By Ayo Onikoyi

Popular Nigerian comedian and actor, Bovi Ugboma, has said he does not create content with the primary aim of pleasing people, stressing that quality work will naturally attract an audience.

Bovi stated this while speaking on Beyond With Ezinne, a podcast hosted by Ezinne Akudo, where he discussed creativity, storytelling, comedy and his personal growth.

The comedian said creators should focus on making compelling work rather than constantly worrying about whether people will like it.

“When I am making stuffs, I am not making it to say, ‘Will people like it?’ I am making it to say, ‘Let this creation be sweet and the ants will gather.’ Sugar doesn’t go in search of ants,” he said.

Bovi also emphasised the importance of storytelling in stand-up comedy, noting that a comedian who understands how to tell stories can effectively control an audience’s emotions and attention.

“If you are a good storyteller you can be a good stand-up comedian because storytelling is about swaying people emotions from left to right, carrying them to a particular crescendo, that’s the truth,” he said.

According to him, even when a comedian’s material is not necessarily funny, keeping the audience interested remains essential.

“When what you are saying is not funny, make sure what you are saying is interesting. So you hold people’s attention,” he added.

Reflecting on his creative process, Bovi admitted that experimenting with new ideas could be challenging, particularly when he was attempting something for the first time.

“I struggle especially when I am trying something new for the first time. It happens,” he said.

The comedian, however, said his experiences had given him a deeper perspective on life and creativity.

“I am growing to that stage where I think I am becoming invisible to myself. I am understanding life and understanding that it’s one life. It’s not a rehearsal. It’s the drama that’s on,” Bovi said.