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| Shola Samson |
My name is Shola Samson, also known as “the SS of comedy”. I am a
comedian, MC and an actor. My Dad is from Ondo state and my Mum is from Cross River.
I was born in Kaduna.
I speak Hausa, Pidgin, and a bit of Yoruba. I am the penultimate child
of seven: three girls and four boys. My
father is a retired Army officer, so I grew up in the barracks. Growing up in the
barracks was fun, but wasn’t funny if you offend your parents, neighbours in
the barracks will join hands to beat you. It was like a division of labour, that was the way we were brought up.
HIS EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
I went to several Army children school. Each time my Dad got
transferred to a new state, the whole family would move with him. I attended Community High School,
Ikoyi, Lagos State;
and Iju Ebiye
High School, Otta, Ogun State.
My University education was at Lagos
State University,
LASU, where I got my Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts in 2004.
JOURNEY INTO ENTERTAINMENT
It’s been such a crazy journey, so far. I started comedy in the
church as a young man when I would just mimic my church prophets, which made
people laugh. At some point, church members would pay me to include some
personal yabs. I would re-tell the jokes of Owen Gee, Gbenga Adeyinka and some
others in my church.
Along the way, there were lots of discouraging moments that made me
quit comedy for the co-operate life. My father once embarrassed me in a family
meeting he called to address my situation, they couldn’t deal with the fact
that I was going into comedy after spending so much on my Education. My
girlfriend at that time walked out of our relationship because she couldn’t
picture a future for us. These were frustrating times.
I was advised back into comedy by my employer who was the owner of
the school I was teaching at the time. He witnessed my talent and forced me to
quit teaching in order to focus on comedy. I remember he gave me some money to
help purchase a mobile phone. That was when I went back into comedy with more
determination. I met Owen Gee at an event, and we talked. He picked interest in
me. He agreed to look out for me and make me believe again.
PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCES AND
EVENTS
In 2011, I performed live in Kampala,
Uganda, alongside
Klint d Drunk, IK and Mandy at MNET comedy club. In 2012, I featured alongside
Owen Gee in a comedy series called Skits and Sketches, which aired on Africa
Magic. Two years ago, I performed during the live audience interlude session at
MTN Project fame and was given a standing ovation. In September 2014, I had my
debut comedy concert “Laffs and Dance”, which featured Owen Gee and Big Brother
Africa’s IK. Last year, I did some skits for Africa Magic Urban, that will
start showing by October 1st this year.
ROLE MODELS
My role models in this industry are Owen Gee, Gbenga Adeyinka,
Basketmouth and AY. I respect these people a lot. They are some of the most
successful entertainers in the country, and have gone beyond the Nigerian
borders. They have done so well for themselves, and for the industry. AY’s
versatility is also commendable. His movie 7days in Atlanta has done so well.
MENTORS
My mentors are my pastors, Gbenga Adeyinka and Owen Gee. They are
always there to advise me and support me. Owen Gee is like a father to me.
CONTACTS
Facebook – SHOLASAMSON
Twitter - @thessofcomedy
Email – comediansholasamson@gmail.com
Telephone – 08028365355, 080607414
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