Gbenga Adeyinka but today he is Gbenga Adeyinka 1st
GCON. He chats about critics, challenges, what it takes to be
a good comedian, why being an MC is more appealing to him
than being a comedian, why he left a full time job for comedy
and many more.
Can you give us a brief about your person?
Gbenga Adeyinka: Honestly, I don't know how to start this,
but I would simply put it this way. I was born Gbenga Adeyinka. I'm a typical Abeokuta man from Ogun State and
studied English on the campus of University of Lagos. I
worked briefly with my uncle's engineering firm before I
rediscovered myself in the world of arts. Thus, I rechristened
myself and became Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, afterwards, I
became Gbenga Adeyinka 1st CFR and now Gbenga
Adeyinka 1st GCON. I guess that sums it all up.
Describe yourself in three words
That I would say again is a hard task but if there were three
words to sum myself up, I would say, charismatic, God
fearing and eloquent.
Tell us about your experience on your first performance
on stage?
My first performance would actually be on the campus of
University of Lagos as a student but then it was simply just
one of those things and outside the campus, I would say my
appearance on TV, where I had to make an impressive
statement and you won't believe it but some of those I made
an impression on still call me for jobs till date.
How did comedy start for you?
Comedy for me is more like an everyday thing; I only discovered it on the campus of University of Lagos after
which I went professional. It's something that comes naturally
to me, I try not to force it because you don't make a lasting
impression. When it comes naturally, it's always a sterling
performance.
When did you know it was something you wanted to do in
life professionally?
I worked in my uncle's engineering firm after I left UNILAG,
but after a while, I felt I wasn't enjoying my job. It was the
regular 9-5 for me and I wanted more and that was when I
met Akin Akindele and later Tee A, the rest as they say is
history.
You have been in the industry for years now; what is the
best thing about your job?
The ability to make different individuals from different tribes
and walks of life listen to you, make you their focus, and get
their attention and at the end getting paid and commendation
for it.
As a comedian, what do you struggle for most in your
profession?
I doubt if there is a particular thing I struggle for. I'm talking
for and on behalf of Gbenga Adeyinka 1st GCON. I think if
there is, it would be the kingdom of God like everybody else.
People have the impression we struggle to be noticed in the
industry, but it is not true. We are as important and relevant as
any other segment in the industry.
Do you think performing comedy over the years has
helped you to better understand human nature, behavior,
or the way people work and think?
You have just asked a question that captures my experiences
since I started the art of comedy and majorly MC. I
understand people more, I know when someone wants to get
noticed, I know when people get over-zealous, I understand
government officials, politicians, elites, regular man on the
street, a housewife, a maid and quite a lot. I can tell you that
it is a topic I can discuss for over three hours and give various
examples from my experiences.
You are also a producer, special commentator and more.
So truly, you are a renaissance man. Which of these
¬interests means the most to you?
Renaissance you say…hmmm, okay oooh, na una talk am
oooh but you missed out one big part of me, MC. And I
would tell you for free that being MC interests me more
because as an MC, you can be a comedian, social and special
commentator all in one, but as a comedian, you can only be
asked to keep people laughing for few minutes.
After all these years in the limelight, how do you deal with
critics who always see comedians as no good?
Are they still individuals who see comedians and MC as no do
good people? I doubt if there is and if there is then they are
still living in the Stone Age. I mean in this era when people
urge their kids to sing, act, play football and do comedy
because such kids now bring glory to the family, someone
now comes out to say comedians are no good? Like I said, I
doubt if such people exist and if they do, it's only a pity.
What do you think is the most important challenge facing
comedians today in the society, especially Nigeria?
Lack of depth and inability to research and redefine your art
always. I'm not saying I'm the funniest in Nigeria, but I can
tell you an experience or an opportunity to see me in my
elements would sure leave an interesting and sweetened taste
in your memory. That said, I have also noticed that almost
anybody and everybody wants to be a comedian and that is
fine by me, but some of these young boys don't even have
good command of English. They so much depend on
delivering in pidgin, I'm not so against that either, but how do
you thrill guests in Soweto, Burkina Faso or Islington or New
York or Holland? To make a mark as a comedian in the industry, you have to have strong command of English
Language.
Do you feel you have got your due in the industry?
All I would say is I'm happy and content with where and what
God has done for me, I know he's taking me further.
If you were to advice those who aspire to develop their comic acts either through writing or performing, what would you say to them?
Get basic education first, it's important and paramount
because it would at the long run help you even if you become
the biggest in Nigeria. Be sure you are gifted, try out your
talent with audiences that range from your family members,
friends, school gathering, then you can pursue your dream to
the zenith.
We all know the importance of mentors and people whose
greatness inspires us. Who were your great motivators?
My mother, late Mrs. Adunni Adeyinka, Martin Luther King,
Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed
Tinubu.
You have so many wonderful things on your plate; what's
next for you? What comedy adventures do you plan for in
the near future?
I like bringing out things from the pack like a typical
magician, thus I like keeping things under wraps so it comes
as a surprise but one thing I've done over the years is my
popular annual comedy, arts and music festival jamboree
tagged, Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka 1st and friends
always expect that plus I'm coming to hit TV soon with an
unprecedented sitcom.
Tell us something we don't know about you.
I bet you don't know I fart…seriously, I bet you don't know
two of my children are in the University as we speak.
Who is your favorite comedian?
My greatest comedian of all time is Bill Cosby; he does it so
effortlessly you don't even differentiate his act from his art or
his real person.
Best piece of advice have you gotten?
Never give up on anything you do because if you have the
power to think it, you can achieve it and that was from my
late mum.
What is your motto in life?
Live and Let's live because In God we all trust.
Tell us about your most embarrassing moment on the job?
I have had quite a number but the most recent was in the
United Kingdom for the Nigerian Corner of the Nottinghill
Carnival and one of the performers, a female was dressed in
such attire that left me bewildered. While pondering what
convinced her to dress in such attire, a photographer caught
my gaze and many people wondered if I was actually looking
at something else.
What questions are you always asked and are tired of
answering?
Are you the Gbenga Adeyinka on TV?
Seriously!
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