I Go Dye
The story of wave-making comedian Francis Agoda, better known as I Go Dye in the ribs cracking business, is as intriguing as they come. Prior to hitting limelight and becoming famous both nationally and internationally, he was turned down a record four times at Nite of a Thousand Laughs for not being too good, in his quest for fame and recognition as a comedian. But a very determined Agoda, from Abraka, Delta State, refused to give up until fame and fortune finally smiled on him. Today, he is a household name, traversing the length and breadth of this nation and even beyond with his immense skill. In this interview, Agoda, who has taken the gospel of Nigerian comedy to over 50 major cities in Europe and the U.S., opened up on how the rough road to stardom began five years ago.
Enjoy the interaction!
I would like to begin this interview by asking about your historic deals with BBC and Fashion Page, respectively. How did you strike these deals?
Yes, I signed a mouth-watering contract with British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) last year. It was basically to promote and project African comedy on their African network. They also chose me as one of the leading faces of African comedy on the continent. I could not believe my eyes when they approached me. We did some recordings in France, Dublin, Germany, and few other European nations. They were also part of my Warri show. Also, I recently signed a mouth-watering deal with this international fashion outfit to manage my style and image and also to help promote and package my concerts. Besides, they will be clothing me whenever I’m having a show. Mr. Destiny Ebagua, their Marketing Director in Africa, made this deal possible. Since they are mostly known in Europe and the U.S., they want to use people like us to get into the African markets, starting with Nigeria. They were also one of the major sponsors of my successful show. They are also planning on taking me on a world tour any moment from now.
In recent times, you have been embarking on frequent foreign trips. Are there special reason or reasons?
First and foremost, I want to thank God Almighty for making these foreign trips possible. In the past, people don’t reckon with comedians. My breakthrough was in 2005 when Ehizoya Golden Entertainment took me on a tour of Europe. During that tour, the Nigerian ambassador to Germany hosted me. It was an experience I will never forget. And of very recent again, I was hosted lavishly by the Nigerian Ambassador to France, during the last Nigerian Cultural Week in Paris. All these outings opened the floodgate of many more foreign trips for me. For an outstanding performance, the Nigerian ambassador in France extended my visa to one year. But before this trip, I just returned from Ireland, where I dazzled at Nite Of A Thousand Laughs. It was a successful outing. I’m even planning of touring some parts of Nigeria with my comedy show in collaboration with Fashion Paige soon. We will commence with Lagos, Abuja and Port-Harcourt shows soon. Later, we will be touring Europe and the U.S.
How did your romance with comedy begin?
I actually started comedy as a kid, but professionally, I took off five years ago and got my national recognition two years back. My breakthrough was through Nite of a Thousand Laughs. I started gradually in Warri, with the mock news programme on Delta State TV. Truth is that it was not easy making it to the top. For good four years, Opa Williams kept turning me down on the pretext that I was not good enough, but I kept trying, refusing to give up. I want up and coming comedians to learn from my experience. Even at a point, I told Opa not to even pay me, but to give me the chance to mount the stage for just five minutes. I eventually got ten thousand Naira for my first Nite of a Thousand Laughs, but today the pay has increased with over 1000 percent. Life is all about sacrifices. And looking back now, I feel so great because no one even thought or believed I can even travel to Ghana then. If I want, I can just wake up and said I want to have lunch in London and come back same day.
We would also like to know more about your background?
I’m Francis Agoda, better known as I Go Dye. I’m from Abraka, Delta State. I am single and very close to 30. I’m quietly planning for my marriage with somebody that I truly love.
As a famous comedian, how do you cope with ladies?
Ladies are the most wonderful people you can think of in this world and without them; the world does not go round. I have also discovered that ladies like hanging around fun and funny people like us. So, in essence, I share my happiness with them.
Did your parents endorse your going into comedy when you newly started?
When I started comedy then, my mum never supported me, for my dad, I met him first in my life, just two years ago. I will tell the full story some day, in fact, very soon.
The inspiration to create your jokes, where and how does it come?
Before I answer this question, let me quickly tell you that I’m among the very few comedians that do not repeat jokes on stages. I create new jokes everyday by perfecting my art. I spend 90% of my time, thinking of how to make people laugh and that is why I’m more creative and distinct.
How did you come about the name, I Go Dye?
I carved out the name from my surname which is Agoda. You can see, my own is Dye and not die. It simply means to transform, add and brighten the state of the art. I have seen people who were christened Lucky and Success at birth, but they turned out failures in life.
Why is there so much hatred and jealousy among comedians?
For every job you do, there must be a kind of jealousy; it is even so among prostitutes. But what I believe in and stand for is healthy rivalry. Another mistake people make that usually lead to their not succeeding in live is paying too much time to unhealthy rivalry and dirty competitions. I don’t envy people. I only pray to God every day to help me get to the top of my career and remain there till I’m gone.
How comfortable is I Go Dye financially?
I’m very, very comfortable because God has given me life and without that life, you won’t be able to assess your riches or millions.
What are your future goals and plans as a top comedian?
With God on my side, I want to be a world famous comedian who will be known in all the continents of the world. Recently, In Paris, in all the shops I visited, I did not see the work of any Nigerian comedian or musician, except that of Fela and Femi Kuti, that increased my love and respect for them. I was also in a Femi show recently and 90% of those that attended were whites, this is my dream. Thank God, I’m gradually making an inroad.
As a star comedian, what would you say is your unique selling point?
I think my natural jokes stands me out, they are what I call my raw materials. Being creative and confident on stage also stands me out. Again, as a creative comedian, whenever I’m on stage, I usually ask myself, when, what, where and how to deliver my jokes to make impact and achieve results. I like studying the mood of my people.
What are your views about the Nigerian comedy industry?
Comedy business in Nigeria is fast becoming very lucrative and we thank God for that. These days, you hardly go to events without a comedian, it is a big plus for the industry. We are most grateful to those who laid the foundation for us the new generation ones, we won’t let them down.
Do you think government is doing enough for the comedy industry?
The government is supporting comedy big time in Nigeria. From the local, to state and federal levels, they usually include us in their functions. And I have done shows for the government at all these levels. It is also the government that makes most of our foreign trips possible. I just returned from France based on the invitation of the government, which was facilitated by the ambassador. They have tried for us but they should do more, because like Oliver Twist, we are asking for more.
Have you ever run out of jokes on stage while performing?
It has never happened to me on stage. It can’t because I’m always prepared and take time to research on my jokes. Besides, I’m also a natural comedian full of creative and humorous ideas. I will quit comedy the day it happens.
Who are your role models in the comedy circuit?
God is my role model, but I love Chris Rock with an undying passion, because of his flow and style.
What is your show, I Go Dye Standing Live, all about?
I am happy that after several years of planning and waiting, I finally did my own show. For me, it was a dream come true and I thank God it was very, very successful. I’m also happy the show gave me the opportunity to entertain my fans for more than three hours. It was a strictly I Go Dye show and my fans thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It was a total show and people of Warri, Delta State where I started comedy from thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
First published, October 2006.
Culled from Azuh Amatus’ best selling books, FAMOUS FACES…
