Fast –rising comedian, Okpala Nnanyerugo Paul is no doubt wowing fans everywhere with is unique brand of comedy skit.
In this chat with publisher of SOLIDNEWSNG.COM Online, AZUH LILIAN, the native of Ula, Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government, Anambra State talks about why he dresses like a woman, how he came about the name, Massi as well as his fashion sense.How long have you been doing comedy skit?
This is my seventh years as a comedian.
Does comedy skit making comes easy for you?
Creating a comedy skit has not been easy for me. I know what it takes to produce a skit. Reason, being that comedy is not all about creating content but about turning the content to make people laugh and it costs a lot to produce a skit. It is also filled with a lot of stress and dressing as a woman. I can say that it is not all that easy but, I have to because it is something I have passion for.
Why do you dress like a woman in your comedy skit?
I dress like a woman to portray the Massi character very well. The first time I played the role, people liked it and since then I adapted to wearing female clothes. My fans will say to me that my woman attire makes them happy. Funny enough the clothes are not mine; I actually borrow the outfit from my mother.
How did you come about the name ‘MASSI’ and what does it mean?
The name Massi is my mother’s name. Her name is actually Mercy, but when she’s angry she will be calling herself Massi. As a comedian I have shot a lot of skits as a man, it didn’t work. But the moment I decided to play the role of my mother with the name Massi, boom, the skit went viral. Massi is on the lips of everyone, so, I had no choice than to stick with the name, Massi.
What are the elements of a good comedy skit?
A good comedy skit maker must have a good content. Then, pass a message through your content, work with the right characters, choice of words in your skits matters and then work with a good editor.
What makes a good comedy skit?
It is getting a good content and development it to make people laugh and most importantly having a good punch line in your videos.
What makes Massi comedy skit different from others?
I believe no one can play the real role of an Igbo mother as I do. Not only do I play the role well, I also make it funny and educative for my viewers.
What do you like most about being a comedy skit maker?
It is having people been happy through my videos and been recognized as a comedian any place I appear. Above all, seeing people show me love just for watching my videos.
Who are your comedy icons?
There are many of them but late Sam Loco Efe, Nkem Owoh, Mr. Ibu, Chief Imo and Sabinus are my role models.
What is the greatest lesson life has taught you?
Life has taught me that been good and living a simple life pays. It is better to be poor and have peace of mind than being rich and still not in peace with your soul
What is your philosophy of life?
My philosophy of life is this adage that says; The falling down of a dry leave should be a warning signal to the green ones on top
What motivates and inspires you as an entertainer?
I love to see people smile and feel happy after watching my videos. I always feel honored when people tell me how funny I am and how I keep making their days with my content
What does fashion mean to you?
Honestly, I must say that I am not a fan of fashion. I believe I am in this world to live a simple life and being a celebrity won’t change my lifestyle.
When was the last time you wore a suit and what was the occasion?
Ii was in year 2018, at my first stage performance in Enugu State, and that didn’t end well I must say.
Which is your favorite attire; Corporate or Native and why?
Native wears are my favorite, I believe that fits me more and makes me look responsible and it also explains my origin, the Igbo culture.
What does style mean to you?
Style to me is the way you choose to do your thing. I believe everyone’s style of life makes way for him or her
What are the 3 things your fans don’t know about Okpala Nnanyerugo Paul?
My fans don’t have an idea that I have a twin brother, called Peter. While some people think am from Isuofia town in Anambra which I am not and they don’t know the Massi, is actually my mother’s name.
What is the greatest thing God has done for you?
The greatest thing God has done for me is making my dream of becoming a comedian come through and also gave a platform to reach out to people.
What is the most important thing to you right now?
Building my own home and starting my own family.
What is your favorite colour and why?
My favourite colour is blue and white, because that’s my clubs colour, Chelsea.
What is your favorite food and drink?
I love rice and beans; then whiskey for drink.
What is the most common thing in your wardrobe?
A belt I bought for N1,300.
Who is your best dressed Nigerian man and why?
Ebuka of Big Brother Naija, he looks good in native attires.
Where is the most fantastic place you have travelled to recently?
Abuja – the Federal Capital Territory.
What’s the highest amount you have spent on a fashion item?
N230,000 for an outfit at my event last year.
Who are the 3 people in the world you would like to meet?
Eden Hazard, a Belgium player, who played for Chelsea, John Mikel Obi, Flavor and Jackie Chan.
