This popular comedian got N171 for his first Job
– Comedian recalls his first show in 1989
– States how badly he wished to relocate to Lagos from his former base
Comedian Basorge Tariah Jnr.
Comedian Basorge Tariah Jnr can simply be dubbed one of the talented individuals who successfully built the foundation of stand-up comedy in Nigeria.
Having started his career professionally in 1989, he is no doubt one of the godfathers in the now booming business.
In a chat with Naij.com correspondent, Basorge reiterated that his first professional appearance as a stand-up comedian was at the University of Port Harcourt in 1989, and he reminisced that he got the sum of N171 for the job.
Basorge described his style of comedy in those days as a blend of dance and comedy called the ‘American Show Dealer.’
“My first professional performance on stage was at the University of Port Harcourt in 1989, and I can vividly remember going home with N171 from the show. In fact, the man who introduced me is actor Bob Manuel Udokwu, who was the MC. The records are there,” Basorge enthused.
Basorge, who is recognised as one of those who laid the foundation for the currently booming stand-up comedy business in Nigeria, added that even when he was already making a name for himself as an entertainer in Port Harcourt, where he was also a Creative Arts student of the city’s university (UNIPORT), his priority was to relocate to Lagos.
“The job was not really appreciated then; you do free shows and expect people to give you tips most times. It was really not rewarding then but we kept on doing it for the passion. Then I realised that for me to be appreciated, I need to move to the major scene in Lagos, but I couldn’t at that point because I was still a student.
“But after graduation in 1994, I served in Abeokuta and relocated to Lagos afterwards. The rest today is history,” Basorge reminisced.
The comedian started his career as a dancer, and in 1983, he was crowned the International Dance Champion.
Fast rising Nigerian comedian Stanley Chibuna, popularly known as Funnybone in an exclusive interview with Naij.com recently, also spoke on how he got N100 as his first take home pack from a show.
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