I’m not a big comedian yet… —Frank Donga

His real name is Kola Idowu, but he picked the moniker Frank Donga for himself to create a unique brand for his style of comedy. For more than three years, Donga has wormed himself into the hearts of many people with his comedy skits on social media platforms. He would later moved into movies as has appeared in a couple movies of late. The agricultural scientist turned comedian in this interview with SEGUN ADEBAYO speaks about his career.

How would you describe your life as an agricultural scientist who turned a comedian?

To the glory of God, I feel blessed to be where I am today. As an agricultural scientist, I was trained to observe nature and life. I was also trained to combine resources to solve problems and meet human needs. Talking about being a comedian, I will say that as a comedian, I observe people and events around me, combine words, text and videos to meet the information and humor needs of many people.

What was that thing that prepared you for this life you are living today and did you actually see yourself doing this some years back?

First, I will say that my interest in people’s happiness, as well as a desire to explore new things prepared me for the things I do today. The fact is that, I enjoy doing many things but I’m happy at the point I am right now in my life. Having said that, I’m working hard every day to do more and break new boundaries and I will continue to give my best to it.

You were said to be gainfully employed before venturing into comedy. How easy was it for you to drop that job for this?

I realised long ago that creating content was going to turn to gold and that the need for mobile entertainment or digital content was going to increase in a big way. I saw the advancement in media technology as well as the growth of social media. I noticed the trend of comedy in advertising, film and communication. And, for somebody like me, who had always wanted to express myself creatively and knew I couldn’t work the traditional 9-5 for long. It wasn’t a tough decision for me to make. The wide acceptance of Frank Donga’s The Interview series on YouTube was a confirmation of my thoughts then. Most importantly, my family and friends believed in me and encouraged me.

Most people call you Frank Donga, but your real name is Kunle Idowu. How has it been easy for you answering a name that emanated from a comedy skit? 

It has never been a problem and it’s never going to be a problem at all. It comes as natural as my other names. I chose it, so it feels perfect.

It seems Frank Donga has actually come to stay now, what do you think will happen to the name Idowu as your brand continues to expand?

Like many other comic actors around the world (Jamie foxx, Mr. Bean, Frank Spencer, Mr. Ibu, etc) many of us may not know their birth names but we love them regardless. My passport name has its purpose. But the name is Frank Donga and you can actually insert James Bond sound track.

If you reflect on how it all started, what would you say has become your life and career at this point?

I’m grateful to God. He’s the giver of all talents. The opportunity and ability to make people smile or laugh is a gift, and I am grateful that I am blessed with it. I’m humbled every time people tell me they love my brand of humour because  I’m just being myself. I don’t even see myself as a funny person. It humbles me the more that people say glowing things about my career.

Everybody dreams to become big, but nobody knows when the time will come. Would you say you have been handling your popularity status very well?

Did you say popular? Ah! I don’t know but I’m a simple, shy person trying to live a simple life. Many people may not know, but that’s the truth.

It took people sometime to understand and appreciate your personality. At a point, some said you were only wasting your time but you kept pushing on till you hit the big deal. How hard was that moment for you?

You make me to laugh each time you mention words like being big and popular! What big deal are you referring to? Big deal ke? We are still praying and working towards it.

From what started as a joke to what has now taken your career to a new level- turning you to a comedian and now an actor, how would you describe the transformation your life has experienced in the last three years?

I would only describe it in just three words- Na God Win

How do you come about those comedy skits, especially with the gestures and mannerism?

A bit of simple observation of what is happening around me or in the news. Sometimes, a careful study of people’s facial expressions, sometimes it is about just being myself, plus a little bit of serious thinking. All in all, na still God’s grace. I have a great team of friends that have supported me from afar and near. I couldn’t have done it all by myself.

You don’t seem to have undergone any sort of training in acting but you have wormed your way into hearts of many movie lovers. You have equally appeared in a number of movies of late. How would you describe your journey from Instagram to Nollywood?

It’s what I call God’s favour.

How challenging was it for you to switch to movies, a terrain you are not very familiar with?

The truth of the matter is that I grew up being part of drama teams in school and church. I’m also a film maker and broadcast journalist. I worked in two TV stations-after an intensive training by Ken Tiven of CNN and a lot of other media pros from around the world. I run a production company called Maxani films. I was already familiar with story-telling, script writing and some experience in doing sketches on stage. Making the switch was not totally alien to where I was coming from. However, the Nollywood experience is unique and has its own peculiarities.

You appeared in the Wedding Party and recently, Hakkunde, what do you make out of the two movies?

The two movies are very beautiful. They are totally relatable! That’s why Nigerians love them. We need to tell more relatable stories in Nollywood. We need to make that connection with the audience. I believe we’re gradually getting there.

How big are you willing to go with your acting career now that you are gradually worming your way into the minds of the people?

I’m grateful for the opportunity I have had to be part of major projects. I have played lead in Hakkunde, Mentally, TheBoxTv, there’s Crossroads, Wedding Party 2, and several other movies and TV series. I’m currently working on many more.

Some people believe that your popularity on social media paved the way for you. If you are to assess your game since you started, do you think you can survive another five years?

If God brought me this far, He can take me much further.