Comedy in Ghana has evolved positively which has seen most of the local comedians gaining recognition across the globe. 3news.com takes a look at 10 Ghanaian comedians who have made a huge impact in their line of profession.
Kwadwo Nkansah, aka Lil Wayne is a man who loves centre stage and the attention it brings, and he is not afraid to incorporate funny dance moves and other antics in his sets to get laughs. Lil Wayne has created a successful acting career in addition to stand-up comedy, and won an award for Best Male in a Supporting Role for his work in “Time Changes” in 2014.
Blackson got his start in comedy clubs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as early as 1992, but he is now a well-loved comedian in his home country of Ghana, and across the world. He modeled his comedic style on the style Eddie Murphy, but made something entirely his own. He is known for using his life experiences as a Ghanaian in his comedy, but he also incorporates experiences living in the diaspora.
Award-winning actor and comedian Kofi Adu is known more for his work on screen, but was first discovered on a Ghanaian comedy show at the National Theater in Accra, where he worked as a comedian warming up the crowd. Now known as Agya Koo, the actor is famous for his ability to improvise on set. He often decides against thoroughly reading scripts in favor of delivering his own brand of humor.
Kwaku Sintim-Misa, known more commonly these days as KSM, got his start in comedy after earning a master’s of Fine Arts in film production from New York University. He began his acting career Off-Broadway in New York, but returned to Ghana in 1997, where he became a prominent radio talk-show host. He made a name for himself by tackling difficult issues with a confrontational, combative style that shocked listeners. He is best known for his show, “Thank God It’s Friday,” which fuses serious discussion and education with humor.
Funny Face, or Benson Oduro Boateng, is a comedian-turned-actor-turned-musician, but will always be known for his unique sense of humor first and foremost. His stand-up work has been seen across Africa and the world. Funny Face has amassed a fairly significant following in London as well as in his home country of Ghana. Though he does do stand-up, Funny Face’s true talent shines through in TV series and sitcoms, which his fans hope to see more of as time passes.
One of Ghana’s favorite comedians has to be David Oscar, a self-described “observational comedian,” who makes his audience laugh with biting observations about the little things in daily life. Oscar often comments on Ghanaian politics, but blends the often-controversial subjects with his distinctive perspective on Ghanaian life. He has been on some of the most prestigious stand-up shows in the country, and also works on creative content for radio and TV. He is also a musician by the way.
Derrick Kobinna Bonney, known commonly as DKB, is a rib-cracking stand-up comedian who has been on the scene since 2005. He has been on big-time shows such as the “Night of 1011 Laughs,” “Eddie Kadi Live, and the “Citizen Comedy Show,” one of Ghana’s biggest platforms for comedians. DKB is also a TV and radio personality.
David Aglah’s unique style and talent has his audiences in, every time he performs, and has featured on prominent stand-up shows such as the “Laughter Express,” alongside big names such as Ndumiso Lindi and Mandy. Aglah has an immense talent for character imitations and impersonations, always crowd favorites.
Known as “Bismark The Joke” in showbiz circles, Bismark Odoi has been properly nicknamed – his comedic talent has been showcased in movies since his debut in 2011 in “For Better For War,” and hasn’t stopped since. He joined the stand-up circles around Ghana, lending his talents to both the stage and the screen.
Eddie Kadi has been a big name on the comedy scene since he won the BECA (Black Entertainment Comedy Awards) for Best Comedy Newcomer in 2006. He sells out massive solo concerts for his stand-up work, but has also developed a career as a presenter on BBC 1Xtra and OHTV, as well as earning a reputation as an accomplished actor. His work as a voiceover artist made him famous among fans of “Tinga Tinga Tales,” a popular children’s TV series.
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