Contrary to the notion that Ghanaian comedy is gradually gaining ground, comedian Khemikal has revealed that the trade is not lucrative.
In an exclusive interview with Citi Showbiz on Friday, 1st December, 2017, Khemikal noted that Ghanaian comedians are poor because they are treated with disdain.
“Ghanaian comedians are broke because most event organisers, especially those who mount the big billboards and do all the advertisement in the media are not willing to pay us per our standards. They are willing to pay an international act about $20,000 dollars but will pay a Ghanaian GHc 1,000 because they feel we are Ghanaians,” he lamented.
Khemikal, known in private life as Daniel Selase said even though the Ghanaian comedians get more gigs than before, they are paid a pittance and that does not suffice to cater for their needs nor does it befit their status.
“If you see any Ghanaian comedian doing well in his life, then maybe he has another job and he’s using money from that job to build his brand,” he added.
He further stated that the result of the poor systems in the comedy world is evident in the lives of past comedians like Bob Okala, Nkomode and others.
Khemikal, a Computer Programmer, holds Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Ghana.
He has performed at shows like DKB’s Point of View, the Easter Comedy Show, Night of 1021 Laughs and has been billed for the Night of 2024 Laughs.
For the past years, Ghanaian comedians, especially those in stand-up comedy have come under serious criticism for not living up to the billing.
They had been riled for not being funny until few years ago Foster DKB, Romanus, Khemikal, among others started to change the narrative by regaling their audience to their utter dismay.
Since then, there have been a great improvement in their performance and there have been very good entrants too.
Other stand-up comedians like Aglah, OB, Idiot James Brown, Lekzy the Comic and Jacinta have also been phenomenal with their craft in the comedy space.
The sparkling performance of comic actors like Baba Spirit, Clemento Suarez and Lawyer Nti of Kejetia Vs Makola fame can also not be glossed over.
Khemikal’s assertion, he said, was representative of all Ghanaian comedians and a true reflection of the reality on the ground.
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By: Kwame Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana