It is difficult to take the comedienne, Mandy Uzonitsha, serious; perhaps because even when she is, it comes across like a joke. In this interview with Assistant Life Editor, TERH AGBEDEH, the leading female rib-cracker is at her very best.
How does it feel being one of the first female Nigerian comedians?
It seems not many Nigerian women venture into comedy.
We have women venturing into comedy, but you might not know. Put on your radio and the voice and humour of Lolo and others will hit you.
Do you still tell the joke about wanting a man to take care of you and your daughter?
I need that man right now. My daughter is in secondary school. I need the financial support of a man. That’s not a joke.
Your daughter must be a very big girl now; how is she doing?
My daughter is doing fine; she is 10.
Does it bother her that you are a comedienne?
No, she enjoys going to shows with me and sometimes I take her to see my brothers in court because her dad and my brothers are lawyers. I want her to have a feel of both worlds.
Do you think she might want to become a comedienne?
A singer maybe. Anytime she sees Aunty Yinka Davies, she stands in front of her and sings her heart out.
You must have had a lot of fun handling the Candid Camera segment on the Charly Boy Show. Given the opportunity, would you do it again?
No, I won’t. When I was growing up, I did a lot of things that got me into trouble. I was in the university when I was working for CB (Charly Boy). I remember one time I got back from school and the security man said, “Aunty Mandy, some people come look for you; dem say if dem see you, dem go break your leg” (because of one Candid Camera edition). I ran out of Lagos back to school to let the dust settle.
How did you feel when the Charly Boy Show ended?
I don’t know; I am sure we all put our time and energy into the magazine (that came after). After the show, he came up with CB, his magazine. I used to write for him, too.
Whenever you sat back to watch the show, what was your reaction?
When I sit back and watch the show, I thank God that my daughter did not see it because it will be very difficult for her to take me serious if she sees the show. She might not believe me when I tell her not to play pranks on people (laughter).
Do you have a favourite television show that you would not miss for anything in the world?
My new television show, D Weekly Mata, is on Rave TV.
You would probably be the most qualified entertainer, should you decide to go into politics, considering that you have a political science degree. Will you consider joining politics now rather than in the future as you have stated in the past?
Well, my mum started it. She does not see me as having a job. To her, comedy is not an 8am to 6pm job. She wanted me to use my Bsc in political science to look for job in my local government of Asaba. So I turned it to a joke.
But will I want to go into politics? Time will tell. How can I go into politics when I have nothing to offer people? If my opponent is giving out iPhones and flat screen televisions to the electorate, will I give them pure water? Time will tell.
Some actresses have become singers. At some point, you were an actress and also a singer. Would you consider releasing an album or even going back to acting?
People still have a hard time believing in a comedienne. I don’t want to be jack of all trades. I want to put my energy into comedy and finding a husband (laughter). To get a man in Nigeria is not easy; I also want to look at men from other parts of Africa. If I don’t find one before I am 50, then I will consider my Indian neighbour.
What unique experiences have you had as someone operating in a line of business that is dominated by men?
I am so blessed. My male counterparts are very helpful. If you watch D Weekly Mata, my television programme on Rave TV, you will see the love I get from my male counterparts – from Ali Baba, Gordons, Owen G, Buchi, Omo Baba – and also love from my sisters (Lepacious Bose, Helen Paul and Princess), you will know that I am so blessed.
What happened to your deal with Fayrouz?
I was just an MC (master of ceremony) for the brand. At that time, the brand had a female manager called Funke Michael. I don’t know if they still go around Nigerian campuses.
You were working on ‘A Hundred Per Cent Love with Mandy’ at a point. What became of that?
We are still working. I even have another programme I go round Africa to shoot, and we are still working on it. So everything is in the pipeline.
What gives you the greatest joy?
My joy is April, my daughter.
Do you still hold to the belief that marriage is going out of fashion?
I don’t know. But the way people get married every week is still the same way we hear of divorce, too. So, do the mathematics.
As a comedian, do you sometimes feel that people don’t take you seriously?
All the time; even when I wear my serious look, my daughter can’t stop laughing. People that take me serious are people that don’t recognise me.
Would you please share your experience as a single mother; what was your greatest fear, particularly during the early stages?
When I had my daughter, my mother stood by me. My sisters and brothers, with their wives, all supported me. My friends –Bukola Coker, Iyabo Lawani, Yinka Davies, Mofe Oyetogun and Bibian Jambo – supported me. But most of all, God comforted me, provided for me and was my strength. It was and is still not easy as a single mum. But my advice to single mothers is to trust God; if He gave you a child, He will make provision.