INTERVIEW: Depression led me to skit making, says Jay On-Air

Born Joseph Onaolapo, Jay On-Air is a Nigerian content creator, media personality, and event host. Known for his observational skits that capture the humour in everyday life, the Adekunle Ajasin University Mass Communication graduate has attracted several recognitions for his talent. In this interview with TheCable Lifestyle’s VICTORY ORIMEMI, he speaks on his inspiration for creating skits, his take on clout chasing, and how he juggles radio and skit making.

TheCable Lifestyle: Skit-making is not really common among media personalities, what motivated you to choose this path?

Jay On-Air: So, I think my journey goes back to 2012. Yes. I had been doing radio for six or seven years at that time, but I was out of a radio job. So, I was doing other things. Then, COVID-19 started, and everybody and their grandmothers were on TikTok.

I was in a sad place, in a depressive state because, you know, I was out of a job, and the business had just started – COVID had started. So, there was no way the business was going to thrive.

I posted it on TikTok, and people found it funny. It was just a way of keeping myself happy, right? And I started making TikTok sounds on the platform before they even began to make it a prominent feature. People loved it. They were like, “Oh, we did not know you had this side of you!” Because before that, they said my social media sharing was more serious – inspirational videos, you know. I was not about online laughter, even though I make people laugh in person.

And that is how it started for me. It was not like I planned it, or planned to be a media personality who would make skits. It is just something that happened, that just made me get into that and become a thing. So, I am just really grateful that this happened to me.

TheCable Lifestyle: You recreated a video of Mercy Chinwo a few years back that went viral! It was the first time I saw your content, and it drew me in. How did that reception make you feel?

Jay On-Air: To be honest, it just made me feel happy. Because, you know, you put work into your art or your work, and then you just want people to love it.

And I did put in a lot of work. I had to watch a lot of Mercy Chinwo videos. I had to get the gestures down properly. I had to get the sound sync perfect. So, there was a lot of work I put into it. But, you know, I didn’t expect it to become as big as it became.

I just thought it would be the usual, maybe 10,000 likes or 15,000 likes. But it went everywhere. Every blog. Think about a trending blog post – on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. It had over 1.7 million views on TikTok. It was a video that just did so well.

So, it just made me feel like people are seeing it. And people are excited to see what you do. Because in an industry where you have so many skit makers, and so many talented people, sometimes you always hope you have your moment to shine. Yes. So, that was just like a reminder, you know, that people are watching. They love what you bring to this space. And, you know, they want to see more. So, that just pushed me to do more, really.

TheCable Lifestyle: Between being a radio host and a skit maker, which do you find more fulfilling?

Jay On-Air: Wow, that is a crazy question! Actually, at this point, if you had asked me some years ago, I would have said radio, because radio is my first love. People still ask me today why I am still on the radio when we know you are successful as an influencer now. But radio is my first love, so I do not see myself definitely leaving just yet. But, to be honest, both make me feel fulfilled.

You know, I have fallen so much in love with the craft of creating content, of recreating moments, of, you know, observing things and bringing them to life. That, I love so much. But every single day when I go on-air, I switch on the mic, I talk to people, and just share experiences, it makes me happy too. And the great thing is that it is intertwined for me. On my Instagram, when it comes to my skits, I have multiple characters. On the radio as well, I have segments where I have multiple characters. So, it is almost like I am doing the same thing but just on a different platform and in a different way. So, both make me feel fulfilled, to be honest.

TheCable Lifestyle: Have you ever experienced a situation that changed the trajectory of your life?

Jay On-Air: That is a great question! Have I ever experienced a situation that changed the trajectory of my life? I think I’ll go back to 2021. Yes, 2021, 2022. I already had some success then.

But I wanted to do something more. And I remember going to church that year. You know, everybody goes to church at the start of the year. Basically, you need to talk to God: “What am I about to do with my life? You know, what’s the year for me?” And the one thing that just kept ringing through my mind was “be consistent, consistent, consistent”.

Just a few months into consistency, I started getting brand deals for brands that, you know, you are just like, “Wow, these people know me!” And that has just been getting consistently better for me, you know. So, I think the first time I made a huge amount of money for a brand reaching out – “Oh, we want to work with you!” – I called the amount back. They said, “Oh, we want to work with you!” – I called the amount back. They said, “Oh, yes, we’re willing to pay that.” It was just mind-blowing to me.

And that just changed the trajectory of my life. And I think when more brands saw that this brand, you know, was excited to work with me, it just led me to have more jobs until now. So, I think, yeah, the start of that year, 2021, 2022, was actually, like, a turning point in my life.

TheCable Lifestyle: Amazing! So, one thing that stands out in your content is how quickly you recreate real-life situations. How do you consistently achieve this?

Jay On-Air: I think as I said before, my journalism aspect of working on radio is intertwined with skit making. What do I mean? What I mean is that for radio, as a trained journalist, you are always taught about having a nose for news. And the news is only news if it is current, you understand? So if it is not current, it’s no longer news.

I just took that mindset into creating content. I realised that if something is trending and people are talking about it, they want to see me recreate it. And I just started doing it. Before I knew it, people started calling me the Usain Bolt of content creation. But the truth is, I am just excited to do it, you know because it makes me happy that I’m able to recreate moments.

So I think it is my journalism side that has given me the edge. You know, because when you are in school, you are trained to report the news as quickly as possible. You want to be the first platform to break the news before other platforms talk about it and so that you can get the traffic. That mindset is also what I take into skit-making.

TheCable Lifestyle: You talked about your job as a radio host being a foundation for your content creation work. I would like to know if it has been easy balancing both.

Jay On-Air: Hmm, I will say it has not been easy. But I am just grateful for employers who understand, and I know that not everyone has the privilege of having employers like mine. It has not been easy, but I think what also helps is the fact that I am a hard worker. You cannot balance anything in life if you don’t work hard.

So, for me, working hard at radio is key. They know when I am on air, I am not doing my work haphazardly. I am going to give them my 100%. So, when I need time off for other things that require my attention, maybe influencing a brand or hosting an event, they know that Jay deserves that.

Another thing that is so important is making sure your health is where it is supposed to be. Because if you are not healthy, you cannot balance well. That’s why I work out, and why I must stay fit.

It is also important to say no to certain things, especially when you are up-and-coming. You want to grab every opportunity, and while that can be good, you should know when to say no.

I also have assistants who help me. You know, when you make money, especially when you come from a place of lack, you want to “chop all the money” – but you will break down. You need to employ people. I think when you also employ people when you can afford to do it, it pushes you to work hard because you know you have salaries to pay.

I know I have said so many things, but that is what works for me.

TheCable Lifestyle: Do you ever see yourself doing stand-up comedy in the future?

Jay On-Air: I do not think so.  I think that is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. That is why when I see a stand-up comedian kill it at the show, I give them a bow.

I am always super nervous when I see a stand-up comedian, get on stage, I am like, “Oh my God, especially when it is someone older! Please don’t mess up” because it is such a nerve-wracking job! So, for me, I do not think I can. But, you know, we never know. Life is about evolving, and we often do things we never thought we’d be able to do. So, I think maybe you never know what the future holds. Never say never!

TheCable Lifestyle: You often dress like a woman in your content. Has that brought along any stereotypes?

Jay On-Air: It definitely has. Some people think that when they see me in person, I am going to be a feminist. They see me, and I’m very masculine. They are like, ‘Ah, you are a man.’ Yes, I am a man, very comfortable with who I am as a person. I am confident in my sexuality, and comfortable with who I am. So, acting out a role does not necessarily mean I am a feminist. I am an actor, so actors should be able to enter and come out of different kinds of roles. So yes, I get stereotyped from time to time, but to me, it does not bother me.

TheCable Lifestyle: The ‘Finished Man’ content, which portrays a man’s deep love and care for his partner, is among my favourites. Was it inspired by personal experience? Is Jay currently in a relationship?

Jay On-Air: I am a very single man o, but I am a lover boy. I am an actor, so my job is also to convince you enough to believe in a character. So, I just think it’s my acting. And, I also know that that’s how women are supposed to be treated.

You know, we live in a society where women are not treated how they should be treated. So, this is my way of saying that there are men like this who exist. I am one of them. You can treat a woman right, and you can love her the way she needs to be loved.

TheCable Lifestyle: Given your impressive acting skills, have you ever considered pursuing a full-time acting career in Nollywood?

Jay On-Air: Oh, definitely! I did a couple of projects last year that are not yet out, and I am excited for them to be released.

But, you know, I want to do more. So, for me, it feels like I am building my portfolio. And when the right opportunity comes, it will come, because I definitely want to go fully into Nollywood.

I do not just want to act any part, you know? Because sometimes, as a content creator, you can be stereotyped into acting certain parts. I do not want that for myself.

I have been able to show on my page that I am a diverse actor, so I am hoping to get that kind of opportunity. The projects I was on last year, the person saw that versatility in me and gave me that opportunity. So, I am hoping more people see that.

And yes, Nollywood, I am here to conquer, definitely, by God’s grace. And even Hollywood.

TheCable Lifestyle: What are your thoughts on the trend of creators using clout-chasing tactics to promote their content? Are there any benefits and drawbacks to consider?

Jay On-Air: I think there are drawbacks. But, I am not going to judge anybody for how they decide to go about what they decide to do.

Because again, it is showbiz. Let us be honest, not everybody is going to do things how you want them to do them. People are trying to get their name out there. People are trying to do what they need to do to put food on their table.

The only thing I would say is that if you are chasing clout, make sure you are not harming anybody. Make sure it does not involve rape. You know, there are some jokes that are too expensive. There are certain kinds of jokes you should never joke about.

As long as you are not doing any of that, my brother, you can chase the clout the way you like.

TheCable Lifestyle: As a content creator, you sometimes team up with other interesting personalities. Who has been the best person you have ever collaborated with?

Jay On-Air: Oh, that is such a tough question! But, I love working with Sweet Ope. Sweet Ope is a colleague at work as well, she is a content creator. And she is so amazing, I love working with her. We have done a lot of videos together, and I cannot wait for us to do more.

I also did a video recently with Omowunmi Dada, she is an actress. We did a video together, and it was fantastic. I also love working with her.

TheCable Lifestyle: What advice would you give anyone looking to express themselves creatively? 

You can do it! You know, you just have to be consistent. I always preach consistency. You can make it happen for yourself, but you won’t know if you are not consistent.

So please, be consistent. The sky is your starting point. And make sure that as much as you are inspired by other people, don’t be a copycat.

Because a copycat will never get the accolade. Why would people go for the copy, when they can get the actual original? So be distinct. Even if it takes time, this will happen for you.