Alariwo romances comedy

Rotimi Martins, aka Alariwo of Africa, never ceases to amaze Nigerian music fans. Nowadays, the restless and energetic self-styled King of Crossover music seems to have his fingers in different pies. One moment, he is busy in a studio somewhere, putting finishing touches to yet another album and the next, he is either involved in a music collabo with a fellow artiste or handling an event as an MC.

Yet, the singer has not been as visible on the
entertainment scene as he used to be. “It is not that I have been out of the scene. I have been very busy doing other things. Also, I have been out of the country most of the time, touring parts of Europe. In fact, I have just returned from France where I signed a contract with a major records label in that country,” he says.

When asked why he went all the way to France to broker such a deal, he replied, “Nigerians do not appreciate the kind of music I play any longer. So it has become necessary to look elsewhere.”

Now the crossover king appears to have found an alternative in stand-up comedy. he said he had found a diversion in comedy and may be considering a total switch because of the growing demand among fun lovers.

“Nigerians want to laugh more. It is not as if they don’t want to dance; but they want to laugh more,” he said.

Perhaps, for this reason, he has decided to take comedy to the peaceful town of Akure, capital of Ondo State, on June 29, 2013.

His talent for humour will be tested at the prestigious Adegbemile Hall in Akure on that day as the talented entertainer drags top comedians and musicians to the city for a concert titled ‘Laff ‘n’ Dance”.

“I have decided to take comedy to Ondo state because the people are lovers of the arts and Akure is my second home. I feel it is better to bring entertainment to the people. That way, there will be no need for them to catch their fun outside the state,” he said.

Comedians, such as Gbenga Adeyinka, Koffi, Omo baba, Mc Abbey, Lepacious Bose, Funny bone, Bash, Laff up, the Omoghetto girls, Eniola Badmus and Bimbo Thomas are expected to appear at the show, with a special appearance by ace broadcaster/comedian Yemi Sonde. Music will be supplied by Sunny Neji, Weird MC, Jaywon and LKT.