His real name is Ayobami Ajewole. Alongiside his brother, Femi, he launched into his chosen career in gospel comedy under a dance drama group, known as the Christ Chosen Vessels, and for the past 17 years, he has brought succor to the world with gospel comedy. Besides the many drama clips, which made the group quite irresistible, Ayo’s jokes currently on the Instagram, as the General Overseer of Instagram Parish Ministry (IPM), have won him the hearts of many Nigerians in the last few years. With several awards in his kitty and appointment, as ambassador of some notable companies, the Economics graduate of Lead University, Ibadan, has indeed made a worthwhile leap into great exploits, writes YEMISI OLUSINA.
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eventeen years ago when he ventured into the world of comedy with others, people thought they were unserious. Although they are not all blood-related, their ages fall within the same bracket and they share the same vision and a common goal. They have been nursing their dream long before their first album but like a bang, they hit the market with their maiden visual release and just like that, the world accords them great attention.
Their first comedy video, Oruko Nla, overwhelmingly impressed everyone and ever since, they have become an outstanding bug in town. Everyone all over the south-western states, especially, got infected by their niche. Not only in the cities were people crazy about them, they were also simply the talk of all in villages likewise. Ask the youngest child around and you are likely not to miss it. He or she would probably respond with a musical recite of either “That is to say, won ti gan pa (they are all frozen); sakasakabula; Okay now, mumini, mumini, mumini or Elijah, Elijah and so on. The aged were also not exempted from the excitement and delight that came along with each of their releases. No one simply can get enough of them.
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That was the story of Ayobami Ajewole, the lead actor of the Christ Chosen Vessel Dance Drama group, a group initiated by his elder brother, Femi Ajewole, a.k.a Alfa Sule.
Taking The Nigerian Xpress through the genesis of their journey and their peculiar niche, Ayo, who is popularly known as Woli Agba (the eldest prophet) due to the role he acted, said acting came naturally to him and the rest. He explains why they have remained on the job: “One thing I can really say about every one of us is that the acting bug is an in-born thing. That is why we do it without any struggle. Talking specifically about my brother and myself, we both have always been acting by ourselves, even as kids. But as time went on, we decided to put it into reality by forming a group under which we want to be operating. We also did not want to do what other people had been doing, hence our choice of dance drama, which, in actual sense, has been our strongest asset. The mission really started unconsciously and here we are today, giving all the glory to the Lord.”
But then, Ajewole, is lately famous on the Instagram with a different group, suggesting to some of their fans that he has parted ways with his brother, Femi. Ajewole, however, debunked this, affirming that they are still together and that his Instagram group is only an extension of the group.
“We are together and nothing can change that. My Instagram group is just an expanded scope of our ministry on the social media. I am with Dele because he is a drummer and knows how to ginger my swag while performing,” he said.
On how fulfilled he is on the job, the musician said he is fulfilled. His words: “Comedy is the only thing I know how to do and I am happy I am able to find my way into it. It is a gift and that I am able to use it to influence the people is enough to give me joy. Through this art, I bring joy to the sorrowful, give hope and also help others to discover their talents. I have also been rewarded by some companies, which made me their ambassador. I get invited regularly to shows. I am relevant in the entertainment industry and I able to pick my bills. So, what’s left other than to be grateful to God?”
He further revealed that he is a gospel artist and a comedian that combines music with drums and choreographic drama.
Acknowledging challenges of the job, the compere said he had been able to surmount all obstacles with God’s back up and his determination and focus.
“Like any other mission or project, starting off was tough but because I was determined to do this and it is a talent given to me by God; it was easy to get to this point. I do not struggle at any of the productions. I depend solely on God for help and He has always shown up for me, giving me a clue and the strength,” he explained.
On the entertainment industry and the numerous comedians around, the light complexioned artist said: “Nigeria is blessed with loads of talented people and that shows the might of God. I keep wondering about the different ways comedians come up with jokes and I am like waoh! God is great. All I will add is that the industry will go places.”
Encouraging aspiring youths, Woli Agba said rather than engaging in criminal deals, they should take time to discover their hidden talents, be original and rely on hard work to become the pride of the nation in the future.
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Undaunted about the activities of many copycat groups in the last few years, Woli Agba said, “I have never been bothered by them. As far as I am concerned, no one can call himself a successful man or woman if no one is attracted by what he or she is doing or when he is yet to have a successor. It only shows that we are making a very good and strong impact, otherwise some people will not be coming up to copy us. It has only helped us to make up our mind not to relent on our efforts to get better and remain a pacesetter. As for those who came up with CDs like Eni Egbere and the like, you will agree with me that it was the last they did meaning it is good to be original.”
Reflecting on his choice of a white garment prophet and acting prowess, Ajewole noted that he is not a member of a white garment church but only adopted the personality to carve a niche for himself and win souls for the kingdom of God.
“Acting is one business that I love so much and I have to give it all that it takes. It is not about me alone, it is also about all of us. Our focus is to bring God’s message to the people and this is one way we have been doing it and it is really working. Still, we pray to be better by the day. Besides, I am still young like others and we really are enjoying what we are doing; our prayer is that we get to impress God the more till the end of our days.
