Comedian and actor, Stanley Chibunna, aka Funny Bone, tells BLESSING ENENAITE about his career, achievements, challenges and other issues

What inspired you to become an actor and comedian?

I had the gift in me. When I was young, everyone knew I wanted to become an actor, filmmaker and comedian. I went on to study Theatre Arts at the University of Jos, Plateau State. It has always been a dream for me to excel as a comedian and actor.

What are some of your notable achievements so far?

I do not really see awards as a yardstick to judge someone’s success in a particular endeavour. I know some people that have worked really hard but they have not won any awards (yet). That does not mean they are not doing so well.

However, in 2020, I won the Best Actor in a Comedy Film (Smash) in Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards. In 2007, I won Best New Comedian in Nigeria category of the Diamond Awards for Comedy.

So far, I have been staying true to my style and doing my thing to the best of my knowledge.

What were the challenges you faced in your rise to fame?

It had to do with getting people to accept me for who I am because I grew up in the northern part of the country— Plateau State. It was really a challenge for me. Relocating to Lagos from Jos was not easy. My desire to stamp my feet in Lagos and let people know that I am here to stay was not easy. It took a lot of hard-work and consistency. That brought me the acceptance and value I have in the industry today.

What were the factors that brought you this far?

Humility, understanding, respect for my elders, profundity in understanding my craft, learning, observing, revolving and recreating brought me this far.

Which persons helped your growth in the industry?

First, I will thank Opa Williams and Julius Agwu. They gave me the first platform when I first got to Lagos. I will also mention Basketmouth, Ayo Makun, Ali Baba, Gbenga Adeyinka and Yaw. These people gave me a space to explore. I have learnt from virtually everybody in my space. Also, all the people I have worked with have added value to my life.

Unlike in the past, comedy is now seen as a notable profession. What would you say brought about that change?

I think that happened as the years went by. With time, the mindset of people changed. Old values are fast being thrown away and new ones are being accepted. With the advent of social media, people can now see the direct values these crafts can create. That brought about a widespread acceptance. It is not just in comedy alone; music and acting are also experiencing this change.

Social media brought information closer to everybody. One can no longer say that a particular comedian is hungry and does not have money. Now, people see them every day and attest to the values they add to society.

Some comedians say poverty ‘drove’ them to find a career in comedy. Is that your story as well?

No; mine was not because of poverty. I knew it was what I wanted to do right from the onset. I just followed my dream. I always knew I would study Theatre Arts in school.

The industry is saturated. Do you make extra efforts to distinguish yourself from your colleagues?

First, I am a graduate. In my craft, I try to set myself apart. I try to carve a niche for myself. I let people understand me and take me as Funny Bone. I believe that every comedian cannot be the same. I act, produce and direct. I am presently working on my movie. I cannot be boxed into the corner of being just a stand-up comedian. I have my hands in several other things within the creative space. That stands me out.

Plagiarism of jokes is very common in the industry. Have you ever had to confront any colleague who copied your joke?

No, I have not and I won’t do that. Over time, I stopped cracking jokes. I just get on stage and address issues. Once the issue I want to address becomes stale, I don’t talk about it again. I talk about current and pertinent issues, using my comedy skills. I am more of a spontaneous comedian.

Some comedians sometimes tell unflattering jokes about certain people in the audience while on stage. Do you think that is appropriate?

Every joke must be centred on someone. I think people are just being too sensitive these days. I understand that some jokes can go way below the belt but it is a comedy show. People should just sit down, laugh and go home. When someone is going to a comedy show, they should keep their sensitivity and emotions at home. If I can crack a joke about Nigeria’s president, or about bad roads and governance, and people laugh about it, that means I can also make a joke about the car or shoe of someone in a comedy show.

Have you ever told any joke that got you into trouble?

Yes, I have. I once cracked a joke about Daddy Showkey that he did not like. I had to call and explain to him what I actually meant. I also let him know that I did not mean any harm. The joke I made about him lasted about five minutes. However, what he watched was just a two-minute clip. After I explained the joke to him, he understood where I was coming from and we were fine.

At what point in your career did you get your breakthrough?

I don’t really know because I did not take note. I don’t set targets because they put me under pressure. I just wake up in the morning and I keep doing my thing. I cannot categorically say when I had my breakthrough.

You speak fondly about your late mum. What role did she play in your career, and were you her only child?

I am not my mother’s only child but I was very close to her. I grew up with her. What we shared was more than just a mother and son relationship. We were friends and I could tell her anything. My mother had six children and I am the fourth.

Do you have any plans of immortalising her?

I am working on something but I don’t want to let it out of the bag yet. It (the project) is about me and where I am coming from. I will also talk about her in that project.

You don’t often talk about your dad. Why is that so?

My dad passed on a long time ago. My dad was like me; he was a funny man. He was fun.

You recently got married. Why did you wait till now to make to take that step?

First, I got married at the time I did because that was when I was ready.

Second, that was when I found someone who understands me. Marriage takes a lot, and it is not for kids.

How did you meet your wife and what were the qualities that endeared you to her?

I met her through a mutual friend who introduced us. We (me and my wife) got talking and I realised that we shared similar values. We both have the fear of God, and we are nice to people. We got along well and today, we are married. When one is ready to get married, one will know.

How will you describe your early years in the industry?

Looking back at where I started from and where I am now, I can only appreciate God for my life. I am grateful to God and to those He has used to bring me to this level because it was not easy. It took years of consistent hard-work. I see many more years ahead of me in my career.

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had on stage?

In my early years in the industry, I cracked a joke about a journalist, Eugenia Abu, who was a popular newscaster with the Nigeria Television Authority back then.

When I hosted an event that she attended, I cracked a joke about her which she did not like and she took the microphone from me. About eight years after that event, I met with her again when I got better in my craft. She has gone on to refer me to many people for jobs. Presently, we are like mother and son. She is like my biggest fan.

What is your most memorable moment as a comedian and actor?

Every day I get on stage and do my job well and make people laugh, it makes me happy. I cannot pick any particular day because every day is my best day.

What keeps you going?

God, hard-work, self-belief and my family keep me going. Whenever I see my family, I always want to do more.

You also have an interest in music. What have you done in that regard?

I have just one song titled, Ife Nwoke, featuring Umu Ubiligbo and Duncan Mighty. While growing up, my dad used to play a lot of highlife songs, including that of Oliver De Coque and Osita Osadebe. Even now that I have dabbled into music, their sounds influence the kind of songs I do. I intend to release more songs before this year runs out.

What are your hobbies?

I love to watch, play and argue about football. I am a fan of Chelsea Football Club in England. Also, I love to stay in my house alone because I love my space. I read a lot when I am alone. My latest hobby is talking to my wife every day. I enjoy it a lot.

How do you like to dress?

I keep it simple. I don’t like to overdress and wear clothes with multiple colours. I love jeans, t-shirts and sneakers.