In celebration of his 50th birthday which held a few months ago, October precisely, veteran comedian, actor and TV presenter, Okey Bakassi unveiled hi
In celebration of his 50th birthday which held a few months ago, October precisely, veteran comedian, actor and TV presenter, Okey Bakassi unveiled his memoir which explores his journey from the barracks to the pinnacle of his career as a comedian. His poignant and compelling memoir talks about his lack and homelessness in his early days in Lagos while also juxtaposing it against his success stories birthed from resilience and tenacity.
‘The Memoirs of an African Comedian’ is a beautiful collection of eclectic moments and experiences, that have helped to define the life of Okey Bakassi who studied engineering but veered off into the world of entertainment. In his own words, he takes the reader through the highs and lows of his journey, leaving them with inspiring lessons at the end.
Categorized into four parts, each of which summarizes key stages of the author’s development, the book documents his life in all its beauty and humour. The bits on upbringing and environment in the opening chapters speak to the people who helped to shape the author’s childhood, setting the foundation for his talents and character. Becoming a man revisits jarring life events that ushered Okey into a rude awakening of his adulthood and taught him hard lessons of balancing the power of freedom with the caution of responsibility.
It is in the following part about exploring possibilities that the author takes the reader into his career in showbiz; how he established a personal brand more by accident than by design, while still struggling to secure his livelihood, prove himself a success and make his parents proud. The timeless highlights which close the book presents an exclusive selection of the author’s most beneficial relationships and the deeply emotional stories of how they were forged.
In all, the memoir is filled with insights that all aspiring, up and coming comedians and entertainers can and should learn from. It is an enjoyable book of stories told with heartfelt honesty and, as one would expect from a comedian, a large dose of humour. In an easy-to-follow style, readers are led through the childhood, education and career path and progression of Okey Bakassi, based largely on the things that have happened to him, and the things that he has done.
