Popular Nollywood actor and comedian, Kunle Idowu, also known as Frank Donga, in this interview, talks about the pains and gains of entertainment
Below are excerpts from the chat;
Why did you choose the name, Frank Donga, and how did you come about the character?
I wanted a name that sounded generic and easy to pronounce, so I chose Frank. Since I wanted it to sound African and heavy, I added Donga. I took on several gestures, expressions, mannerism, etc from my family, friends and community that have become part of me from the time I was a child.
When did you delve into acting and comedy?
I’ve always loved comedy. I grew up watching funny shows and cartoons like Tom and Jerry, Sesame Street, Bugs Bunny, The New Masquerade, Why Worry-The Tailor, Bassey and Company etc. As a young boy, I spent my lunch break re-enacting scenes from these programmes. However, my first serious acting was in the drama unit in church. My first serious comedy was in the university where I anchored events, birthday parties, class meetings, and singles meetings in campus fellowships.
Why did you choose to do skits instead of stand-up comedy?
As a filmmaker, I think in pictures, sounds and motion. It was a natural progression for me. I believe skits can easily convey my message without the barrier of language or accent. Almost anyone can get what the joke is in a skit that is properly scripted. You have to understand the language the stand-up comedian is using.
Do you consider comedy and acting full-time jobs?
Any job you’re doing back- to-back which is putting food in the kitchen is a full-time one. However, I also make corporate videos and documentaries and I do photography, TV commercials and radio jingles. In English, there are many ways to skin a cat.
What kind of roles gets you excited?
I love deep melancholic roles as well as split personality roles. I love any role that takes me out of my comfort zone. My favourite roles are the ones where my features have to be changed by the special effects or make-up department. It helps me settle faster into character.
Do people take you seriously?
It’s hard for people to take me seriously. The harder I try to be serious, the more they laugh. But I don’t mind.
Which of your professions do you consider to be most fulfilling?
It’s hard to choose because I love everything I do. I don’t even have to say a word to do comedy. Sometimes, the right expressions and gestures are just okay.
You have a master’s degree in Genetics. Why didn’t you pursue a career in that line?
My first degree is in Agricultural Sciences and I practised it for a while. After I completed the National Youth Service Corps programme, I started a poultry farm which I integrated with a fattening lot for Red Sokoto goats.
I even discovered how to feed chicken with fresh green vegetables. It gave the eggs from my farm a beautiful orange yolk with added nutritional value. If I am able to get enough money, I’ll continue where I left off, because I can combine it with acting and comedy.
0 Yorumlar