Mr Macaroni: How 2020 EndSARS protest refocused my skit making

Mr. Macaroni says the 2020 #EndSARS protest re-focused the theme of his craft as a creative.

The comedian spoke in the ‘Toyin Falola Interview Series’, an eponymous initiative by a professor of history at the University of Texas.

He was questioned by a panel led by Falola which included Ahmed Yerima, professor and playwright; Olufadekemi Adagbada, film specialist and gender scholar; and Yemi Shodimu, actor, commentator, and director.

The comedian said the 2020 protests against police brutality in Nigeria offered inspiration for his work.

“The basic raw materials that dramatists use in creating their art are gotten from society. Society cannot be burning and you don’t reflect in your drama that the society is burning,” Macaroni said.

“The #EndSARS protest changed a lot for me. While I had always used my theatre background, the protest strengthened me. I said ‘look, we have gone out there. But when you are not out there, what are you doing?’

“I have the platform where millions of people come and watch me. For me, it is no longer the laughter that they get from my platform. It is about what they take away when they come to Mr. Macaroni’s platform.

“It is very intentional. While people laugh and relax when watching my skits, they still have the society in their consciousness in knowing what is going on.”

Macaroni also advised fellow creatives on the need to be flexible in line with the changing times.

“My piece of advice to fellow thespians is that they should not feel embarrassed to join in the changing phases of global dynamism. You must be conscious of what you are doing and remember your roots,” the comedian added.

“This is why I embraced social media. Although when I started, it was out of desperation. I did what came to my head. I later discovered that people were actually watching. I saw hundreds of thousands of viewers.

“I had to go back to the theatre which is my root. I had been taught in school that theatre should educate society and that inasmuch as I wanted to be popular, I must also not forget my training as a theatre performer.

“The killings in 2020 were the catalyst that changed me, my content, and gave me another point of direction.”