Ali Baba taught me the business side of comedy — Laf’up Ogundipe

Segun ‘Laf’up’ Ogundipe is a man of many parts. He is a comedian, a radio host and recently was picked as the co-host of Maltina Dance All Season 8 currently running now. In this interview with ROTIMI IGE, he speaks about the family contest, his role as a co-host and the entertainment industry in general.

You recently became a co-host on Maltina Dance all season 8. How did that come about?

I feel extremely blessed to have become the first male host on the show. As you know this year’s theme is the rhythm of happiness, the need to have a funny guy with that kind of rhythm became crucial. Although, I have been on MDA since season 6 as comedian and MC, especially for the grand finale, I had never had the opportunity to co-host. But being an MC with the brand for close to a decade and understanding the game plan, I guess, was key in making the decision.

How tasking is this year’s competition and what are the expectations of the judges this year.

It is as always. Being the nation’s number one family dance reality show and a concept hardly seen anywhere else around the world, it is very tasking. Their expectations are high this year especially with the highest cash prize gift ever. Originality, creativity, dynamics and that rhythm of happiness are elements expected of the winnings families this year.

What does this year’s theme ‘Rhythm of Hapinness’ mean?

Basically, “sharing happiness” happiness is key to what the brand represents and sharing it to the entire nation through dance is top in focus.

What is your job description as the co-host?

Backstage mostly seeing how the families prepare before hitting the stage and getting Nigerians to see the other side of the contestants. You will agree with me we all have our unique stories and where we are from says a lot as well. Hosting alongside Osas is fun I love the chemistry already, we are a happy pair.

Describe the judges. Many say Muyiwa is too strict...

Muyiwa! He is the chief judge and it is imperative for him to be as thorough as possible. Nigerians deserve nothing but the best family as winner of the Maltina Dance All season 8, these judges won’t take that for granted.

What has changed about this year’s competition?

Every year has it’s own peculiarities, this year has added and still adding new zest. Over the year the show has become more entertaining and Nigerians’ expectations have grown, this year won’t be different. As a matter it’s got the highest prize ever! The happiness index is set all the way up! You just have to be part of it.

Having interacted with the families, do you think they are up to the task?

For being selected in the regionals mean you’ve got great potentials, the prize is high this year and so are the stakes. These families are not joking, you need to see for yourself.

You are a comedian and now a TV host. How did your foray into entertainment begin?

Dreams! As a child, like many, I dreamt, but hard work with the special grace of God stands one out. My theatre background, putting in the time, trusting myself even when people don’t , learning and re-learning my art as creatively gotten me ready for all I do now and even things I have yet to. The journey started back in my university days at the University of Ibadan as a student actor, comedian and show producer. It could have only been God all the while, without Him, I am nothing. Let me add that I’m also a radio show co-host with Alibaba on 99.3 Nigeriainfo.

But you moved from Ibadan to Lagos while plying your trade as a comedian, why?

I knew this was going to come. Well, I didn’t leave Ibadan per-say. That’s not denying the fact that I’m more frequent in Lagos and in Lagos big shows. At some point in a man’s life, you need to realize there is the crucial need to add value to yourself and your brand, these would not have happened being on one spot. You have big dreams to follow, people are looking up to you, you want to take things in strides? You have to take big risks. Ibadan was a comfort for me so I needed to step out and continue to return with great stories that will motivate, challenge and encourage the youths of the state.

Does it mean that Lagos is the place to make it as an entertainer?

Well, Lagos is the Epi center of Africa. It’s a place you have to learn from also. You can make it from anywhere but to sustain it, you have to learn, collaborate, network and synergise with other brands. I see that more plausible in Lagos.

You are very close to Ali Baba. What lessons have you learnt from him?

I have learnt from Alibaba what a great comedian should learn from a greater comedian. Working with him on radio for the last two years has been a great time of creative learning for me. Now, I understand the business angle to my art even more. I thank him.

You are also a radio host. What other things should fans expect from you?

Well, right now I am doing radio and TV but my first love is actually theatre. So, I think people should expect some real acting on TV and stage as well. Something very fresh and unusual.

You host a show in Ibadan every year tagged ‘Laff up live’. What should fans expect this year?

LAFUPLIVE, this year is coming with a greater force than ever. Last year, December 26th, we locked the entire of Ibadan down and now I think it’s time for us to dish out some happiness on the show. So, the entire city of ibadan should expect some surprises, unusual giveaways and happiness bigger than ever on the show this year.

What do you think about entertainers in politics?

I think it should be separated but we know art can’t flourish in vacuum of the state. Policies shouldn’t only be put in place but be adequately administered for the sake of arts and creativity. But in our current case, entertainers and politics need each other to put the ideas out properly and directly to the people.

Describe the Nigerian comedy industry in Nigeria?

The comedy industry in Nigeria isn’t really an industry yet if I must say. Yes, its pushing the big envelopes but there is more to putting structures in place for proper administration for sustainability and not merely pushing envelops. There is the need, as I clearly stated in my M.A thesis, for the institutionalizations of comedy art and its business. Comedy is a big soup, we are only using a tea spoon to serve yet. Also, those comedians before us need to be celebrated as much as our recent actors. Lastly, America’s Hollywood covers comedians, but our Nollywood seems only for actors.

Are upcoming artistes given a platform to thrive?

Sure they are. And we comedians play even a bigger role than musical artistes in giving platforms to upcoming artistes and comedians alike. It sure can get better, giving people platforms you didn’t get while growing is a good thing and more artistes should be encouraged in such regards. God will only people for people. So, help people, it is what we all owe life especially if you’ve also been helped.

What would you want to be known for in the industry?

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To be seen as that light that shines bright for others to shine even brighter. That’s the purpose I was created for. God bless Nigeria, God bless the Nigerian Tribune, you have also been at the centre of it all.