My northern accent makes me unique –Saeed Funkymallam

Saeed Mohammed, popularly known as Saeed Funkymallam, is a multi-entertainer: an actor, comedian and musician. In this interview with angelablog.com, this graduate of Mass Communication speaks about comedy, acting and music.

Can you tell us more about yourself?

My real name is Saeed Mohammed while my stage name is Saeed Funkymallam. I decided to use the Saeed to front the Funkymallam because the mallams were becoming too many. I am an actor, stand-up comedian and musician. I have acted in quite a couple of sit-coms, soap operas and movies. I am also part of the movie, October 1, produced by Kunle Afolayan. I have also been pencilled down for movies and television series by some producers.

Which do you have fun doing more, comedy or acting?

I like and have fun doing both because it makes me feel complete. I don’t like being stereotyped. If you look at the trend even abroad, someone like Jamie Fox is into stand up comedy, sit com and sometimes he is into bloody cowboy movie whereby you don’t need to laugh, but shout and cry. If you have a talent that can handle all angles of entertainment, then it is better for you and people will even give you the opportunity to showcase your talent. I really do have fun doing both. I sing as well.

How and when did you start comedy?

I have a serious flare for entertainment. When I was at Bayero University, Kano where I studied Mass Communication, I used to sing whenever we had all these campus shows and they used to call me ‘Positive S’. Then I used to have a barbing salon called Positive S which I used to back up myself to pay for my education. When I came to Lagos, I used to do some sort of comedy at home but then Femi Lasode gave me the opportunity to show what I can offer in the sit-com, ‘Paradise Park’. Also, I was on NTA doing ‘Laugh Line’, ‘Humour on Ice’ alongside Okey Bakassi, Julius Agwu and Alarm Blow. That was how the whole thing started and I would say, to God be the glory.

How would you rate the comedy industry?

The comedy industry is actually growing stronger and bigger with a lot of up-and-coming comedians. A lot of organisations these days pump money into comedy and entertainment generally and I think it is a good gesture. But really, it is really growing stronger and bigger.

How do you get your jokes because a lot of comedians recycle jokes?

Absolutely, a lot of comedians recycle jokes, even the senior ones. I think I get my jokes from my environment and other places. For instance, if I have an event to anchor, I may see one or two things on television that I can crack jokes about. Also, on my way to the event, I will see a lot of happenings on the road as well. Then when I get to the venue, I stand to get unlimited jokes from the security, ushers, people talking and even the way guests are dressed. I think spontaneous jokes actually help because they make people identify with you at that particular time and that is because you are cracking jokes about happenings right there.

You sing too. Who inspired you into singing?

I was inspired to sing a reggae song by Righteousman the day I went to his studio. The song is entitled, ‘Song of Peace’ which preaches against violence and terrorism. I have never been paid in naira but I have been paid in dollars because of this song. Voice of America bought the right, so they play the song whenever they are talking about terrorism in Africa.

Should jokes indirectly pass a message across to listeners or just make people laugh?

Jokes should entertain as well as educate the people. That is why you are being paid to come and entertain guests at events. However, your jokes must not be stupid instead you must carry the people listening to your jokes along as well as educate them. I believe if comedians are able to channel their jokes in order to educate the people and also open their eyes to what is happening in this country, there will be people who will feel ashamed of what they are doing. Sometimes you see the press hammering on them until they get scared.

What makes Saeed Funkymallam unique as a brand?

I think what makes me unique is my northern accent which I started with and it has actually projected me and I am being myself. Other people have been using the same northern accent but in an unintelligent way by trying to make their face and mouth look funny. If you are trying to mimic somebody or people, I think it is better to study them very well so that you can make it look believable. Just talk like the person without being stupid.

What more do we have to know about you?

I am half Kano and half Adamawa. So, I am half Fulani and half Hausa. I was born in Auchi, former Bendel now Edo State. I attended primary school both in Agbor, Delta State and Umuahia, Abia State, after which I went to Jos for my secondary education and then worked for about three years in Port Harcourt at NAFCON before I got admission into Bayero University where I studied Mass Communication. Immediately, I went back to Port Harcourt and in less than a year, I found myself in Lagos where I started acting in ‘Paradise Park’, a sit com.