•Klint Da Drunk
Comedian, Afamefuna Igwemba, popular for his stage act as Klint Da Drunk, in this interview speaks about his career and lifestyle, reports Saturday PUNCH.
Excerpts:
When you look at the comedy industry today, what strikes you the most about how far it has come?
I cannot say I am surprised at how it is moving because I expected it to grow. What I did not expect was how quickly it would shift from physical performances to virtual platforms.
The change from the traditional style, where people pay, sit down, and enjoy live comedy, to a system where people can watch from the comfort of their homes happened very fast.
If you gather a large audience in a hall, you might get about 5,000 people, which is impressive. But someone who creates skits online can reach millions. Even 5,000 views online is considered small. The difference is that the people in a live audience pay directly, while online viewers use data, which still translates to money.
In terms of popularity, online comedians tend to be more visible and widely recognised because they reach a global audience.
A live show in Lagos might not even be known by people in nearby states, but a viral video can be seen worldwide. That is why comedians now post clips of their shows online, to extend their reach and earn more.
At the same time, not everyone enjoys watching long stand-up videos online. Many people prefer short skits of 30 seconds to one minute. That means comedians have to adapt, edit their content, and keep posting consistently. It is a lot of work, but it keeps us on our toes.
Skit makers are now doing stage shows, and stand-up comedians are exploring digital platforms. However, not all stand-up comedians are good at skits, and not all skit makers are strong on stage. It is about finding balance and understanding both worlds.
Your stage persona, Klint the Drunk, has been iconic over the years. How did the idea first come to you, and how have you sustained it?
The idea came from my childhood. In our village house, we had a caretaker called Scattermodule. He was always drunk, so much so that even when he was sober, he still sounded drunk. His movements and behaviour were shaped by the habit.
One day, he came home stumbling, saying funny things, and we were all laughing. Later, I went to the mirror and started mimicking him. Everyone around me found it hilarious. I took it to school, and people loved it.
By the time I got to university, I had dropped the character and focused on music. I used to sing and perform with a friend. I always wanted to be in the spotlight, even as a child.
Then one day, I went to a show where I was supposed to perform. Before we went on, two guys performed. When they opened their mouths, I realised I could not compete. They were doing a cappella, using their bodies as instruments, and the crowd went wild. Those guys were 2Face and Blackface.
That moment changed everything for me. I left the stage and decided to rethink my path.
Later, during a club meeting with creatives where everyone had to showcase their talent, I returned to the drunk character I had practised as a child. The reaction was explosive. That was the beginning of Klint the Drunk.
Over time, people gave me different nicknames inspired by films and characters, until the persona fully formed. Since then, I have kept evolving it.
Is there any chance you might return to music?
I have done music here and there. I recorded a song called ‘Mr Love’ and did collaborations, including one with Pastor Goody Goody and some tracks with a Cameroonian reggae artiste based in the United Kingdom.
I still sing, but I do not treat it as a career. It is something I do for fun, without pressure. If something comes out of it, fine, but it is not my main focus.
In the early days, comedy was not taken seriously as a profession. What kept you going, and how did your family react?
It was passion. When you truly have passion for something, nothing can stop you. My parents did not support it at first. My father wanted me to pursue something more conventional like architecture because I was good at drawing and painting.
At that time, comedy was not even seen as a proper profession. People thought you were just fooling around. Even people close to me discouraged me. I had a girlfriend who broke up with me. She told me I was a bad influence and regretted knowing me.
But I kept going because I loved it. Over time, I have learnt never to underestimate anyone. You never know where someone’s journey will lead. I have seen people rise from very humble beginnings to great success.
Have you ever had a joke that worked perfectly in one place but failed elsewhere?
Yes, and it taught me a big lesson. I had a joke that worked everywhere, in Nigeria and even Ghana. But when I performed it in South Africa, it failed completely.
The joke touched on a sensitive subject, and in South Africa, that issue is taken very seriously. The audience did not respond at all. I later learnt that it was about cultural and social sensitivity.
During the second show, I adjusted the joke, removed the sensitive element, and restructured it. It became even better and more acceptable. That experience taught me that professionalism is about knowing what to say, when to say it, and how to say it.
What has been the most memorable reaction you have received from an audience?
I have had many strong reactions over the years, but one stands out recently. I created a show called ‘The Drunk and The Preacher’, where I play both characters.
Using a screen and stage performance, I created a seamless interaction between the two characters. At some point, the drunk character entered the screen, and the preacher came out onto the stage.
The audience was so amazed that they did not even know how to react. They were stunned. That moment was very special because it was pure amazement.
How much of Klint the Drunk reflects your real personality?
I make the character but the character doesn’t make me. The character allows me to express my observations. I am naturally observant, and the character amplifies that.
The idea behind the character is that when people are under the influence, they become more courageous and say things they normally would not say. So the character brings out truth in a humorous way.
Interestingly, I do not drink alcohol. I discovered I am allergic to it. Whenever I tried, I would fall sick for days. I also struggled with smoking at a point, but I eventually stopped.
What advice would you give to young comedians who want to build lasting careers?
They should be passionate, but they must also understand the business side. That was one mistake I made early on. Passion alone is not enough.
If you cannot handle the business side, get someone who can. That is what proper management is supposed to do. Unfortunately, many managers focus only on their percentage rather than truly managing the artist.
Do you still feel nervous before performances?
Yes, and I believe it is important. Every audience is new, and every performance feels like your first. That nervous energy helps you stay alert and perform better.
If you become too confident, you may lose your edge. That nervousness triggers adrenaline, which sharpens your thinking and energy on stage.
What can you tell us about your childhood and upbringing?
I was born and raised in Enugu, where I had my early education. My father worked hard and provided for us, ensuring we had a good education.
At some point, I chose to leave home and experience life on my own. I lived in different parts of Nigeria, including Port Harcourt (Rivers State), Abuja, and Lagos. Those experiences shaped me.
My father passed away in 2020, but my mother is still alive and active in the fashion business.
Are you involved in other businesses aside from comedy?
Everything I do is connected to entertainment. Even my painting ties into my creative expression. I use comedy to support and promote other ventures.
After all these years, what keeps you grounded?
Faith plays a big role in my life now. It has helped me grow stronger and more focused. Everything I do is guided by that.
What advice would you give to young people in general?
Do not underestimate anyone, including yourself. Everyone has a chance in life. Stay focused, stay disciplined, and keep working. You never know where your path will lead.
