By Ayo Onikoyi

In commemoration of his 30th anniversary as a consummate stand-up comedian in the Nigerian entertainment industry, Francis Agoda better known as I Go Dye has lined up a series of events for his fans across the globe, starting with a tour of major cities in the UK.

The Delta State-born visionary comedian has been thrilling fans in sold out concerts since he first burst into the scene back in 1994.

Since his emergence three decades ago, I Go Dye has remained a dominant heavyweight in an industry that boasts of an array of comedians running into thousands.

The comedian, who is also a Sustainable Global Goals Ambassador and eminent Global Diplomat for Peace Advocacy says plans are underway to kick-off a UK tour which will see him perform and fraternise with diverse fans.

According to his manager,  Sharon Vivid, the tour tagged; “I Go Dye Standing: Best Across Generations”, started in Reading Sept. 7th from where  the train moves to other cities like Birmingham on  Friday 20th and  Newcastle the following  week.

The 7 cities of the United Kingdom (UK) September tour is packaged by Seaside Entertainment Company and with  support from Aiben Properties Igodye

Arguably acknowledged as Africa’s funniest man alive, the highly decorated comedian has travelled round the globe more than 2 times.

In 2017 he won the African Child Prize with Nigeria former President Oluṣẹgun Ọbasanjọ and other world leaders.

The highly respected comedian said the forthcoming tour is a testament that he is a product of the system hence the need to go on the road to express his admiration for the fans and brands for their love and support since he began his comedy career 30 years ago

He  recalled that though the beginning was turbulent, he is glad to be referenced as one of those who fought to make comedy not just a glamorous industry but a viable one which has over the years contributed to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

I Go Dye noted that the vocation was classified as a job for never-do-wells, but years of hard work, commitment and packaging has changed the narrative.

According to him, “Though the craft was not as glamorous as it is now, but then I had a strong conviction that in years to come, parents would encourage their children to go into comedy and other aspects of entertainment and take it as a full time job which will serve as a means to an end”.  And that is what is happening now.

“I say so because in the 90s this was not the case as we were seen and referred to as the dregs of the society. But our beliefs and resilience were the only things we held on to that the craft would become the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy.

“Decades later, the narrative has changed because most of us have diversified into other areas of the art and now employers of labour and contributing our quota to nation building.

“This would not have been possible without our fans, social media and brands that believed and supported us when the chips were down.

“This forms the nucleus of our decision to start with the UK Tour and see where it goes from there.

“I am indeed grateful to have spent 30 years in the entertainment industry.

Comedy which was hitherto regarded as one for never-do-wells has over the years metamorphosed iinto an enticing one following consistency, commitment and hard work. 

According to his manager, “I Go Dye had always projected that in years to come  parents will start advising their children to go into comedy as a means to an end, which is why the performers in the early days did their best to bring the craft to the limelight.

“I say so because in the 90s this was not the case as we were seen and referred to as the dregs of the society.

“But decades later, the narrative has changed because most of us have diversified into other areas of the art and now employers of labour and contributing our quota to nation building.”