Efex The Entertainer: Balancing Comedy, Politics, and Philanthropy
Efosa “Efex” Iyamu is more than just a comedian; he’s an entertainer, a politician, a philanthropist and a burst of energy about to electrify Abuja once again. Known for his sharp wit and contagious enthusiasm, Efosa is gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable night at his show, “Seriously Funny.” This event is not just a showcase of Efex’s comedic prowess but also a celebration of humour that resonates deeply with the everyday lives of his audience.
Efosa, you’ve built a remarkable career spanning comedy, politics, and philanthropy. What drives your passion across these diverse fields?
So far, it’s the grace of God because it’s not been easy pushing all of these simultaneously. My entertainment life has been there for about 24 years professionally. I started politics in the year 2009. Of course, I have been doing philanthropic work for over a decade, and so far, I have tried to manage all the spheres as well as I can through the grace of God.
How did you initially venture into comedy, and what inspired you to take this path?
I started comedy in my secondary school days (EDO COLLEGE) with heckling and was the super best for it then…I was so good at it that my fellow students came from their various classes to beg me to help them tease people in their class. It was always fun because nobody wanted to be in my bad books, except they gang up and try to harass me (laughs)… but when I left secondary school, and even before I got into University, I knew this was meant to be something I loved to do. Doing what you love and getting paid for it or becoming even more popular will be an added advantage. And here we are.
Comedy in Abuja vs Lagos: How does the scene differ in the capital, and what unique opportunities does Abuja offer?
Abuja is cool and calm, and Lagos has too much hustle and bustle. I actually work or render my services worldwide….. but living in Lagos is different; I don’t think my head can handle that. But Abuja is calmer and has good opportunities, and of course, because my political appointments also need me to be in the FCT.
As a politician, how do you manage the balance between your comedic persona and your political responsibilities?
Well, I don’t really call or see myself a COMEDIAN; I prefer to be seen and addressed as AN ENTERTAINER because apart from doing comedy, I’m unarguably one of the most sought-after Master of Ceremonies. So, I do my politics diligently and cover as much as I can over the years; though it can be tasking, we push it bit by bit, and so far, we have done our best.
Can you talk about a moment in your comedy career that was particularly meaningful or transformative for you?
There’s been a lot, but my most treasured moment was in one of my concerts. My daughters (Talia, Erica, and Olivia) introduced me on stage, and it was a wow moment as I was very emotional that day.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about comedians?
That some of them are irresponsible or not educated, can’t be taken seriously, or can’t be successful. I MAKE BOLD TO SAY that most comedians you see are even more educated than you ever think— I, for example, have 2 Master’s Degrees and a Doctorate from a university in Atlanta, Georgia. I even have a diploma from the prestigious Harvard University.
How has the comedy scene in Nigeria evolved since you began your career?
It has evolved so much that a lot of money is being made from the industry through endorsements, streaming, various concerts, and people working hard to create positive points. Nigeria is even happier to date because of what comedians do and how we try to take away depression or sorrow by people just watching skits or attending a comedy show. Now, entertainers are even used as public speakers, influencers, and motivational personas, as the case may be.
“Seriously Funny with Efex” has been a significant project for you. What should the audience expect from the upcoming edition in Abuja?
There are going to be various wow moments today at the show. This year’s theme is “DOUBLE TREAT,” and we have plenty of things in-store. We always sell out the Hilton, and people always look forward to my show so that today will be massive as well. This project is very dear to my heart as it affords me the opportunity not only to give back to society but also, through the grace of God, to empower younger comedians to perform on a bigger stage and show them off to a larger crowd.
As a mentor to young comedians, what key piece of advice do you often find yourself giving?
Stay humble. Na beans, nor be stone, one day e go done. I stay prayerful because all my hope, strength and grace come from God Almighty, and I have never been put to shame. We all keep grinding because one day, we will make it bigger. I always tell people that sometimes, it can take 10 years to make it for a day.
What inspired you to start “The Efosa Iyamu Initiative,” and how has it impacted the community?
One day, I was travelling from Abuja to UYO for an event, and I saw a little boy begging his mum that he wanted Jollof rice. The mum refused and said, “No, you don’t want Jollof rice.”
I looked at them and told myself, but he’s hungry and wants Jollof rice, but it also dawned on me that maybe the mum couldn’t afford it there and then. So I called my manager and said that we needed to start feeding some street kids once a day. We started, and after that, we had to add going to public schools to make new uniforms for those with bad ones and get them books and school shoes. After that, we added going to hospitals to take care of bills and discharging those who couldn’t afford them, who were kept there until they could pay. We also started paying school fees, giving scholarships, and empowering women and vulnerable children. I also got over 500 Ventolin and Seretide inhalers to give to those who couldn’t afford them or even get to buy them, as they were very scarce and expensive. Just recently, we went from street to street to empower over 50 women who sell petty stuff with free 50,000 naira to add to their business (whether they sell corn, bananas, fry akara, roast boli, use a wheelbarrow to sell fruits, etc.)
My joy is seeing people happy, and I don’t give because I have too much; I give because I know what it means not to have sometimes.
What has been your most rewarding experience as a philanthropist?
Seeing smiles and tears of joy from them.
I AM ALWAYS FULFILLED —- and most of the time, I don’t want anybody to even know— but when I post them, it is to encourage anyone or everyone to do the little they can and not wait for a thank you from anyone.
As someone who’s navigated both the entertainment and political landscapes, what unique challenges do entertainers face when they enter politics?
I don’t know about others because only a few of us have had to be political appointees. For me, it’s been easy, to be honest—it even opened more doors of rare opportunities for me, and so far, by the grace of God, I have been able to manage situations more effectively.
With your extensive experience in various sectors, what is the key to effective leadership?
Preparing yourself for any given opportunity. I have built myself to the point where I’m fully ready and qualified if ANY opportunity comes and anyone is sought after for that position. Prepare yourself because there’s no season’s chance for a first impression. A leader must have various qualities and capabilities apart from the usual education and all. You will have to be a great listener and someone who is very aware of the roles given to them.
Where will the “Efex The Entertainer” brand be seen in the next five years?
I always try not to limit myself because what if where I want to see myself is not where God wants me to be? I work hard and stay limitless, but I continue to do the best I can, and the goal is to reach the top.
