Babatunde Ojobaro, also known as MisterRain, is a talented comedian and actor who has successfully carved out a unique place for himself in the world of movies and comedy. In an exclusive interview with Ranks Africa, he provided us with valuable insights into his highly anticipated upcoming show, Mister Rain Unattached, which is set to take place later this month in Lagos, Nigeria.
During the interview, MisterRain shared his thoughts and plans for the show, giving us a glimpse into what audiences can expect.
Can you tell us a bit about your upcoming one-man comedy show in Lagos? What can audiences expect?
#MisterRainUnattached literialy means Mister Rain isn’t attached to anybody or no other comedian is attached to the event. This show is designed as a comedy special that allows a comedian perform for at least 60minutes uninterrupted.
In 2022 when I debuted the Mister Rain Unattached in Ibadan and consequently Lagos in August and October respectively, I performed for straight 90minutes and this year the timing has been moved up to 120minutes non stop hilarious comedy performance. This year also the bar has been raised high because other genres of entertainment has been creatively infused in the performance in a way they haven’t experienced in comedy shows before.
So yes, the audience can expect a wholesome unique experience and comedic adveture at the same time just the way the audience in Ibadan did in August this year.
How did you come up with the concept for your show? What inspired you?
The drive to always challenge myself, the drive to always attempt something different, the assurance that I always go far and beyond to further sharpen my skills were my inspiration.
I came up with the idea to start the one-man comedy show because I thought most comedy shows are now stereotyped and there’s a need to give our audience and fans more of us than they have seen, give them something different. I started this in Ibadan and became the first comedian in the city to do this. The success of that event in 2022 became the needed catalyst to fly it around cities in Nigeria.
What challenges have you faced in preparing for a one-man show, and how have you overcome them?
Truth is there’s hasn’t been too many challenges because, for the most part of my active career life, I have been a showbiz promoter, I have organized shows for people even outside entertainment, so organizing this is more a like a walk in the park for me but having to research, prepare, rehearse isn’t as easy as one will expect because you know everybody coming is coming for you and you want to hold them spell bound and laughing all through their stay.
Also when you have a good show the previous year, the pressure of having to make the next one better is a challenge one must face amd summount.
How do you plan to engage and connect with the audience during your persurmount.?
There’s a theory that’s called the “4th Stage” propounded by Prof. Wole Soyinka. I have worked on some of his works and I understand that theory enough to know that the best performance anybody can have is to seal the abyss of the 4th stage and get your audience involved and fully engaged.
The moment when the audience are performing and don’t realize they are performing, they are not just laughing but they are contributing to the laughter in the room without them knowing that’s what they are doing. In the theatre world where I have cut my teeth and solidify my feet properly, it is called the theatre of magic and the magic of theatre. So best believe that there’s a working plan to engage the audience to give them a fully wholesome laughter experience.
Are there any specific themes or topics that you will be exploring in your comedy show?
Oh yes, there are several themes that are societal and relatable by all standards featured in the 120mins long performance. The central idea “funny but true” is designed to pick issues from education, relationship, mental health issues, drug abuse, essence of friendship, betting hazards, feminism and some other issues and bring out the real situations on these matters albeit in a way people can laugh over it and still brood over the information I am giving them.
Can you share any funny anecdotes or memorable moments from your previous performances that have influenced your approach to this show?
My entire life has been from one performance to another, started out as a dancer, then a choreographer, an award winning Radio person, acting for stage and screen, teaching and facilitating… all these have constantly shaped how I approach every show I put up because my experiences are unique and bespoke to me and they form the basis of my shows and performances which is why my events are unique because they are original contents
What do you hope the audience will take away from your show? What kind of experience do you want to create for them?
This won’t be the first comedy show they have attended, but this will be the first comedy show they will attend to see what they wouldn’t have thought was possible. So one of the things they will take away is realizing that comedians can be very brilliant and intelligent. Another thing I can assure the audience is they will begin to see some issues in different perspective because I hope to change some perceptions.
How do you balance the fine line between pushing boundaries with your comedy and ensuring that it remains entertaining and enjoyable for all audience members?
The first questions I always ask myself when Curating events is why am I doing this, what do I hope to achieve? Also as a Radio person, I have known and practiced that you radio programme materials must contain 3 elements, it must inform, it must educate, ultimately it must entertain. I have transfered this skills to writing and creating my comedy materials. This balance, I have mastered so well over the years, it’s now easy to boast that my audience always and will continue to get the full dose
Are there any special surprises or guest appearances that audiences can look forward to in your show?
Yes, there is a special suprise, myself and the team are cooking up. Talks are in motion and we are hoping we will finalize in a couple of days.
Lastly, what message or advice do you have for aspiring comedians who are looking to create their own one-man shows?
Do not create a one-man show or a comedy special as we call it because people are now drifting towards that angle. There’s no rule that says that’s how they know you are a good comedian. You have to have built up for it over time and master the skill of not just making people laugh but also keeping their attention the whole time. It’s a skill, however anything is possible if proper preparation is made.
