I was once told I would never make it in the comedy industry — Dr Smile

Abegunde Olamilekan Smile, fondly called Dr Smile is a multi-award-winning Nigerian comedian, actor, TV presenter and MC. He hails from Akure in Ondo State and he is usually referred to as the South-West comedy ‘emperor’. A linguistic graduate from the University of Ibadan, he came to Abeokuta on account of NYSC and fell in love with the city. He has since become one of the most sought after in the comedy business. He speaks to ROTIMI IGE about his journey in the business, among other issues.

How did your career as a comedian start?

Right from time, I am a very naughty kind of person who causes a lot of trouble with my funny behaviours. I am very lively and fun to be with so I guessed that really made people to find me funny. Once, my sister was celebrating her birthday and there was no compere to handle the event. A friend who saw me as comical said I should be the anchor the event. My career started around then.

ALSO READ: IGP monitoring unit arrests 12 suspects in Rivers

As a comedian, what inspires you?

For me, inspiration is from God Almighty. It comes from anything around me. It could even come when I am even going through a bad or good experience. I get inspired by people, activities, happenings, personal experiences and also books. I am exposed to people’s too and I get inspired. I also listen to jokes by other comedians.

How long has Dr Smile been doing comedy?

Professionally and to be accurate, I will say I have spent 15 solid years. In these 15 years I have had various great comedy gigs and I’ve hosted and performed at various corporate events for top organisations and prominent personalities. I know many people will be surprised by that. It’s not been easy coming but thank God for His grace.

What was your biggest moment and saddest moment as a comedian?

There was a day, I was already set to perform at a very big event when I got a call that my very dear brother who has been my number one  supporter and mentor had  been shot dead. The news weighed me down. I had to  look up to God and mount that stage. As God would have it, that night, I had one of the greatest performances of my career so far. God took control and the crowed got larger. The name Dr Smile became the the talk of the town. I was also once told I could never succeed as a comedian in Abeokuta and I had to sell my car to stage my first comedy show and after the show, which was a success,  I didn’t have any means of transportation for quite a while before God answered me.

Some people complain about comedians using their mother tongue in telling their jokes. What is your take?

First and foremost, we are Nigerians and some jokes are better or funnier said, especially the funniest part, in one’s mother tongue. That does not mean we comedians can’t say the joke in good English or pidgin for our audience to understand but when we have majority of the audience in front of you who understand you, it is not a sin neither is it unprofessional to use one’s mother tongue to elicit laughter. But as a good comedian you must be able to analyse and study your audience. Comedy is a job so comedians need to step up the game and make sure certain factors are considered better delivery and good outing.

 How do you cope with the female fans as a comedian?

As regards coping with female fans, I keep fans as fans or friends as the case maybe be but the closest  my fans can be to me is friends. That’s because anything more than that will mean we are closing the line. I have a good relationship with my fans. Some fans go beyond the limit but you have to control yourself. One of the very important virtues one must be known for as a man is self control and self discipline.

How do you relax?

When I am not working, you can only find me somewhere and that is at home with my family. I don’t club or go to bars. I am not just this very noisy kind of person. I don’t have a best friend. Everybody is my best friend so I just stay indoor with my kids. Sometimes, we all go to the cinema or visit friends. I just love privacy!

What is Dr Smile working on and what should the fans be expecting?

I am getting set to shoot my first movie that would be premiered in cinemas soonest. Also, my comedy tour in some major cities, as well as Dr Smile Usual Season 5 (2019) and many more projects, are under way by God’s grace.

Your advice to upcoming comedians and fans?

Be original, be humble and don’t be after desperate for fame. You can be famous and still be poor. Consistency is the key to utmost success.