Ask David Ogechukwu to introduce himself and you will hear forgetiti, just to crack your ribs. His stage name is Elder O’ a.k.a. Ichie Yoppy.
The funny man bared it all to the publisher of SOLIDNEWSNG.COM Online Magazine, AZUH LILIAN.
Can we meet you?
My name is Ogechukwu David a.k.a Elder O’ Aka Ichie Yoppy.
I’m from Amarum Amaediaba Nkpa in Bende L.G.A of Abia State.
I am an entertainer and an OAP with 92.3 inspiration FM, Lagos.
How long have you been an OAP with Inspiration FM?
This is the third year now, we started the programme Original Naija in 2018 and it has gone ahead to become one of the most listened to programmes on air.
How did the name Elder O’ evolve?
I started comedy back then from stage acting, I used to be a member of my church drama group then, before I became the group’s director for many years. Before I joined the Bliss theatre.
In all those years, I realized that I interpret comic roles so well when they cast me as an elderly person. That was how I got the name Elder and Ogechukwu.
Why did you choose to be a comedian?
I didn’t choose comedy, comedy chose me. When I finally joined standup comedy professionally in 2006, it didn’t come to people that knew me as a surprise. They clamored for it. I didn’t join comedy because of hunger as a matter of fact I had two shops in Tejuosho’s market then, I never saw it as a money spinner. Little wonder I was doing wedding MC for free then.
You said, you started from church, what church precisely?
Christian Pentecostal Mission, it’s my 20 years in Lagos and 20 years in CPM.
What differentiates Elder O from the other comedians? What stands you out?
I’m a very spontaneous comedian, I love interactive comedy that’s why most times at Ojez weekend comedy shows, I easily interact with the audience. Then my costume too distinguishes me from others. I dress corporately that’s Corporate + Native = Corporate.
Why did you choose to dress like this?
Like I said, my entertainment always stands out in the crowd. Most comedians wore native attires to traditional events and corporate outfits to other events, but my attire can go to all events successfully and the level of acceptance has been massive even from other tribes.
Does comedy come easy for you?
Nothing good comes so easy, but when you have the talent you will always excel. Some of us started comedy out of passion and that became the drive even when we ain’t making money from it; until God opened the doors of wealth through it, so I won’t take that for granted. Comedy is not easy and not for lazy bones but when you have the talent plus the grace of God! Nna forget it, you don make am.
What are the elements of a good joke?
Make people laugh, keep the audience in suspense till you drop the last word, have what we call punch lines, and a joke that the audience can relate with at all times.
How long have you been in the comedy industry?
Professionally, this is my 14th year, I don’t want to add the years that I was doing it for me.
What makes a good comedian?
Hmmm… This one tough o but honestly one of the best attributes of a good comedian is originality; and many comedians don’t know this. The industry has been infiltrated by comedy hoodlums who go around vandalizing other people’s jokes. Its better you have only two original jokes and you repeat them everywhere you go than say 100 jokes that you stole from others at gigs. This is where we are having problems; but the industry is expanding and we will soon out grow it.
What do you like most about being a comedian?
The fact that we can playfully talk about everything and even talk to men in power, they look like jokes but powerful messages have been passed through jokes. Then I like that fact that I can hold the microphone and in few minutes turn some one’s bad day to laughter. It is enough motivation to keep me going. Then the razzmatazz.
How would you describe your style?
My style is unique, and I’m still evolving, I just unveiled a new alter ego last week and now we have Ichie Yoppy standing head to head with Elder O. so I am that unique comedian that always love to do things my own way. I’m not in competition with anyone, just striving in my own lane and speed. We will definitely meet at the roundabout.
When was the last time you wore native attire?
Laugh… I can’t remember guess that would be last month at Ichie Yoppy’s brand photo shoot.
What is the difference between Elder O and Ichie Yoppy?
Elder O is the comedian while Ichie Yoppy is an actor. It’s just a new alter ego that I want to push alongside the Elder O brand.
Which is your favourite corporate native attire?
Unfortunately I love casuals more.
Why do you love casual Attires?
I no dey like wahala jare, suit tins is just for packaging….. I’m more of a casual person. Most times at events once am done performing, I will quickly change to my casuals at the car lots and zoom off. I love them because they are just simple and easy. Good for our kind of environment
As a casual person, do you have any favourite foreign brand?
I’m not a designer person biko, how do you expect someone that once did business in Tejuosho market to be famzing …foreign designers? Most times I walk into any boutiques and get my stuffs, and check labels later when I am home. For snickers, I prefer Nike, then I love Gucci and LV for my shades… the rest no concern me.
What is the most common thing in your wardrobe?
Boxers!!! The last time I checked I have 67 boxers in my wardrobe. I buy them even when I don’t need them. Sometimes my friends go there to ‘steal it’.
What’s your favourite colour and why?
I love bright colors, because of my complexion. I need brightness to bring out my handsomeness.
Years ago, it was grey and ash. But currently ash and blue are my favourite colours
What’s your favourite food?
It is rice and plantain then for swallow Oha soup is my favourite.
How about drinks?
Red wine or Champagne
How do you relax?
I either play loud music at home and play with my phone or go to the spa… I just came back from spa now. Problem no dey finish, sometimes you just need to go there and relax and be taken care off.
What is the greatest lesson life has taught you?
A lot. There’s no special time to do anything, no time for procrastination and I live today as if tomorrow will not come. Do whatever makes you happy. If taking my girlfriend will make you happy as a man please come and take her … And I will kill you, at least you will die a happy man. Laughs… But jokes apart. We need to always take some time out and pamper ourselves, problems no dey finish.
Who are your comedy icons?
Ah, they are many o! I can’t even mention all of them because the space won’t be enough to publish them.
Be specific?
They are just too many and I can’t mention all. Growing up I had some that I look up to as a child, then I began to meet them and boom the new kids on the block emerged and so many of them are doing well. I love all the veterans in the game.
Who is your best dressed Nigerian man and why?
Ebuka of BBN. He just has a way of causing commotion with his dressing and they always come out nice. But I know that God will judge him, because people end up saving his pictures so that they use it to go and frustrate one tailor in their neighborhood.
What’s your marital status?
Mood changes. I thought we will never get to this part, I’m a widower. I got married in February 2014 and lost my wife, in December same year. My wife died during the child birth of our only child.
Any plan to re-marry?
I never thought of that before but in recent time I am beginning to give it a thought, its six years already and life goes on.
Where is the most fantastic place you have travelled to recently?
From my sitting room to my kitchen … there is no place as fantastic as that part of the house, I just came back few minutes ago.
What kind of person is Oegchukwu David?
Ogechukwu David is a very quiet person, that loves to stay indoors, always especially when the Elder O’ in him is not going out for an event. He is down to earth and very friendly. He is also a philanthropist, that earned him the ‘Ambassador of charity’ award in 2014. God fearing and homely man, that loves to cook.
How many awards do you have to your credit?
Just five awards, but they are worth over a million to me.
How affordable is Elder O? And what are your charges?
I’m very affordable. Just try me.
What’s the most important thing to you right now?
My son. He will be six years in four days time.
Before comedy, what were you doing?
Then I used to be a successful textile trader in Tejuosho market before the fire disaster that happened in 2007.
Share your happy moments with us?
I have a lot of happy moments, God saved me from a plane crash, the month I was called to take part in ‘Flat Mate’ and ‘The Johnsons’ in just few weeks interval without me lobbying for it. And the day I got married to my late wife was among the happiest of them all.
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