Tobi Owomoyela a.k.a Peteru is a household name in comedy circles due to his unique delivery in mimicking people, among other talent. He is also a stand up comic, actor, musician with huge love for football. He speaks to ROTIMI IGE about his upcoming event and his experience in the comedy industry. Excerpts:
Why did you tag this year’s edition, a perfect time?
I decided to tag it ‘A perfect time’ just because I’m bringing out a whole lot that I’ve kept in my archives and this is just the right and perfect time to show the world what’s been cooking. I have been doing a lot of introspection, writing original jokes, documenting experiences etc. It is time to let people hear it all.
You have successfully hosted this event for many years. How easy has it been and what have you learnt?
Trust me, it’s not been easy but with God and a few good people we have been able to run this for years. Talking about lessons, I am still learning, but above all never expect anything from anyone. Never put all your hopes on anyone.
The comedy industry is being challenged by the skit industry. Do you think that comedians are losing money, endorsements to skit makers?
Yes, I must say. I will say yes because our clients now don’t know the difference between an internet sensation and a master compere. It’s a funny world but if you’re consistent you will still do well. For many of us, it has taken years of learning to do what we do.
Many comedians are now trying to also make skits to profit. Do you now agree that skit makers pose a real threat to comedians?
Definitely, they are major threats but not to a few of us who are true to our craft and working on it on a daily. For me personally, I am not bothered because the sky is big enough and trust me, we all will shine.
You have remained one of the most visible comedians and event comperes in the South Western Nigeria. How have you remained relevant over the years?
It’s been God. Sometimes, you feel down but whenever you remember why you started, then you just don’t want to give up. There have been so many dark days with peculiar challenges that would force a weak hearted person to throw in the towel. However, I thank God for the will and then my support structure which keep encouraging me to press forward.
In the comedy industry, mentorship and followership remain a big deal. You are quite loyal to Ali Baba, Gbenga Adeyinka and a few others. Why do you think this is important?
It is important simply because these men have been there long before we came to the industry, so they sure have a lot of experiences good and bad. Why not move close to them so you don’t make the same mistakes they made which hurt their journey?
You rested your ‘Alfa PETERU’ videos for a while now. Why?
Yes, I am working on a series with a couple of people, so I just thought not to cloud my page with content. The new series will be used when we can shoot with proper script and major follow-ups.
What’s next for you?
Like I said, I am working on some projects. With God all things are possible, but this year, I’m back on radio and the platform that birthed a lot of comedians in Ibadan is coming back in March as well (Comedy club with Peteru and friends).
You are also a good football player and attend all Shooting Stars FC home games. Is football still an option for you?
Up sooting! Football an option of course… Maybe as a scout, agent, manager, the game offers a wide variety of opportunities you know…
How do you source your jokes?
I will say my immediate environment, conversations with people, news, gist, gossips and above all, God’s inspiration. Most times we just imagine and boom, it’s a major set.
What should fans look forward to on Sunday?
Wow, that’s a serious question, because the team started work since June last year. We set the pace for a lot of people to follow last year and we are doing another one this year. Let’s keep fingers crossed.
You have said, many times on different platforms that comedians, especially outside Lagos, have kept entertainment alive unlike their music colleagues. How do you mean and why is this so?
It is true. There is a reason why Lagos is the entertainment capital of Nigeria and even Africa. If you ‘blow’ in Lagos, you are set for mega super-stardom anywhere in the world because African entertainment, especially music, is what the world is listening to now. Entertainment, generally, thrives in Lagos because everyone is hungry to succeed.
For comedians outside Lagos, they are the ones doing the most to hold shows and even engage the musical artistes in their respective states. At the clubs and lounges, comedians are the ones having one event or the other. Though in Ibadan for instance, it is changing yet music artistes must do more. They must release more songs, promote them and be more visible. Afterall, the same avenues and social media platforms are available to all. It is harder to create a funny joke than to write a song.
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