Omo Baba is one of the comedians making waves in the country at the moment. He is also concerned about the mud-slinging among the nation's comedians. In this brief chat with TOPE OLUKOLE, the comedian who believes he is the most handsome among his peers sends a note of warning. Excerpts:

You are popularly known as Omo Baba, what is your real name?
Olufemi Ademola Kelvin.

When actually did you start comedy?
I started with singing and doing church programmes. I started very early in school. I was part of the cultural group in my school. I also played basketball and football in my school. As for comedy, I started in 2000; I came out professionally in 2002.

Which part of Nigeria are you from?
I am from Ilesa, Osun State.

There are few comedians from that side, why did you choose comedy?
I love music so much and also comedy. Before I went fully into comedy, I saw there were a lot of quack comedians; I knew I could do better than they, so I decided to try comedy.

It looks like it's paying off.
Yes. I know how to package myself. It is a good business. I have my own style and I am original.

While coming up, which comedian supported you?
It was Danjuma that I first took after, may his soul rest in peace. I used his jokes and acted like him. Later, took after Gbenga Adeyinka, Ali Baba and Basket Mouth.

Did you have a personal relationship with Danjuma?
Not really. But I thank God that I met him before he died. He used to give me jokes and jobs. The day he died, I was about calling him when I saw it on the television that he had died.

You call yourself “Fine Boy,” many will disagree with you…
First, I knew that I had to get my own identity. Ali Baba does short and punchy jokes, Gbenga Adeyinka has energy to make noise, Basket Mouth is very serious on stage. I also needed an identity. I did not like 'yabbing' people that come for shows like other comedians do; instead, I will start laughing. Even before they start 'yabbing' me, I don dey yab myself. I am the first comedian that throws shots at himself. People now take that as my identity. I am known for that.

As a fine boy, you must be a ladies' man?
I take them the way they come. If they want to be my friends, fine; if they want other things, I think about it first. But I am very careful about the way I deal with ladies; you know they are delicate beings. I am also cautious of my image and that of my family.

Are you married?
No. but I have kids in my street that I call my children.

Is there anything you want as a change in the comedy scene?
Yes, and that is togetherness. We are not one as comedians; maybe it is because we live in different parts of Lagos. We tried having an association but it broke up.

Some comedians are throwing shots at Ali Baba, what will you say about that?
Well, I don't want to have anything to do with that. What I know is that what will be my own will be my own. Whatever people say about other people is their business. I don't have any problem with anybody.

There are cliques in the industry, to which of these cliques do you belong?
I don't belong to any of the cliques, if you call me to come and perform at your show, I will come. The sky is very large to contain all types of birds. The comedians in Nigeria are so few to serve the country. With godfatherism or not, whatever will be will be, every comedian is my brother.

If anyone decides not to get me for his show, then he must have his reasons. If someone calls me for his shows all the time, then I will call that brotherliness and not godfatherism. I am not 'boy-boy' to anybody. I give respect to those that deserve it.

Has any of these criticisms been directed at you?
I'm waiting for the day that someone will say I am not talented.