Jacinta Ocansey: From Punchlines to Profits
In a recent tête-à-tête with BBC News Pidgin, Nigerian-Ghanaian comedian and actress, Jacinta Ocansey, provided an illuminating look at how society’s reaction to comedy has evolved in Ghana over the years—or as I like to call it, the “it’s not a phase, mom” moment for comedians.
Back in the day, being labeled a comedian was akin to announcing that you regularly tangle with houseplants and think long walks at sunset are overrated. Jacinta reminisced about the days when uttering the words “I’m a comedian” was met with looks usually reserved for someone suggesting pineapple on pizza. “If you say you be comedian, dem go look you like you be one useless pesin,” she recalls, reflecting on her humble beginnings. It was a time when comedy was regarded as a hobby for those who failed at real jobs.
But hold the phone! Fast forward to today, and we’ve transitioned from belittlement to adulation. Comedians are now strutting across stages, packing auditoriums, locking in brand deals, and building online followings larger than most nations’ populations. In Ghana, there’s a growing appreciation for comedians as not just jesters but as profound social commentators—a tall order for folks who spend a significant amount of time wearing oversized shoes and squirting each other with water.
Jacinta happily noted that Ghanaians are starting to realize that comedy isn’t just a pastime but a sophisticated art form. “Now pipo dey put respect on di job,” she emphasized, likely while adjusting her imaginary monocle. The rise of stand-up specials, comedy tours, and the magical world of digital platforms has transformed comedy into a field where respect is as abundant as street hawkers during a football match.
But wait, there’s more! Comedy has also evolved into a coping mechanism—think of it as a cheap therapy session, minus the couch and the gentle nodding. With the economic pressures and social dilemmas swirling faster than a well-mixed cocktail, humor has become the lifesaver that makes hard times a tad bit easier to swallow. Jacinta pointed out the profound truth that comedians are essentially society’s unofficial therapists, helping everyone process their collective woes while cleverly sidestepping their own.
This shift from being dismissed to celebrated marks a cultural renaissance. Once the butt of the joke, comedians are now flaunting their creative entrepreneurship like peacocks with all the feathers. The entertainment industry in Ghana is booming, and comedy is firmly digging its heels in, declaring, “I’m not leaving!” Like an uninvited guest, now reshaping the narrative.
Jacinta’s insights reveal a broader truth: creative careers, once viewed as mere trifles, are rapidly being recognized for their genuine impact and economic potential. As audiences eagerly flock to support local talent, the respect for comedians is poised to grow faster than a viral TikTok dance challenge. Who knew laughter could also come with a side of financial gain?
