Nigeria is often recognized as having the most thriving entertainment industry in Africa, positioning it as a significant rival to other nations, including Ghana.
This perception has sparked numerous debates among industry players and stakeholders, with some Ghanaian entertainers openly acknowledging Nigeria’s dominance.
However, comedian OB Amponsah holds a contrasting view on the matter.
Speaking on Joy Prime’s Changes show, he dismissed the idea that Nigeria is a competitor for Ghanaian comedians.
According to him, the African continent is vast, with countless opportunities in different countries. He encouraged Ghanaian entertainers to broaden their horizons and explore markets beyond Nigeria.
“The space is big and Africa is huge, and when you travel outside Ghana, you would realise that there’s a lot of common stuff that we all share as Africans. So, I feel like the space is broad and we should explore beyond the Nigerian mentality because even between us and Nigeria, there’s Togo.”
He further told Roselyn Felli that the majority of Ghanaian comedians, including himself, have performed in other international countries in the same way as their Nigerian counterparts.
According to him, attention has been shifted from Nigerians, although their entertainers are usually invited to perform on platforms together with Ghanaians.
“I feel like our focus is too much on Nigeria. I’ve performed in Rwanda, Zambia, and South Africa. Oh Joo and Ebenezer Dwomoh went to Kenya to do shows; Jacinta has performed at Apollo. So, Nigerians are not like our competition,” he cleared.
OB Amponsah emphasized that Ghanaian comedians have successfully ingrained stand-up comedy into the fabric of the local entertainment scene, giving them a competitive edge over their Nigerian counterparts when performing on Ghanaian stages.
He further suggested that instead of seeing Nigerian entertainers as rivals, Ghanaian performers should focus on penetrating the Nigerian market to make a mark in their industry.
The comedian also highlighted a growing trend among Ghanaian comedians to collaborate with international acts beyond Nigeria. This approach, he noted, is aimed at expanding their reach and establishing a stronger presence on the global stage.