Having a mentor important in comedy industry —Peteru

Peteru is one comedian that has, in the last five years, risen to become the toast of events around the South-West. He tells ROTIMI IGE about the business of comedy and future plans.

What have you been up to?

I have been working on myself and the new project that I and team are bringing back which is ‘Comedy Hub with Peteru’.

Comedians have been able to forge a new phase for the industry and are to be taken seriously. What would you say was responsible for this?

Over the years we were laughed at and mocked, the job was not really paying off but now that a lot of comedians are doing very well, the younger ones too don’t want to be left out.

Would you say the same for the industry in Ibadan?

No, I can’t say that for now due to some reasons

What would you identify as the limitations of the comedy industry in the city?

First and major is the lack of content and then we can look into exposure. We also have to address the acceptance of our acts by the public. A lot more needs to be done and I hope it will as time goes on.

Solutions?

Up and coming comedians should try be a brand on their own and create content that will last at least a decade, sometimes they go out of their comfort zone; go elsewhere to perform and see how creative they can be, then Ibadan based clients and brands can begin to accept us all and not go to lagos every time there’s a major corporate event.

How would you describe your brand of comedy?

Outstanding, just because Peteru can be anything to any audience on any stage to make them laugh. I am not limited.

You always speak about how comedians should be mentored by those who are considered elders in the comedy business. Why?

It’s a must, a comedian who has no mentor can’t be monitored and when you’re not monitored, you may not be noticed. When you’re not noticed, how will your dreams come true. Ali Baba, Gbenga Adeyinka, Lafup are people who mentored me over the years and I am better for it.

How can upcoming comedians find a niche for themselves seeing that most of the elders have refused to retire?

That’s funny because if the elders can create a lasting brand that’s still keeping them, how do you stay in the game too in decades to come? Simply create an outstanding brand that will stand the test of time, keep reading, keep researching and get a mentor.

Why haven’t you moved to Lagos?

There are many kings in Lagos, but just one in Ibadan and that is me! Stay on your lane and when it’s time to bring kings together, your brand will be strong enough to make you sit with kings.

What are you currently involved in and what’s next for you?

Thank you. We are presently working on a project to empower the less privileged and the disabled (not just to feed them but discover the talents in them). It is called ‘Project Discovery’.

Also, we are bringing back the soccer for unity tournament to connect with all entertainment stakeholders in the city and beyond.