The Nigerian comedy industry has recorded giant strides in recent years and Nigerians are bombarded on a daily basis with high doses of addictive comedy as these laugh merchants smile to the bank; in fact, the comedy industry in Nigeria has become a multi-billion naira industry with practitioners earning fat pay checks annually. In this week’s edition of Showdown, two popular Nollywod namesake-comedians, Charles Inojie and Charles Awurum, slug it out as Nigerian comedy buffs determine the better comic between the pair.
CHARLES AWURUM:
A graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Calabar, Charles Awurum is an actor, director and Globacom brand Ambassador. Awurum hails from Imo State and has featured in many stage productions and directed several television drama and radio programmes before joining Nollywood. His debut film in which he played lead entitled Obiora, was shot in Imo State. Awurum has featured in over a hundred popular works including Yahoozee Prophets, Yellow Fever, Jack & Jill, Toronto Connection and Most Wanted Kidnappers to mention a few. His directorial credits include The King & The Crown 1 &2 and Forgiveness 1 & 2.
CHARLES INOJIE:
Charles Inojie is an actor, director, script writer and producer. Popularly known for his perfect delivery in comedy movies like The Councillor, Double Game and Open and Close among others, Inojie is an indigene of Edo State. A graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt, he has also directed a couple of movies including Spirit of Life, Reggae Boys, Inheritance, and Jonny Just Come among others.
…And the people’s verdict:
I prefer Charles Awurum –Onyeka Ezeh, undergraduate
I prefer Charles Awurum to Charles Inojie. Awurum could do anything to achieve the best role interpretation. Even if the script says the character should eat faeces, Awurum would gladly do that without thinking twice.
Inojie is better –Sophia Agbebiyi, factory supervisor
As far as Nollywood comedy is concerned, both acts are superlative. But as regards the better party, it should be Charles Inojie. I think he is better and more experienced than Awurum. But like I said earlier, both of them stand among the best in the Nollywood comedy family.
Let’s give it to Charles Inojie – Deacon Frank James
Charles Awurum is a fantastic actor but the only problem I have with him is that he sometimes over-acts. And that is why you see him sweating profusely even in a scene that does not demand such. While on set, he acts, demonstrates and talks with utmost energy. I think he does that to ensure that he delivers the best output. But it is unfortunate that movie directors usually overlook that aspect just as they overlook Nkem Owoh’s over-acting. Let’s give it to Charles Inojie.
It’s Awurum – Barrister Leo Okhume
For me it is Charles Awurum. He impressed me a lot in Yellow Fever, Yahoozee Prophets and A Million Madness. I still find Yellow Fever as interesting as if it was released just yesterday. Awurum is an experienced actor and director.
It’ s a tie – Funmilayo Olagunju, undergraduate
Both Charles Awurum and Charles Inojie are on the same level professionally as far as I’m concerned. I have watched several of their movies and my honest rating of the pair is that none of them has an edge over the other.
I don’t enjoy their acting – Maureen Ezigbe, stylist
I don’t enjoy their acting one bit. We no longer have real professional comedians. I wouldn’t want to mention names but I believe that you are also aware of what I’m talking about. Even the ones that used to be of high rating have dropped rapidly. The problem with Nigeria is that many of us dabble into one profession or the other for the sake of financial gains. And we could even squeeze water out of rock in order to break even. But the moment we are sure of our daily bread, we begin to relax; this is an ugly trend.
Give it to Awurum –Vivian Paul, business manager
I do not like Charles Inojie’s acting style. He is too lousy for my liking and I just hope he doesn’t behave that way in real life. His acting is flat unlike what obtains with Awurum.
They are so rich –Taofeeq Olubunmi, accountant
They are both wealthy professionally and economically. Nigerians used to make the mistake of thinking that Nigerian comedians are clowns, near paupers and never-do-wells. But that was in the past, they are all wealthy guys and the two Charles’ in focus are not left out.
Inojie is craftier – Zubby Kings, up-and-coming musician
I find Charles Inojie a better comic. He is craftier in role interpretation than Awurum. Awurum is good too but all I am saying is that personally, I prefer Charles Inojie.
Charles Inojie interprets roles effortlessly –Akpan Dennis, businessman
Both are opposites. Charles Awurum seems to labour while acting but Charles Inojie makes it a child’s play through his easy-flow and delivery. Charles Awurum also shouts while delivering his lines unlike Inojie who dishes out his lines with great ease and effortlessness. However, my view may not matter much since movie directors never find anything wrong in Awurum’s style of acting.
Nigerian comedians need to up their game –Raheem Abayomi, teacher
Nigerian comedians don’t usually improve on themselves. Just like it is in every other human endeavour, constant training is essential. In other climes, artistes regularly improve on their standard. But many Nigerian comedians and other professionals tend to ignore the fact that they require regular training to be able to professionally compete with their counterparts internationally. Take a look at people like Nkem Owoh and Ali Baba just to mention a few. Their comic levels have dropped rapidly and fans are complaining but unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to bother them one bit!
They should rebrand themselves
–Ogochukwu Eze, undergraduate
Both acts should rebrand themselves. They can even take refresher courses at any international comedy institution around the globe. They have the money and can afford the bill. I don’t enjoy their acting any longer.
I enjoyed Awurum in Yellow Fever
–Angela Odogwu, apprentice
My favourite of Charles Awurum’s movies remains Yellow Fever. He was spectacular in that movie alongside Nkem Owoh. In fact, the entire cast in the movie was superb! I have seen a couple of Charles Inojie’s works and I feel that Awurum is the better comedian.
Charles Inojie more humorous – Bisi Adebayo, undergraduate
Charles Inojie is more humorous compared to Charles Awurum. They have different acting styles though but cumulatively, I enjoy Inojie’s acting better. And that is not because Awurum is a poor actor, rather, it is just due to my personal choice.
Charles Inojie is natural –Rotimi Ogumbiyi, transporter
I’ll vote for Charles Inojie anyway because I think that acting comes to him naturally. Awurum is a nice comic too but it seems to me that he acts with effort. Otherwise, why would he be shouting and sweating all to impress his director.
Awurum funnier, Inojie more polished –Lucy John, undergraduate
I would say that just like Mr. Ibu, Charles Awurum doesn’t just act comedy but that he lives it. I remember watching him at the last AMAA Awards in Bayelsa. Each time there was need for standing ovation, clapping of hands or yelling or something, he always stretched his action beyond others thereby making people to either laugh or make jest of him. And he never gave a damn. But I think Charles Inojie is more polished.
Awurum is better but… –Douglas Iwuji, entrepreneur
I find Charles Awurum’s acting more interesting than Charles Inojie’s. But even at that, Awurum still needs to be polished. The problem with Nigerian artistes is that they do not appreciate the importance of taking their profession to the next level. You know that one thing is to have the talent and the other, which is more important, is to be able to develop the talent.
Inojie knows comedy inside out
–Johnson Uwaoma, undergraduate
As regards the two comic Charles’ of Nollywood, I would say that Inojie is better. From my personal assessment of their works, Charles Inojie seems to know comedy inside out; I just admire his acting skills.
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