Bovi Ugboma
The native of Isoko in Delta state took on the entertainment industry when he starred in a sitcom: “Extended Family” which he wrote, produced, and packaged in 2007. Since then, the entertainer has been leading comedy shows and events in Nigeria.
Where do you get the inspiration for your jokes?
(Laughs) I don’t know. Comedy comes to me naturally. One thing I do know is, right from when I was a child, I always wanted to be an entertainer. I guess, either my persistence paid off or by nature this is what God wanted for me but I think it’s more of the latter.
How do you execute your jokes?
I try my best to study life; look at it from the other side of the mirror. I see things people don’t normally see with the ordinary eyes. I do a lot of research. I read a lot. I watch TV. I travel and meet people. Now that it’s a job, I deliberately try to look out for what’s funny.
What made you decide to do comedy?
I’m an actor. I’m a writer but I have always enjoyed doing standup comedy and it’s a very demanding job. I started off on TV as an actor and I’m definitely going back to acting. Of course, I will also keep on writing. It’s just that there are so many distractions now and it takes a lot of concentration and discipline on my part.
How would you describe your style of standup comedy?
If I should rate it as a plant, it would be aloe vera (laughs). It is very natural and it is very potent. It can be used to sort so many things. I try to keep it really basic; that’s my style. But you must create a balance because you can keep it real; sometimes, you have to be animated as well.
How did your family react to your career choice?
They had their fears initially but, eventually, they gave me their support. I come from a family that supports you once they believe in you. I was able to get the support I desired eventually after their initial reluctance.
Aside from comedy, do you have any other business venture?
Like I said earlier, I’m an actor and I’m a writer as well. I believe in focusing on your passion and this is my passion. I do get tired doing any other kind of business besides entertainment. That’s not to say I can’t have other businesses outside this field but this is the one I like to run.
What would you say is the highlight of your career?
I would say my last show was the highlight. I don’t dwell on the previous ones – because, if I do well in the last show and I have a bad show next, that’s the one people will judge me by. So, it’s a-per-second billing kind of thing.
Bovi Ugboma
How has married life been treating you?
Very well! Awesome! I have been very lucky.
Who is your role model in the comedy industry; someone you admire and is your inspiration?
I don’t have a role model but I have people I admire and people I look up to. And, they are so many. I even learn from people that started after me. That’s just it.
There has been some criticism about adult content in your jokes. What’s your take on that?
Which people? (laughs) Well, comedy is life. Comedy is just a means by which we talk about life and there are certain things you can’t shy away from. My material may have some adult content, that doesn’t make it vulgar. That is why I wanted to know which people felt that way.
Comedy has suddenly become bankable. Did you ever think you’ll be making money from it?
Who told you I’m making money from this? (laughs) I just wanted to entertain people. The fact that it’s paying is an added bonus; money is never priority in anything I do. If I die today, I’m not going to take the mone
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