Laf'up the next Comedy King. Interview with The Nigerian Tribune.
Saturday, 03 March 2012
Segun Ogundipe, better known as Laff Up, is a comedian who is based in Ibadan and he could be referred to as the first to do so from that part of the country. 
In this interview with TUNDE AYANDA, he speaks on his journey into comedy and his goals. Excerpts.
Can you give us a brief hint on how you became a comedian
Growing up as a child, I have always wanted to be on stage entertaining. It was a dream I quietly nurtured in my mind as a child. I was part of the cultural and drama groups throughout my primary and secondary school years.
While in secondary school, I fell in love with singing and started a Gospel Accapella group called, “Dominister” voices. We would rehearse in the hostel and minister at the chapel almost every Sunday.
Acting was also another thing that stood me out while in secondary school. After WAEC, while trying to pass Jamb, I started a children’s entertainment outfit in Lagos. We basically did children’s birthday parties with all the face painting, mascot and clowning.
I guessed the adults at these functions started enjoying my routines and I started getting gigs to anchor and entertain as a comedian. I must also say watching Ali Baba, and Alam Blow on the Charlie Boy Show as a child had a great influence on me.
Why did you choose to operate from Ibadan rather than Lagos which is presumed to be the capital of entertainment in Nigeria?
Well, I feel there’s time for everything. God decides everything for me. Lagos is indeed the capital of entertainment in Africa, no kidding. But one must understand that it’s not just about getting things done for yourself but the legacy and effect you have on people and the society. When I came to Ibadan, there were no stand-up comedians or serious standup comedy.
I showed up at the NTA when they started NTA bandstand. Now you have so many comedians here and it gives me so much joy that I rode the storm in making standup comedy a worthwhile career here.
Now, there are comedians in every corner here and they are doing pretty well. Once you know what you are doing and you’re original, with God on your side your location won’t be a barrier.
Ayefele stands tall in what he does and he is based here, even Muyiwa Ademola and many more. Doubtless the big players are in Lagos, the most important thing is getting to where you are needed at the time you’re needed. From here, I have gotten A-list events and concerts to host and perform and I’m grateful to God and all those who believe in the me.
What were the early challenges you faced in this profession and how were you able to overcome them?
Mentorship was one of the greatest issues I had. I was all by myself. Made all my mistakes on the job and learnt as I grew stronger in it. All these were by God’s grace. I knew entertainment was where my mind had been all the while, but from home my parents hammered on the importance of education, so it wasn’t easy studying and doing comedy .
I put in for Theatre Arts where I gained a lot of understanding in the rudiments of theatre and acting and these have made me better in every aspect of my life and my art.
Though, it was really challenging, but today I can boldly say, if not the only, I’m among the very few comedians with a Master’s Degree. Also, back then, no one wants to give you your first chance and I had a tough time convincing people but now, everyone knows I bring ‘laughter’ along when I hit the stage. Consistency made me overcome all my earlier obstacles.
Are you getting what you think you deserve as a comedian?
If i’m getting all I deserve now there probably wouldn’t be anything to look forward to tomorrow. Besides, I’ve learnt you don’t ever get what you deserve, you only get what you negotiate.
Can you share any moment you had in the line of your duty?
There are many but not so serious ones. At the theatre school we were trained to expect the worst, the show must go on. I remember many incidents back in the days where you don’t get paid after being promised your pay after performance. Or in front of a really crazy set of audience who have left their homes and make out time out of their busy schedule just to come and say you’re boring and boo you off the stage? Many I must say, but they have only made me strong.
Where do you draw your jokes?
My society, my background and most importantly, my people, their lifestyle, religion, their politics and my opinions about them. Their emotion and whatever appeals to them.
Who were those you looked up to that shaped your willingness to become a comedian?
First, I need to make it clear that I’m still growing. Well, Eddie Murphy, Bill Cosby, Ali Baba, George Carlin, Gbenga Adeyinka, T. A. These people have great influence on me and till date, I look up to them.
Where do you see yourself in the next two years?
God willing, the next king of comedy, rounding off my Ph.D. and a proud dad with a successful radio show.
Tell us about your growing up?
I born in Lagos,on a Christmas day few years back . The only boy from a family of three. Attended Premier Day Nursery and Primary School, Papa Ajao in Mushin Lagos. Had my secondary school education partly in my state of origin Ogun State (Fed. Govt. College Odogbolu) and Badagry Grammar school Badagry.
I guess that tells why I talk about Egun people a lot. Got myself a B.A Hons. and M. A in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan. Growing up in Itire, Lagos, allowed me see the other side of things where Chicken George was a luxury to come by.
I have a strong idea of what poverty looks like and that forms a sort of energy for me to do what I needed to do always so as to bring the best in myself and make a better living for myself and family.
Honesty, passion and hardwork are keywords for me, and these are what have driven my story so far in Ibadan and life generally. Let me also add that I’m an unrepentant student of Pastor Sam Adeyemi’s teachings and more than anything else, I love my wife.
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