CELEBRITY GUEST - KOFFI 'THA GURU'

Hey guys,

For big laughs, comedy relies on exaggeration, incongruity, automatism, character inconsistency, surprise, and derision. And that is exactly what our guest does and does it exceptionally well. Please welcome a man who doesn’t complain about the big problems in life because he’s yet to figure out the little ones…drum roll please! 

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Please meet the one and only KOFFI – THA GURU!

@koffithaguru aka Casper aka Beast of comedy is Nigeria's most versatile entertainer, actor, singer, producer, orator, righter!

Real Gentlehawk: Can you please  introduce  yourself and what you do to our readers?

Koffi: My name is Koffi Idowu-Nuel, born to a Togolese mum and Nigerian father, from Ibeju-Lekki Lagos. Comedian, Actor, Singer.

Real Gentlehawk: Can you tell us how you came about doing what you do and for how  long have you been doing it?

Koffi: I started out from school in University of lagos 1998, I had been admitted to study chemistry however I joined theatre 15 to further enhance my skills in acting, comedy etc.

Real Gentlehawk: What is your take on Nigerian comedy industry, do you see any improvement compared to when you started?

Koffi: There is been a blossom in the trade as a lot more have profited and are becoming brands and entrepreneurs. A big leap and growth from when I started.

Real Gentlehawk: How encouraging is the Nigerian audience and market to your craft?

Koffi: Very encouraging hence the steady rise in the industry of so many players in all spheres.

Real Gentlehawk: Do you believe that Nigerian comedians, both local and in diaspora support one another? Is there a synergy between both parties.

Koffi: There is a mutual understanding and respect amongst comedians globally, and transmits across board. However humor is language and locality based hence a limited collaboration amongst comedians on an international level but the likes of the comedian “ Basketmouth” have pushed the envelope beyond borders.

Real Gentlehawk: I  know  you have won several awards and recognitions. For the purpose of some people who don’t know; you won an award for African Comedy Icon (2011), Award of excellence as Most creative Comedian (2012), Wed Awards -Best Wedding MC (2013), The Nanny; Best of Nollywood Awards - Best Comic movie (2013), The Nanny; Abuja Int'l Film Festival - Most outstanding Comic Movie (2013) to mention a few. Any new award? And how does all these achievements make you feel and how has it helped your career?

Koffi: Sincerely I lost count and stopped counting. I see myself more as a man of rewards rather than awards. My career has been swift and graceful only by Gods doing.

Real Gentlehawk: I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your dad (May his soul rest in peace), can you please tell us a little about him. 

Koffi: He was a great man. Upright and laid a great foundation.

Real Gentlehawk: Your greatest inspiration? 

Koffi: God

Real Gentlehawk: So what are you presently working on?

Koffi: My new TV program just started airing – “Funny Moments with Koffi – Tha Guru” on Ben TV London, STV, NTA, Galaxy TV also Awada Express on Orisun TV . Presently also finishing up work on a new music album #CollaboraShunz featuring songs with Bovi, Chigul, Falz, Basketmouth, RasKimono, Alibaba, Klint, Sir Shina Peters, Dele Taiwo, Yaw, Sound sultan, Nomoreloss, Sunny Neji, Paul Play, Small Doctor, Q.Dot, Tolu Ajayi, Ashny, Splufikteam, Ashny, Monkalz, Fatai Rolling Dollar, Diana Bada, Ruffcoin, Beautiful Nubia, Cee.Y, Ikpa Udo, Koker, Tribal, da Emperor, Omobaba, Mc Abbey, Nedu, pretty, Maleke, Isolate, Sossick, M.I, African China, Mr Raw, Stella Damasus etc

Real Gentlehawk: What is your favorite book?

Koffi: Every James Hardley Chase

Real Gentlehawk: How do you relax? 

Koffi: Reading, Music and Movies

Real Gentlehawk: In one word, characterize your life as an artist. 

Koffi:  Splufik!

Real Gentlehawk: Any favorite comedian/artist? 

Koffi:  Gandoki

Real Gentlehawk: If you are ask to make a shout out to anyone who has supported you through your journey as a comedian in the industry, who would it be?

Koffi: My wife

Real Gentlehawk: On a lighter note, Choose between Omotola and Genevieve? Pasuma and Wasiu? BMW and VW? Old things or new things? 

Koffi:  Omotola, Pasuma, BMW, New Things

Real Gentlehawk: What will you tell your future self?

Koffi: Remain real, simple, humble. All credits to God.

Real Gentlehawk: Last words to your fans?

Koffi: Thanks for the support, keep praying for our collective blessings.

Well folks, there you have it...from our beloveth KOFFI - THA GURU! 

 #TheComicTruthByKoffi is a weekly piece he shares with his followers on social media.

He only writes about those/things he loves and is passionate about. 

You can subscribe and catch some more honest opinions on his #KoffiweeklyDigest on www.youtube.com/funnykoffitv 

www.koffioutofcontrol.com koffi.latenightgist.com

Till I bring you another amazing celeb, a little word of advice...

But before I go, if you have any question you would want us to ask any of our celeb, please feel free to send in your questions. You can send them through our:

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Your Gal, peace!

Real Gentlehawk 

CELEBRITY GUEST - LUCKY CHILD, NIGERIAN COMEDIAN

Hey guys,

Today, I have decided to tune it up a little. You know, spice it up with a little comedy. So, today we get to meet one of Nigeria’s finest Comedian. 

He is so talented that every word that he speaks just gets you cracked up. He is genuinely funny and natural, very true and real. Today, I introduce to you, "LuckyChild".

Real Gentlehawk: Can you do us the honors of introducing yourself and what you do?

Lucky Child: My name is Lucky Iviahwo aka Luckychild. I am a graduate in computer science, a stand-up comedian,actor and a TV anchor.

Real Gentlehawk: What kind of kid were you?

Lucky Child: Growing up as a kid I was funny, playful, clever, brilliant and spoilt by my late loving Mum. She lavished money on me so much that I used to wash my hands with coca cola or any soft drink after meal.

Real Gentlehawk: Whoa! You are joking right? And I'm sorry about your mum, may her soul rest in peace.

Lucky child : Thank you. I'm proud of her.

Real Gentlehawk: How did you get discovered as a comedian? How and when did it all start?

Lucky Child: I got discovered as a comedian when I was in the University (O.O.U). I use to give funny remarks in class, church, hostel and anywhere I find myself. It happens unplanned, the words will just drop and everyone will go laughing. A roommate of mine then informed me of an audition taking place in Lagos to immortalize Fela. They called the event "FELABORATION" in 2006. So I decided to try for the audition from school. There was a huge crowd of talents for the audition. The audition was for both comedians and musicians. About a thousand plus people, so as a result, the audition ran for two days. 6 comedians and 13 musicians were selected and I was lucky to be one. That was my first big stage. 

At the main event, I had the honour to share the same stage with the late Lucky Dube during his performance. 

Then in 2008, a friend of mine while still in the university, told me of another comedy competition on-going in Lagos. He said he was confidence that if I attended, I would win. That event was "AY OPEN MIC". I left school to Lagos, bought the form, attended the audition which was conducted by Bunmi Davies and Jedi. There was about 26 comedians that came for the audition and they needed only 10 comedians for the competition. Luckily, I was picked yet again.

The day of the competition, I had an examination to write in school, but I left school to Lagos for the competition. It was really a coaster ride competition where the audience are the judges. They decides who stays or leaves the stage. Again, I was the last man standing. I beat other nine to it and became the winner of AY OPEN MIC COMEDY CHALLENGE in 2008. This gave me the opportunity to perform in AY LIVE.

Real Gentlehawk: Wow, it must have not been easy.

Lucky Child: It wasn't easy,but I thank God for the experience. It was tougher when it got to just three comedians remaining on stage. We cracked and cracked to a point the audience don't know who to screen out. But one more round saw other two comedian knocked out. I give God all the glory.

Real Gentlehawk: So what sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful comedian?

Lucky Child: The sacrifices I have made that have brought me thus far, are risking exam period for comedy competition, waking up in the middle of the night to create jokes that sprung up in my sleep, staying awake all night without food during an audition, the list goes on and on.

Real Gentlehawk: Can you talk about some of the challenges in Industry, you have or still facing?

Lucky Child: Yes oooo. There are bad belles in the industry ooooo. I have been sidelined in a lot of opportunities because I chose to do gospel and clean jokes. In the industry they have their gang, but God pass them!

Real Gentlehawk: How do you generate new ideas for your acts?

Lucky Child: I generate new ideas for my act by thinking and listening to the word of God. When a pastor is preaching I get inspiration very fast. I also get new ideas from current happenings in my environment and beyond.

Real Gentlehawk: What are you presently working on?

Lucky Child: Presently, I'm working on the season 2 of "THE REVELATION". It's an event for people who love clean jokes. It's a blend of comedy, music, inspirational talk and scripture combat. And I have other events still in the pipeline (but I no go talk am now, make dem no go burst the pipeline...heheehheee).

Real Gentlehawk: LOL. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful comedian?

Lucky Child: The top three skills to be a successful comedian are ability to be creative, audience interaction skill, build a stage persona (originality).

Real Gentlehawk: Who has been your greatest inspiration?

Lucky Child: My greatest inspiration is God. But for the comedians in Nigeria, the guy wey dey ginger my swagger, wey dey totori my shingbaka,  na  comedian – I go die. He is the man.

Real Gentlehawk: What book has inspired you the most?  What is your favorite book?

Lucky Child: The Holy Bible and Think Big by Ben Carson.

Real Gentlehawk: If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?

Lucky Child: It will be King Solomon because I will like to know how he managed his wisdom with 1000 women.

Real Gentlehawk: What motivates you?

Lucky Child: Everything motivates me. Right now you're motivating me.

Real Gentlehawk: OMG! Wow, I'm honored! So tell us what are your hobbies? 

Lucky Child: I am a hubby I think the question should be what are your wifees? lol. Well, my hobbies are reading, thinking, browsing, watching TV and loving my family.

Real Gentlehawk: 😄😄😄....What makes you happy?

Lucky Child: My son and my wife. Anytime I look at them there's this happiness that is innate.

Real Gentlehawk: Any last words to all your fans out there? 

Lucky Child: Yes oooooo. To my fans I love you. I promise to do what God has sent me to do at all times which is making you laugh for your well-being.

Real Gentlehawk: Thank you for chatting with me. You were quite entertaining! Hope to do this with you again. 

Lucky Child: Thank you! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!

So guys, I hope you enjoyed him as much as I enjoyed doing the interview for you. 

You can also read all our interviews through our Facebook platform: www.facebook.com/RealGentlehawk or via Twitter: @gentlehawk or via Blog: http://gentlehawk-real4u.blogspot.com.

So I leave with this wisdom words from Aristotle: 

Until next time, it's your Gal!

Real Gentlehawk 

Peace out!