Khemikal
In recent years, the debate on Ghanaian comedy has raged for a long while. With many blaming Charter House- one of Ghana's premiere event houses, for the lack of attention placed on this art form and its players.
The "GH Comedy war" and the eventual rebellion, began by Actor/Comedian turned musician, David Oscar seemed to have bore fruits. A year ago, Charter House decided to give Ghanaian comedians a chance on their ''laugh series'' platform and the results was outstanding.
Derrick Kobina Bonney, a comedian who was a constant fixture on David Oscar's, "Corporate Comedy Series", took the ''Nite Of Laughs" and dished out many rib cracking jokes, sending him on an upward spiral to greatness. A year on, DKB is a regular fixture on our events calendar, Hosting events of all kinds across the country.
Charter House must have loved the public reaction surrounding DKBs performance; the radio/TV discussions, web reviews and word-on-the-streets, were good for the company's marketing machinery and obviously increased the support for the event. The company decided that it won't be a bad Idea to feature another comedian from Ghana.
Their next pick was Foster Romanus, who attained his first spotlight on "Laugh a Minute" a weekly sitcom, hosted by David Oscar. The Comedian made a case for his brand and left the audience rippling in laughter. This proved to be another success for not just Foster, but the event house too.
Earlier this month, Charter House began publicity for the 26th December Edition of the Nite of Laughs. Featured on the line-up were Foster Romanus, Nigeria's Acapella, Osama and Sim Card. There was however, a new entrant; University of Ghana - Legon graduate, Khemikal.
The comedian who has featured on shows like David Oscar's Corporate Comedy Series, KSM at 58 and is also slated to perform at KSM's Afia Sriboe: Dead goat Wahala, is a gem. This guy may just be the next star of Ghanaian comedy. With mentors such as, DKB, KSM and Foster, Khemikal is a student of comedy. He seems to have learnt from the best and isn't afraid to prove it.
Khemikal's style of comedy, can be described as "Observational Comedy", it pokes fun at our immediate environment, people and culture. This is stuff that many patrons would be able to relate to. Having toured with Corporate Comedy Series as a publicist, I've seen Khemikal thrill audience around the country. His petite figure, gestures and delivery, are a mix that would make any joke he tells funny. Khemikal is also well versed in poking fun at the different tribe in Ghana, impersonating their typical actions and reactions.
The BIG question on the mouths of Ghanaians is, "would Khemikal Shine?". That question is clouded by pessimism and disbelief in indigenous products. Let's compare Khemikal to a vehicle from Kantanka and pick any of the Nigerian comedian's on the bill and compare him to a Jaguar or BMW.The typical Ghanaian attitude puts indigenous products at a disadvantage even before the performance is weighed. The needed support to grow any Ghanaian industry is missing.
Can Khemikal shine next? yes he can. He'd just need you in his coner, draped in patriotism, as he threatens to damage you rib-cage and relieve you of stress, with each tale and joke.
