I’m not competing with any comedian —MC Ayanfe

Fast-rising comedian, Abel Asogba is better known as MC Ayanfe is one of the young comedians raising the flag in the comedy industry currently, With a career that span five years, the Prince of Talk as some people call him, says the journey to greatness has just begun. He speaks with SEGUN ADEBAYO in this interview and shared the story behind his rising career.

How would you describe your journey into comedy?

It’s a divine plan which I walked into carefully.  I have always been a friend of the microphone from childhood.

How do you mean?

I started out as a Master of Ceremony (MC) in churches, and from there, the humour side of me flipped into my performances. Over time, I find myself loving and enjoying what I do. Today, I am being called “Prince of Talk” by fans and many satisfied clients.

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You have been doing this for a while, what would you say helped you stay on your game?

I have been in the comedy business for a while but it started with the role I played as the Associate Editor of Femi Edward’s Comedy+ Magazine. I had a column called The Comic Professor. Thereafter, the brand MC Ayanfe went through rebranding. For me, what has helped me stay on top of my game is the quality of the content I deliver to the people. Also, ethical behaviour stands me out for about five years now in the talk industry.

The industry is constantly welcoming new comedians, how are you making sure that you stay relevant despite the numbers?

I am not moved or distracted by the number of comedians coming into the industry. I am competing with myself, staying real, ethical and giving every client and audience the best of my brand. I always work towards being better than I was yesterday on any event.

At this stage, what do you feel your career is lacking?

Honestly, I thank God for where I am today. Though, I am not where I want to be yet, but I am not where I used to be. For me, bigger brands should keep giving support to growing talents. Most times, there is the mindset of which league does he belong to. Grace speaks and I am getting closer to the goal all round daily.

Looking at the industry and the contents people push out daily what’s your take on the contents delivery?

It’s amazing seeing the loads of talents and creativity in this country. What we have in the industry now is enough to put us ahead in terms of entertainment globally, which is already happening, though it can get better.

How often do you create new contents, and when people steal your contents how do you feel?

Creating contents for me comes as inspired. I can be inspired by anything. That’s why people will always see me with a pen and writing pad because when new jokes drop in my head, I write them out. I spend time to develop and give life to my contents. If the joke is funny enough, I will keep it but if otherwise I discard it. Overtime, spontaneity plus creativity works best for me. Talking about stealing my contents, it challenges me to do more and stay relevant because the world is getting smaller by the day and contents spread faster.  While it could be painful, I always tell comedians to give credits to the owner of the contents.

Are you not worried about the slow pace of things for your career?

Worried? No. I’m more thankful for where I am today. I would have been dead and forgotten two years ago, when I had a terrible health challenge. It was so tough that I couldn’t talk, eat, or swallow anything not even water.God brought me back miraculously. I don’t want to tell you all the testimony here; the full gist will be shared at Laff Xpress 2019.

You have a show coming up, tell us about it?

It is LAFF XPRESS with MC Ayanfe and other top comedians. This edition is not going to be comedy show as usual; it’s going to be an experience at the prestigious Tyttlo Event Centre, CMD Road, Magodo, Lagos. We are going to have classic comedy, dance, games, and DJ Battle. Trust me what’s packed is better experienced than imagined.

What brought about the show?

Laff Xpress was borne out of the quest to give the city of Mowe/Ibafo and its environs a world class entertainment. I shared the idea with my brother (Femi Edwards) who has been producing the show. God approved it, we have since held two editions along the Lagos/Ibadan express way and here we are for the third edition at CMD Road, Magodo Lagos State.  My assessment over the years, in all fairness, I’ve never experienced a better last year because every edition is better and rewarding.

Do you think you have what it takes to stay relevant even for the next five years?

God is daily loading me and sincerely the brand “MC Ayanfe” is grace made which makes me different. Watch out for me 20 years to come, even relevant will know that MC Ayanfe is relevant.