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Popular comedian, OB Amponsah is warning of the possible collapse of Ghana\u2019s comedy industry if the sector is deprived of the requisite support from various stakeholders.<\/p>\n
In a long post on Facebook yesterday, September 1, the headline artiste of \u201cPopular But Broke\u201d noted that despite the industry boasting of exceptional talent, it is still struggling to find its feet.<\/p>\n
Giving followers a better picture of his claims, OB disclosed prominent comedians like himself and Lekzy Decomic still struggle, and in most cases, don\u2019t even get sponsors to support their shows even though they have a good record of filling auditoriums such as the National Theatre.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlso, the standup comedy industry in Ghana is a struggling one. Severely lacking funding even with exceptional talents that can sell anywhere. Let me paint a picture of the industry now.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a registered association now Gh Comedians Network. We have tried our best to establish a running comedy club every Thursday at 2927 pub. We have tried tertiary school tours (ValleyView University and HTU). Almost every one of these young comedians have their individual comedy specials. Our efforts spill over to other countries and so we are invited to perform at shows in Rwanda, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, Swaziland, Nigeria. Bro, we even have a full 20 minute feature on CNN about comedy in Ghana. Look at how many comedy shows have happened from January to September.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe beautiful picture painted above, will collapse in no time mainly because of severe lack in funding and lack of stakeholders interest. Me and Lekzy can hardly get sponsorship for upcoming shows even after doing a number of shows at the National theater. Because we do not seem to have the skit attracting or bortoss attracting numbers on our socials, we lose out on brand sponsorship and ambassadorial deals, but you all know we are working.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe do not take for granted any support we have received so far. But there is a pressing need. The standup comedy industry is standing on wobbly legs. Don\u2019t be surprised when it comes crumbling down. Our strength can only reach that far. And when you lose out on a show, because you couldn\u2019t secure a visa, you can only smile and bide your time,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n
OB\u2019s post was a follow-up to a previous one, expressing his disappointment over he and colleague, Lekzy\u2019s inability to honour an invitation to perform at Bloemfontein International Comedy Festival because they couldn\u2019t get their visas.<\/p>\n
However, in a post he later shared on his social media pages, OB expressed his gratitude to people who came to his after sharing his predicament.<\/p>\n
He, however, disclosed that they couldn\u2019t make it to the Bloemfontein International Comedy Festival, which started in South Africa today since they had their visas late yesterday.<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks to everyone who helped make enquiries and try pull strings on our behalf yesterday. The visa confirmation came late yesterday evening by which time it was a bit too late to process anything; the organiser had found replacements.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe moving forward, there should be (if not national), an industry conversation about visa acquisition especially within Africa. It is sad to lose out on opportunities like these within your own continent. Whoever is in charge should at least accept the 90 days visa waiver SA is offering us,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n
Source: graphic.com.gh<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n
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