He, however, stated that great comedians can make jokes from the circumstances surrounding a sensitive topic or event. He used the example of Oscar Pistorius who murdered his girlfriend and proceeded to make a joke about it. A funny one at that.
Trevor Noah didn't make a joke about the act but the circumstances surrounding the act. It's a fine line but only great comedians can pull it off. Only great comedians see the fine line between an edgy joke and a bad one.
Last night, Sunday, April 16, 2017, top Nigerian comedian AY held his annual Easter comedy event and it was packed as usual.
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While on stage he brought the contestants of the Big Brother Naija reality show and spoke about the 'rapey' incident between Kemen and Tboss.
AY normalised Kemen's actions and said every man in his position would do the same thing. He also said that "we should encourage this young man, he no kill person" in reference to Kemen.
If it looks like a cow, smells like a cow and sounds like a cow, then it is a cow. Or rather if it smells like cow faeces, and looks like cow faeces it is bull...you can complete the rest.
AY's statement is a blatant endorsement of rape culture. Facts.
Sorry Mr AY but not all men are led by what dangles in between their legs. They have what is called self-control. They were raised better. Having a beautiful woman on your bed doesn't give you the right to sexually molest her. Only F boys do that.
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Why should we encourage Kemen? What he did was wrong. There is nothing to encourage here. AY must be living in a parallel universe where men with loose fingers are not held accountable for their actions.
Sorry, he is not in a parallel universe, he is Nigeria, where madmen are politicians and convicted thieves, are given a hero's welcome and a chieftaincy title.
From the clip above you could see people laughing in the hall. Well, not all of them but most of them. You are a product of your environment. This is why AY can get away with what he said. Nigerians do not know better. We believe rape victims are the architects of their own misfortunes.
A prominent figure like AY should know better and do better. He should use his platform to educate the nitwits out there who think rape is okay. What he said yesterday is a total disappointment. In a normal country, no brand will be associated with him this morning. But Nigeria is not a normal country.
You can't make a joke about rape. Can you make a joke about the circumstances surrounding rape? I think only a female comedian can pull that off. It's not in the place of any man to decide what is funny about rape.
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AY is not a great comedian. He is famous and successful no doubt. He has the uncanny ability to promote his shows and turn bland movies into hits. He is our own Kevin Hart, just that Kevin Hart is funnier.
One thing he is not, however, is a great stand up comedian. He should leave the jokes alone especially the rape jokes. He should stick to movies and skits.
And with that said Happy Easter. And just like AY, you know I am not joking about my feelings towards rape.
