Comedy...Here comes 'Spirit'..In the footsteps of KSM, Fritz Baffour et al

Comedy is any discourse, action – or even non-action, intended to generate laughter. So the work of a comedian is clearly cut out as someone who makes people laugh, and this they do all year round. Comedy as a theatrical genre, finds a perfect escape route of making, even the more serious issues, look a bit trivial. Internationally, comedians like Nicole Arbour, Anthony Jeseline, Daniel Tosh and Dave Chapellin, are among a tall list of the 'poking' fraternity whose command over the art is not in doubt.

In Ghana, comedy is generally viewed with some mute levels of respect and scorn. But the main actors in this trade have not given up the fight yet. Over the years, the efforts of comedy artistes like Kweku Sintim Misa (KSM), Fritz Baffuor Agya Koo and others have succeeded in making what otherwise looked naughty in the eyes of the public, much more adorable and respected. The huge turnouts at comedy shows in the capital and beyond are enough to underscore how well this trade is revered. A lot more have joined the trade at least to take over from the likes of KSM and Fritz, who are fast hitting their retiring age.

In 2004, under the auspices of Harry Laud's Royal Entertainment, a competition was organized to get contestants, to perfectly mimic well known personalities. At the end of the contest, a young man by name Francis Yaw Ofori was adjudged the winner out of a host of wannabes. Francis was able to impersonate popular musician Lord Kenya perfectly, an act which won him nationwide acclaim.

'Spirit' as he is also known, originally set out to be a musician, the more reason why he was able to perfectly mimic Lord Kenya. Comedy just happens to be one of those things he does well apart from music. A chance to rub shoulders with Nigerian Comedian/ Actor, Osuofia on several platforms across the country, appearing on Oman FM's 'Bumper to Bumper' show with Okyerefour and an opening on Nana Adwoa Awindor's Peace Project during the last elections, are but a few of the projects he's been on.

A young man in his twenties, Francis is one of the very vibrant and intelligent creative personalities who had to contend with an old age societal problem: 'Follow what you learn in school'. Constant rejects by event organizers who never knew what he had in store and pressures from his parents to get him to abandon the trade for a 'more lucrative one', stared him in the face. But he remained resolute and unperturbed, knowing the cards he wanted to play - comedy.

Years of rib cracking have gone by and 'Spirit' has lived to relish the full benefits of what initially was seen as a threat to his academic work. Now he has a three hour co- host slot on radio to his credit and some cameo appearances at some of Accra's busiest joints. Listeners, who tune in to the 'Bumper to Bumper' show on Oman FM on Saturdays, would attest to the fact that he's really got it. Ever since, appearing on the programme, 'Spirit' has won for the station, some moderate levels of listenership, which explains why corporate bodies like Kasapreko Ghana Limited, are going after his talent for optimum maximization , one that he has been asking for during the past five years.

But he is not amused with the level of success chalked so far. He feels the urgency to hit more zones with his creative instincts and inventiveness. In an interview with The Mail, 'Spirit' said he is ready to take the comic trade by storm only if he gets the needed backing and support. “I know myself and what I can achieve when given the chance. A lot more is in me that the world has to see but it can only happen if I am given the chance”. Like the typical God-fearing Ghanaian, he says he is however grateful to God for the journey so far and heaped praise on Mr. Jojo Tetteh-Quantson of the National Theatre, radio presenters, Sammy B and Okyerefour for their counseling and support along the way...

'Spirit' will join several other entertainers on Sunday when the 'Kasapreko Time Out' train makes a stop at the Korle Worko Beach in Accra. Apart from Sunday's event, he is on radio every Saturday from 1pm-4pm on the 'Bumper to Bumper' show and returns on Sundays, with the KSP Time out show from 10am-1pm. All two programmes are aired on Oman 107.7 FM.

OBED BOAFO
THE MAIL NEWSPAPER
Development / Accra / Ghana / Africa / Modernghana.com