to as the GCON (Grand Comedian Of Nigeria).

Culled: Global excellence online