“Being a Prince doesn’t mean I don’t have to work for money” – Comedian 16Oniru

Standup comedian and professional MC Prince Oriyomi Olayinka Oniru popularly known as 16 Oniru is one of the fastest growing comedian in the industry; despite been a son from the royal family ‘ Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru, the Oniru of Iruland, Lagos; 16 Oniru believes in hardwork and consistency in whatever you do. Gearing up for his forthcoming show this month tagged ‘Royal Pain’ where he said he will addressing the pains the royalty goes through from a humorous and satiric perspective, hence the theme “Royal Pains. In the chat with MUTIAT ALLI, the graduate from Babcock University shares how it all started for him, challenges, why he left his white collar job for comedy and much about his coming show.
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16Oniru, can you tell us how you came about that stage name?
I was studying my Bible one morning in 2009 and the Scripture Ps 127 came to mind, as I pondered on it my mind was creating a very funny story about my family. When I was done with the imagination, the name 16 Oniru dropped.

What motivated you into comedy as we all know you are a prince?
(Laughs) Being a prince doesn’t mean I don’t have to earn my own money or work for money. I stayed home for two years post-NYSC looking for a job, it was in that season I started comedy though on a small scale I discovered my talent and decided to harness it. I then worked briefly from 2011 – 2013.

Do you regret leaving a white collar job for comedy?
As a matter of fact, I don’t. Leaving a job where I got steady income wasn’t easy at all but I really wanted to start my career as a comedian and it was ‘now or never’ thing. So I just went for it and I haven’t looked back since then.

What are the challenges you are facing/faced as a comedian?
One major challenge I faced initially was getting platforms as a number of people didn’t think I should be in Comedy because of my background…glad I proved them wrong
Can you tell us about your upcoming project “Royal Pains” and what we should expect?
My upcoming comedy show ‘Royal Pains’ is one of the events I’ve been planning to stage for a while now. I’m quite excited it’s coming to live on October 22nd. I’m going to discuss the pains royalty goes through in a very humorous and satiric perspective. The event is going to be 100% Comedy, there are two surprise packages I have for the attendees that day.

Who / what inspires your jokes and style of comedy?
My jokes are inspired by a number of factors .like my life experiences, general observation, conversations with people and meditation

Tell us about how you made a switch from white collar job to comedy. How did your family take it?
Well I just made up my mind and resigned in June 2013, my Mum didn’t have any issues with it cause she had supported me from the onset when I started comedy before getting the Job, my Dad on the other hand laughed when he heard but has now come to accept it

How have you kept your marriage out of the social media and all of its drama?
Wow, the social media craze these days have gotten out of hand and I am happy that I have been able to shield my family from the scrutiny, clap backs and insensitive nature of Nigerian social media users. I am married and my wife doesn’t really care much for social media attention and to be honest, neither do I but as a comedian, having a social media presence comes with the job because it’s the new cool.

How do you manage female fans?
Like I said earlier, I am married and I love and respect my wife a great deal. I know my boundaries when it gets to female fans and I know how to handle uncomfortable situations too

In comedy industry, do you get special attention or treated better than others as a prince?
Capital NO. The most important aspect of our job as comedians is the fans. If the people love you and are rooting for you, you are good to go. Nigerians don’t care whether you are a prince or not. If you don’t make them laugh or give them their money’s worth, you won’t go far. So my royalty status doesn’t warrant a special attention from my peers especially if there is no talent.

Who is (are) your role model(s) in the industry?
Alibaba is. I haven’t met anyone who has the depth of love, desire for growth, the knowledge of this industry and quantity of jokes like he does.

Who do you see as a competition?
No one. Life has gone beyond petty competitions and jealousy. I do not see anyone in the industry. There is no profit in that. I am my own competition and I am my biggest critic. I always want to beat my own record.

What can you tell us about originality in Nigeria’s comedy industry?
It’s one of the tools that distinguish you the fastest; it creates opportunity for trust and recommendations. Colleagues, Clients, Event planners and show promoters feel comfortable when they know you dish out original content.

What advice do you have for upcoming Nigerian comedians and your fans as well?
Ensure you have a good dose of mentorship, maintain right and impactful friendships especially with people who push you to do better and be better. Seek God daily and do what you Love.