By Bamidele Kolawole
|
Temitope Adeola Somoye popularly known as Honeytongue is a comedian of note. In this interview with Friday Extravaganza, he bares his mind on the genre and his experience so far.

Can you give a little insight to your  background?

My names are Temitope Adeola Somoye popularly known as Honeytongue

I am from Abeokuta in Ogun state. I was born in Lagos.

Why did you choose comedy as a career?

I didn’t choose comedy, it was comedy that chose me.

How do you mean?

I was introduced to the stage for the first time as a comedian under the name Honeytongue in January 21, 2005. That’s  almost 14years ago. It was an all Jean’s Event way back in my university days and I was called upon to come  and crack the  ribs of the audience. Thank God it was okay, I was shaking inside but people couldn’t notice this.

Who is your mentor ?

I have a lot of people I learn from. If I start listing them, this page would  not contain them.

When you started comedy, were your parents in support of your career?

My mummy was but my daddy couldn’t  get himself  the fact that I am a comedian and that’s what I’ll be doing for the rest of my life. He just couldn’t see the reality in it. He still wonders how I pay my bills and how l have taken it up as a career because he actually wanted me to be a medical doctor.  For real?

What are the challenges you have encountered since you started?

None and I mean NONE. Maybe it’s because I really don’t see challenges or obstacles. I see stepping stones for the next level, then I move on. I just keep learning how to do things better. that’s all. I believe in the fact that if you put the required work into what you do, the sky is the limit.

What brought the idea of comedy to your way?

It wasn’t an idea. It was my pastor (Rev Deji Olabode) that saw the gift in me way back in 2004 while I was in school gisting with my friends and today it’s a reality.

What did you study in school and the school you graduated from?

I studied Agronomy at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH.

How do you charge?

It depends on the nature of event and what my role is at the event or function.

What is your aim  being  in this business?

To make the world a happy place for us all. Put smiles on people’s faces and that really gives me more joy than any other thing.

Can you rely on this job, alone,  without doing any business along with it?

Yes I can but it won’t be a wise decision to make. Even Dangote is not producing Sugar alone. He is having salt, noodles, spaghetti and so much more. Even churches now have schools, so what are we talking about? Multi source of income guarantees financial security.

How do you recreate?

I really don’t know how I rest yet. Maybe I’ll start studying that part of me.

As a comedian, which place is the business taking you to?

To the end of the world.

Can you allow any of your children to do this in future?

Yeah. Super Yes. As long as that’s what he wants to do and he is super convinced it’s God’s plan for him, why not? He/she is free.

Your advice for upcoming comedians.

Pay your dues and be patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Just keep investing in yourself and never give up on your dreams no matter the obstacle.