People said I was crazy when I started touring South West with Laffmattazz —Gbenga Adeyinka

Comedian and event host, Gbenga Adeyinka, is one of the most sought after entertainers in the country. For him, resting on his oars at this moment is a recipe for failure as he aims to keep working. The creator of the Laffmattazz brand, a comedy and music event in this interview by SEGUN ADEBAYO, speaks on many issues including why he may join politics among others. Excerpts:

 

From the look of things, you have continued to put your brand on the entertainment map for a number of years now. Yet, some people believe Gbenga Adeyinka is not the regular comedian that could deliver jokes. How do you reconcile this?

For me, I think I will take that as a compliment because being regular is not what I set out to be. It has never been part of my brand to be among the regulars. All I set out to do is to entertain and if I get that done, I am satisfied, and I feel good about that. I have been here for over twenty years and if not being regular has got me this far, I don’t want to be regular. I am satisfied.

 

Handling a brand is one thing, sustaining it is another task many don’t seem to get right. For you, how challenging has it been maintaining a brand and giving your best all the time?

For me, I believe strongly the desire to stay relevant drives me to do new things. When I started touring the South-West with Laffmattazz and going where others were not, I looked crazy but look at the success story today. Nine years down the line, I’ve been proven right. I believe innovation is a key component to staying relevant.

 

You took the bold move to step out of your comfort zone to push your trade across the South West with the Laffmatazz brand. Would you concede that you could have been bigger if you had stayed back in Lagos to fight for your space?

I am not smaller for leaving Lagos, and that’s the fact.  If anything, doing this has added immensely to my profile, and I am grateful to God for the grace to take the step that changed the story.

 

You are one of the pioneers of the new phase of comedy in the South West, and as a matter of fact, you drew your early influences from the Ibadan-based comedians at that time. How do you feel about the shape of things in the industry today?

I don’t think we have got to the Promised Land but we are not where we used to be. I can say that we have progressed. The progress is moving fast. Things are beginning to open up, so there is progress. After the legends, there was a lull but the movement is on and we are not stopping. Let’s keep working hard.

 

Creating jokes they say takes proper research while others believe it is inborn; once you have it in you, it is settled. For you, how hard or otherwise do creating new contents come and when last did you create a new joke?

I create jokes every day. That’s the fact. All you have to do is look well at the society.  Comedy is inborn, but then you have to develop yourself. Developing one’s self is very key.

 

Just some months back, you took the Laffmatazz event to Ilorin and many people thought you would wait till next year before another one comes up. But in less than three weeks, you will be taking it to Abeokuta. What’s the reason behind the quick succession of events?

If you recall vividly that at the beginning of the year, we announced a tour and we are sticking to the dates announced. This gives birth to what you are seeing today because we have worked hard to make sure we don’t miss the dates. Next year, by the grace of God, will be more packed as we intend to visit more cities. The brand has been appreciated by all and sundry, so we want to keep giving them our best.

 

What’s the special difference about the Abeokuta invasion and what’s the reason behind the array of stars?

Abeokuta is a home coming for me and is the grand finale for the year so it’s much more packaged and the delivery will be amazing. All the acts have promised to give performances like never before.

 

Raising money for these events is not a tea party but you have been doing these for years. What’s the secret?

It’s been hard, but God has been faithful. Sponsors have helped; partners have made the load lighter. Friends have been supportive. Some just sent me money as their support for the actualisation of the dream. I’ve had to sell one or two things and pledged a few others for finance but we bless God. For me, the journey continues.

 

Some people believe Gbenga Adeyinka is making himself relevant with the hope to testing his popularity in politics anytime soon, perhaps in 2023.  Is there any truth in this submission?

Well, people have a right to think in that direction. My response is that they’ll know if it is in 2023. They will soon find out.

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Are you saying you might throw your hat into the ring in 2023?

You never know. Politics is something I am interested in and have a passion for.

 

How would you describe your success over the years being an all round entertainment personality?

I am satisfied but the success would have to be gauged by others

 

Of all the comedians abound in the industry, who still gives you the run for your money and why?

They all do; it’s a pool of very talented and hardworking people and one can’t afford to rest on his or her oars.

 

What stands you out among the rest in an industry where the competition is extremely rife with everyone trying to sell the same pie to diverse people?

As I said earlier, innovation, versatility and tenacity of purpose built on humility.

 

You are one of the entertainers that are respected in and outside Lagos. In fact, I learnt that no major decision is taken in that sector without your input. What’s your take on proliferation of events and what’s the way out?

You can’t stop a man’s drive. We all must keep hustling but if you ask me, I believe that the sky is big enough for birds to fly.

 

You were one of the entertainers that campaigned for Lagos State governor, Akinwumi Ambode in 2015 and I am aware that you are quite close to him. With his second term ambition being threatened by decision makers in the state and given his immense contributions to the development of arts in the state in the last three years. What do you think about the situation he has found himself?

I will say let God’s will be done.

 

Would you still support him even if he does not get the All Progressives Congress (APC) nod to contest on its platform?

When I get to that river, I will cross it.

 

Are you aware that some entertainers in Lagos are rallying support for him against the decision of the power brokers?

I have been out of Lagos for a while and I have been out of the loop but every man has the right to decide his own destiny. As for me, I am waiting for the right time to decide what to do.

 

What’s it that you still want God to do for you?

I want Him to bless me as He deems fit. He knows my innermost desires and I know He will answer me at His own time.