Comedy has always been a part of me -16Oniru

16Oniru

Fast rising and talented comedian, Oniru Oriyomi, popularly known as 16Oniru, in this interview with ADA DIKE, speaks on his forthcoming comedy show, ‘16Oniru Royalty Undisputed’ and other riveting issues.

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Can you give us an insight to your background?

I am a product of the union between Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru and Olori Adeola Oniru. I attended Oyewole Twins International School (now defunct) owned by the onetime oldest twins in Nigeria, Femi and Dotun Oyewole. I am graduate of Babcock University where I studied Microbiology.

Why are you called 16Oniru?

My stage name is 16Oniru. It came by divine inspiration with Bible passages to back it up and my position in the family (actually 17^th).

 

16Oniru

Tell us about your upcoming show

My show, ‘16Oniru Royalty Undisputed’, is coming up on September 21, 2014 at The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Province 36 Headquarters, Jesus House Parish, 35 Lateef Salami Street, Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos. It’s the official unveiling of my brand and the objectives are simply to entertain, edify and preach the gospel using comedy as a tool.

What should people expect and how many comedians will perform at the show?

Primarily, our audience should expect to be thrilled, but the twist here is that we are changing the face of comedy concerts. It’s the very first of its kind in Ajao Estate, where it’s being staged and we are packaging it in such a way that the audience would be too impatient to experience subsequent ones. They would be 10 Comedians in total, I and nine (9) of the best guys in the industry namely: Forever, Damola, ChimaRaph, Saco, Cee…Y, Kennyblaq, Phronesis, Davidson and Rems. It’s a 10 over 10.

Is it your maiden show or have you done anyone before?

It’s my maiden event. Many thanks to my mentor Iheanyi Ejiogu for pushing me hard to organize it

Who or what inspired you to go into comedy?

Comedy has always been a part of me, although I’m a very reserved person. I just find it easy to make people laugh. So I would say it’s the passion to see people laugh that inspired me.

How long have you been doing comedy?

I have been in the business for about five years now.

Do you entertain audience with your own jokes or do you crack other comedians' jokes?

I do my own jokes at comedy shows, but at special occasions like weddings or birthdays, I could pick jokes I didn’t create to thrill.

Why do some comedians use their colleagues' popular jokes without giving them credit?

Most likely, it is because they want people to see the jokes as theirs or they are shy to let people know that they are doing another person’s joke.

Do you do comedy as a hobby or as a profession?

Comedy is a profession for me. I quit my job in 2013 to go into it fully.

Apart from comedy, what other things are you into?

Apart from comedy, I supply rechargeable standing fans. I play the talking drum very passionately and I act too (I head the drama unit in my church).

Do you have plans to act in movies?

Yes. I have acted in a movie already (a minor role though), it should be in theatres next year and I look forward to making top class comedy movies too.

What is your next plan of action?

My next plan of action is to work on my comedy skit series titled: ‘Miracles of General Overlooker’ (M.O.G.O). We have done three episodes already and we are going as far as 100. I am also looking forward to organizing a gospel comedy hangout with my colleague, Forever, before the end of the year.

Can you tell us some of the challenges you have been facing since you began doing comedy?
As for challenges, I would say getting platforms is one but Steve Harris (Nigeria’s leading Life Strategist told me that “it’s not what you don’t have that limits you, it’s what you have but don’t know how to use”. Hence, I created my own platform and now a lot of people want to be part of it already

How did you overcome those challenges?

I sat with mentors and colleagues to strategise and I can see a brighter tomorrow. Alibaba has also been very instrumental to my career.

When are you going to release your album?

My comedy album should be out next year. The launch would probably go alongside the second edition of my show.

How have people been reacting when they listen to you?

I get positive reactions and feedbacks, generally, not just because I am funny but because I prepare well before facing audience. I do comedy in a very calm manner that makes people attentive and I pray well too so that I get positive results.

How have you been able to manage your stardom?

Stardom? I am still an emerging brand, so rather than manage stardom I manage myself instead, I try to be accessible, approachable and humble.

What are you seeing in the entertainment industry that you don’t like?

Nudity, vulgarity and piracy.

How can entertainment industry in Nigeria be moved to a higher level?

I think we are getting higher already. Nigerian entertainment industry has gone global now with international collaborations in major sectors such as music, movies and comedy. Internet and social media have been very helpful too.

Can you predict what will happen in the entertainment industry in the next five years?

In five years’ time, I believe the entertainment industry would have attained full global maturity and as well be the biggest sector in the Nigerian economy. This is because majority of youths delve into entertainment after University education or while still in school. Even those who cannot afford quality education just find a way into the industry once they discover their talents.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

In the next five years, I see myself as the most productive comedian Nigeria has produced, an ambassador of several corporate brands and maybe, a political office holder...if she lets me (Laughs).

What has been your greatest disappointment?

My greatest disappointment came the day I was booed out of stage at a comedy club. Not because I wasn’t funny but because I did the right joke at a wrong place.

What is your greatest achievement so far?

I would say I have quite a lot of achievements; firstly I anchored an event “Mastering the business of your talent with Steve Harris” in 2013 with Alibaba, Tonye Cole and Tara Durotoye as guest speakers, I did comedy for Mobil Oil Nigeria, Apapa end of the year party in 2013 as well. This year, I anchored a book launch where the late seasoned journalist, Dimgba Igwe, was a very special guest and I thrilled him heartily.

What drives you on?

What drives me is my passion for seeing people laugh and my ability to be a problem solver

If you had to rate your satisfaction with life so far, out of 10, what would you score?

I would score myself four (4).

Ambition or talent, what matters more to success?

I choose ambition because “talent is not enough”.

Who is your mentor in comedy world?

Alibaba is my mentor and father. Although, I am currently running a programme with Fate Foundation that has mentoring as a compulsory part of the curriculum, so I am being mentored by Bunmi Davies of Standup Nigeria at the moment.

How was growing up?

Growing up was normal and fun. I was in boarding school all through my secondary education and on campus while at the University. There is nothing very spectacular; I lived just a very normal life.

What are you missing that you enjoyed as a child?

I miss Cadbury breakfast television on Saturday mornings, Frank Spencer and Doctor Who TV series.

What do you like to own you don’t currently have?

A matrimonial home.

Do you have any other information?

I would not have got this far without some God sent people in my life, so I want to acknowledge the following people: Alibaba, Pastor Iheanyi Ejiogu, Steve Harris, Remi Dairo, Cee..Y, Forever, Phronesis and ChimaRaph.