Ogbogu Onyeka Precious aka Videoboyy, popularly known as Poopoomia is an entertainer – Actor, Online & Television content creator, and a recording artiste. He is unarguably one of the most entertaining online content creators in Nigeria at the moment. He effortlessly brings so much humor to every script.
On this interview, the ‘Poopoomia’ crooner talks about his career and trending issues in the skit-making industry.
How did your journey into skit-making start?
I shot and released my first skit in 2009, and honestly had no clue what to call it or where to categorize it, I just made a short funny video and uploaded on YouTube, I also didn’t know I could make money from such online content at the time. Subsequently, I released more videos online but not too often, not until 2018 when I made a ditty (comedy music) that I titled Poopoomia, singing about my experience in the toilet and boom it went viral just like that. The acceptance took me by surprise and the accolades I received inspired me, and I was encouraged to released more related video content. The incessant request for a sequel from viewers who enjoyed the video made me realize I made a beautiful work of art. I made more comedy music on similar poop and toilet experience and the acceptance has broadened till date. Nonetheless, I didn’t limit my content message or story to toilet stories. (Laughs) I am very versatile. I would say Skit-making started for me in 2018 because that was when I got the good recognition for my art in the comic industry.
Tell us more about growing up, how was it like?
Growing up was never rosy. I lost my dad at age 9, we used to live at Benin city. After my father passed, my mom moved us to Lagos. It was a tough experience for my siblings and I. We did a lot of menial jobs to feed and get our daily needs. My mother worked as a cleaner briefly, she hawked food for a few years to see us through school, it was really tough but I just believed that by His grace, things were going to change for the better and it did. I enrolled into a Film making school in Lagos immediately after my secondary level. In 2007/2008, I started making music videos professionally. At an early age, I figured I effortlessly made a lot of people around me laugh out so loud, I was also good with acting. Some how along the line, I got inspired to do a comedy video and everyone enjoyed it and encouraged me to do more. I guess that’s how we got here today.
What about your educational background?
I graduated from the Lagos State University (LASU) , where I got my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, my secondary education was at Comprehensive High School, Alapere, Ketu, Lagos.
What was the driving force when you started skit-making?
I was just doing it for fun; there was really no driving force. Like I stated earlier, I started with making films and music videos, I was already making small small money here and there, so putting content online was just for the fun of it until I realized it could be big and I could even make more money from it. I took it seriously and since then it has been a good story and more wins.
Do you regard yourself as a comedian or just a skit-maker?
I really don’t regard myself as a comedian rather a content creator, actor and film maker. This is because I don’t do stand-up comedy but most people usually refer to me as a comedian because of the funny skit I put online so I just go with the flow. I am not just a skit-maker; I would regard myself as an entertainer because I do everything. I act in movies, I do comedy stage play, I do skits, I perform my songs and comedy music on stage and I do so many things that concern entertainment. So, I would call myself an entertainer.
Who are the people you look up to in the industry?
Well, nobody actually because I am different in a unique way. I pick random things and just turn it into a funny material. I mean imaging me doing a song about my experience in the toilet and releasing it. Yes, I am that unpredictable. I no fit look up to anybody for this industry because I believe this journey na one-man race; it is a journey of yourself, do your thing and be who you are. Na me be that.
What do you think is the future of Content creation in Nigeria?
Without being told you can see how some of my colleagues are making it big in this industry. The skit-making industry in Nigeria is turning out to be like ‘the blood money’ permit me to use that word, Content Creation in Nigeria has become one the Top 5 most Lucrative Industry in recent times. With time, so many billionaires will come out of the industry. It is also an industry the government should look into by empowering more people. There are platforms through which people can be paid through skit-making and I am just so glad that people are getting the right information as to how to monetize their materials.
What is that thing you never thought you could achieve so soon that skit making has got you in no time?
Recognition! The recognition I didn’t get as a film maker and music video director for years, creating content made that happen in less than 6 months. I am still surprised at the way making content blew me up.
What is your greatest challenge as a skit-maker?
The greatest challenge as a skit-maker is being able to stay consistent, by regularly putting out more entertaining content. It is really not easy. We have to share videos/Content every week at the least, in order to keep the brand buzzing and remain successful in business. It is indeed challenging.
What are your goals as a skit-maker?
My main goal as a skit-maker is to make everybody happy and to pass sensitive messages. Basically, to create entertaining and educative content always. I strive to put out videos that the father, mother and the whole family can sit down, watch and enjoy. No nudity, no nakedness, clean and classy content. That is my goal.
Do you think Nigerian youths have what it takes to make a change in 2023 elections?
Yeah, I know the Nigerian youth have what it takes to make a great change in this 2023 elections. The Nigerian youth have proven themselves over and over and in many ways that they are strong and relentless. I have interacted with a lot of us and I can tell you that we know and understand what we are doing. The change may not be as soon as we expect it to be but I can tell you for a fact that change is coming.
What is your advice to Nigerian youths, looking at the challenges they face to survive in the country?
Never give up! Failure is when you stop trying, as long as you are moving, pushing, doing something and believe in that which you’re doing, trust me you’ll experience greatness. I believe in us and I have huge faith in us, don’t give up.
Some words for your fans and viewers?
Like I always call you guys, my family and there’s no me without my family. God bless you all, thank you for always being there for me, the shares, likes and comments, the words of encouragement, the criticism, the Love is all working together to make me stronger and relentless. Thank you!
