There is no gainsaying the fact that contemporary comedy has received recognition and popularity not only in Nigeria but the world over. As a genre of entertainment, the aim of comedy is to elicit laughter from the audience through entertaining stories and characters and using humour as its driving force.
However, in spite of the popularity of Comedy as a means of entertainment, it is still in its developmental stage in Nigeria. Notwithstanding the numerous talents who have made it through comedy, the sector is still hugely untapped – more talents are still out there waiting to be discovered and many that are already there are yet to understand and apply the business aspect of comedy.
In addition, the fact that in spite of the numerous genres of comedy, we have restricted ours to standup comedy alone is an attestation to the fact that something needs to be done to revamp the sector. All these may not be unconnected with the fact that compared to theatre and film; it is still a relatively new genre in Nigeria.
The question many are asking is; ‘Will it remain new forever?’ Something has to be done to kick start its development and attract both the government and investors to get interested in it. It is against that backdrop that the “Nigerian Comedy Entertainpreneurs Conference 2015” is being convened.
An initiative of Mannerism Communications (MACOM) managers of Nigerian Comedy Business School (NCBS) in partnership with Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism; the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; and publishers of Lagos Comedy News, Comedy Digest Magazine, Laffmatazz and Comedyplus Magazine, the conference is the first of its kind in Nigeria’s comedy industry.
“Globally, conferences of this nature have been able to provide policy decisions and chart a new course for the entertainment industry. Nigerian Comedy Entertainpreneurs Conference will serve as a national strategic advocacy platform, bringing together professional and aspiring stage comical entertainpreneurs, investor organizations and the government on a common platform to interact, mentor entertainpreneurs, celebrate creativity and excellence and create a robust comedy industry identity,” the Principal of Nigerian Comedy Business School and convener of the conference, Mr Ojo Martins said.
The conference, which is set to be an annual conference is scheduled to hold in Lagos, Nigeria, and is expected to attract a large attendance from the entertainment industry, Corporate Nigeria and the Government. Five notable speakers who have distinguished themselves in the industry shall be invited to give papers, while key note addresses will also be delivered by other distinguish guests.
There will be a lead theme and sub themes for the conference; and these intensive sessions are planned to be exciting, participatory and interactive, and encompassing all media blitz.
Participants are expected to register one week before the proposed date of the conference in order to ensure adequate reservations. While admission shall be free, participants are expected to pay for the conference materials.
The project aims to building a robust comedy industry for Nigeria by establishing a robust industry identity. It hopes to achieve these by re-branding Nigeria through comical arts; promoting and recognizing comedy Entertainpreneurs; establishing mentorship and promotional opportunities for new-bies; promoting professionalism and excellence in contemporary comedy and serving as a common platform for cross-border networking; and connecting point with comedy Entertainpreneurs in Nigeria.
Others are harnessing the financial opportunities in the comedy industry; exploring options to support new initiatives and international talent; propounding and mobilizing support for the establishment of a National Comedy Research Centre of Nigeria (NCRC) and a professional association to train, certify and ensure industry best practices; creating a common platform for interaction between Comedians, Corporate Nigeria and the Government; and improving opportunities for the exchange of comedy between the 36 states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The event will feature an award of excellence as “Grandmaster of Nigerian Stand-Up comedy”, which will be vested on Ali Baba by the Executive Governor of Lagos State for the success stories within the comedy industry. Tee A and Basorge Tariah will also be given “Life Time Achievement Award”.
There will be one on one interaction with industry best Entertainpreneurs; participants will also be short listed for abridge professional training with the Institute for Public Speaking of Nigeria; comical participants with exceptional skills will be short listed for a major comedy concert and reality show and get a membership of the Nigerian Comedy Business School (NICOMS). All these are outside the certificate of participation that will be issued and star performances that will thrill the audience.
The event will have the former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, as the Father of the Day, while the Vice President elect, Prof Yemi Osibajo (SAN) will be the Special Guest of Honour. Other dignitaries that are billed to grace the occasion are the Governor-elect of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and Mr. Atunyota Alleluya Akporobomerere a.k.a. Ali Baba, who is generally referred to as the godfather of Nigerian comedy, is the chief hosts.
Prof. Pat Utomi, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Dr Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, Mr Ben Bruce, and the Hon Minister of Culture and Tourism would all be acting in different capacities at the conference. Among the industry best who would also be at the event are filmmaker and Executive Producer of “Nite of a Thousand Laughs”, Opa Williams and entertainment guru and producer of “Stand-Up Nigeria”, Bunmi Davies.
The CEO of Obaino Music would be there as Guest Panelist, while OAP, Mandy of Cool FM and Gbenga Adeyinka would act as the comperes. With the lead theme as “VISON 2025: Re-branding Nigeria through comedy and sub themes, Harnessing the money-making opportunities in the comedy industry; Professionalism and Excellence in the Nigerian comedy industry; How to become an effective professional contemporary comedian;
Nigeria at 100 years: Networking for a robust industry identity the conference is set to address many of the issues facing the industry while positioning the industry for the challenges and gains ahead. According to Martins, an accomplished Corporate MC, Comedy, Public Speaking Coach, Author, Chartered Public Relations Practitioner and Certified Speaking and Communications Expert, his goal has always been to enlighten, educate and entertain while the audience laughs. “My vision to improve global health through witty communications, laughter and through that, heal the humour-impaired.
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