•BABATUNDE ADENIYI (LLCOOL J)
Babatunde Adeniyi aka LL Cool J is a football comedian. His brand of comedy is unique and different from what others offer in the industry. LL Cool J brings excitement to the faces of spectators. Whenever he storms the field of play to perform, he usually holds his viewers spell-bound. He is so creative that he mimics the attitudes of top footballers both foreign and local on the field of play. This gets to the spectators as they enjoy the level of creativity he puts into it. His brand of comedy has taken him across the length and breadth of Nigeria.
Adeniyi is a proud indigene of Lagos state and from Epe in particular. He is very hard working and passionate at what he does. Recently, he told City People JAMIU ABUBAKAR (08085185886) why and how he began his brand of football comedy 22 years ago. He revealed the many challenges he has faced and how he now gets recognition and invitations to perform. Read the excerpts below:
How did you come by your nickname, LL Cool J?
There’s a popular rapper in the USA known as LL Cool J. He’s my favorite rapper and I enjoy listening to his music a lot. I love his music so much that I adopted his name as my stage name.
How did football Comedy begin for you?
I started mimicking legendary footballers in the Nigeria/Ghana African Nations Cup in 2002. I was at the opening ceremony dancing to Daddy Showkey’s music. After the first half of the opening match, I saw some people doing a match parade on the pitch. So, I jumped into the pitch and the security personel chased me. As they tried to get hold of me, I was maneuvering them with my sleeky moves. This amused the spectators as they were shouting “eeh-eeh, eeh-eeh, Hoooo!” Then I said, why don’t I start doing something to entertain spectators. That’s how I started doing football Comedy.
Tell us how you have been coping with your football Comedy over the years?
I have been sponsoring myself. I love the warm reception people give me wherever I go to perform.They allow me to perform and entertain spectators at any field.
Why did you mimic legendary footballers as your comedy style?
I observed that immediately the half time whistle is blown and players have returned to the dressing room to prepare for the second half of the game, the entire field is always calm and boring. What I do is totally different from ball jogging. I make people laugh with my comedy and that brings smiles to the faces of spectators and makes the atmosphere lively before the second half of matches begins.I keep the excitement on at half time to make people happy. I usually shuttle Lagos and Abuja to entertain people on the field of play.
Tell us a bit about your background?
I was born and brought up in Onifade area of Mushin, Lagos.I hady primary school education at St. Michael School but I did not have Secondary School education.
What are the major challenges you face as a football comedian?
There was a time I was locked up in a black maria vehicle by a very wicked police officer, Mr. Akinsola in Benin. I was also locked up in Port Harcourt just because I was trying to gain access to the field. I didn’t allow this to derail me. I was determined to pull through and become popular through this means. Today, anywhere I go, people receive me with love. I now have access to get to the field of play. They now understand that I’m not there to disrupt the match but to entertain the spectators.
How do you feel, now that you have gained recognition?
I’m happy as I no longer get intimidated. In fact people who enjoy watching me perform dash me things. I must confess I’m enjoying the fame. This December alone, I have gotten quite a number of shows. Today alone, I have gotten 3 invitations. People are inviting me here and there to come perform at their shows.God’s time is surely the best. My prayers are being answered.
Aside from doing comedy, what other things do you do to earn a living?
I own a car wash. It’s from the comedy that I realized the money I used to establish my car wash business.I also do picture frames for people. I do portrait pictures. People who do events such as weddings, birthdays, and naming ceremonies call me to take their pictures. As you can see I’m not a lazy man. I’m doing my best. I have 3 cameras which I use for my photography business.
