By Ejikeme Omenazu
Samuel Akinyemi, a young and budding stand-up comedian, popularly called Samuel Comedian by his admirers, is returning to stage after hitting the comedy space about six years ago with a bang. This time, he is hitting Lagos with an explosive and rib-cracking programme, through his ‘State of The Nation’ brand coming up soon. In this interview with EJIKEME OMENAZU, he opens up on his life, his career line and the coming programme. A MUST Read:
Could you tell us about yourself and your educational background?
I attended Master Builder Primary School, followed by Most High Secondary School. Later, I furthered my education at Pefti Film Institute, where I studied Music. Although that is how far I have gone in terms of educational qualification, I’m eager to continue learning and expanding my skills in the future.
Why did you choose the comedy genre as a career instead of another mode of entertainment, or even other popular and more lucrative career lines?
Honestly, I chose the comedy genre as a career because of my passion for the craft. I love making people laugh and bringing joy to Nigerians. There’s something truly fulfilling about seeing an audience erupt in laughter, or witnessing someone’s mood shift after a good joke.
Your parents are well known Church leaders. Your mother specifically is a well-known Nollywood stakeholder. How did all these impact you and your career line?
Growing up with parents who are church leaders has had a profoundly positive impact on my life and career. Their guidance and values have shaped me into the person I am today. Additionally, my family’s background is rich with stories that could fuel a lifetime of comedy sets – it’s been a treasure trove of inspiration for me. My mother’s connections in the entertainment industry have also been instrumental in helping me navigate my own career. I’ve been able to leverage her network to get opportunities and exposure that might have been harder to come by otherwise.
When did you decide to fully go into comedy? Since then, how has it been?
I have had an exciting journey in stand-up comedy! I decided to pursue it professionally in 2019, and in the past six years, I have had some amazing experiences. One highlight was performing at Alibaba’s January First Concert this year at Eko Convention Centre, where I was one of the spontaneity finalists.
How do you see comedy in Nigeria? Do you think it has a sound future in the country?
I see comedy as a career with a bright future, particularly with the new generation of comedians who are prioritising quality storytelling over fame. And with that I think the future of the craft is in safe hands.
There are several stand-up comedians in the country. What makes you and your brand unique?
What sets my brand apart is my unique approach to stand-up comedy, particularly my ‘State of the Nation’ brand, which tackles pressing issues in the country, year after year. My ability to craft compelling stories and deliver them through true stand-up comedy is what makes my brand stand out.
Would you say that Nigerian youths have a future in comedy? If so, how can they make comedy more lucrative?
Absolutely, Nigerian youths have a promising future in stand-up comedy. The new generation of comedians is focused on crafting quality storytelling, which is a great foundation for growth and success in the industry. By prioritising good storytelling over fame, these comedians are building a strong foundation for themselves and the industry as a whole. To benefit from stand-up comedy, the government can invest more in the entertainment sector, particularly in stand-up comedy. This investment can help create opportunities for comedians to develop their craft, produce high-quality content, and reach a wider audience. By doing so, Nigeria can develop a thriving entertainment industry that contributes to the country’s economy and create jobs and opportunities for comedians, writers, and other industry professionals
How do you see the entertainment industry in Nigeria presently?
I see the entertainment industry in Nigeria as a growing industry. With the music industry now global, reaching a wide audience, and the movie industry doing exceptionally well, producing high-quality content that’s gaining international recognition. The new generation of actors and filmmakers are working hard to make a mark in the Hollywood space. Additionally, the comedy industry is thriving, with young comedians growing and making names for themselves. Overall, I believe the entertainment sector in Nigeria is doing excellently well, but there’s still room for growth and improvement. With the right support and investment, I believe the industry can reach even greater heights.
How can entertainment be made to be a major foreign exchange earner for Nigeria?
I believe entertainment can be a major foreign exchange earner for Nigeria through true cultural exploits. By promoting our culture, music, and film through international festivals, events, and showcases, we can increase our global visibility and appeal. Collaborating with other countries, such as Hollywood, can also help us create high-quality content that benefits everyone. This way, we can share our unique perspectives and talents with the world, generating revenue and promoting cultural exchange
We understand you have a major programme coming up soon. Could you tell us about it and the preparations you are making for it?
It is a stand-up comedy special where I will be doing 45 minutes on stage, I have about seven to eight opening acts that I’m going to do about 10 minutes before I mount the stage to do the 45 minutes. It’s going to be mind-blowing. It’s going to be exceptional. I’m going to be addressing economic issues through stand-up comedy and bring hope back to the people. Already, we have done a lot, a lot in preparation for that; the venue and some other things. The plan is massive.
Could you give your admirers further insight into the coming ‘State of the Nation’ event?
During the event, I intend to take the stage to speak the minds of the people, one punch line at a time. The programme will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at NECA House, Alausa, Ikeja, by 4.pm, while the main event is scheduled for 5pm. This is not just another comedy show. It is comic advocacy. Through sharp wit and raw humour, I intend to tackle Nigeria’s political scene, not to mock, but to mend. My performance will be a bold commentary on the country’s realities — painful, hilarious, broken, yet hopeful. The ‘State of the Nation’ is a mirror held up for Nigeria. It has cracked. It is real. But somehow, still full of promise. With satire sharp enough to cut through the noise, I will dive into politics, power, and everyday pain, transforming them into punch lines that sting, heal, and make you think.
What is the main thematic message of the ‘State of the Nation’ event?
With laughter as the weapon and truth as the message, ‘State of the Nation’ invites people to see Nigeria through a different lens. One where hope still exists and jokes carry weight! This is laughter as resistance; hope, wrapped in humour. It will be one man daring to speak the mind of a generation. This one-man special programme is for those angry enough to dare a change in the possibility of a greater Nigeria. There will be no gimmicks. No distractions. Just one mic, one stage, and one bold voice using laughter to spark thought and stir hope. People say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. If you have ever encountered the stirring convictions in my father, Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi’s writings on national reformation, then you know he does not just dream of a better Nigeria, he fights for it with every word, every cause, every truth spoken. Now, that same fire lives on in me, but through laughter. I share that same unshakable belief in the possibility of a greater Nigeria. State of the Nation is not just a comedy. It is conviction wrapped in satire, the echo of a father’s burden passed to a son who has found his own language to carry it. This isn’t rebellion masked in jokes. This is a legacy! Spoken through laughter, sharpened by experience, and powered by the unrelenting hope that Nigeria can still rise.
What will be the financial implications of the programme, especially to the attendees?
Well,we are still working on this. However, tickets will be in the range of N5,000 (Regular), ₦10,000 (VIP); ₦200,000 (Silver Table); ₦500,000 (Premium Table) and ₦1,000,000 (Platinum Table).
What are your closing remarks for lovers of your programmes, and admirers?
My message to them is: Whether you are frustrated, fed up, or fiercely hopeful, this night is for you. Come for the laughs. Stay for the truth. Because sometimes, the funniest people say what we are all thinking.