Nobody ever takes me serious – Comedian MC-All-in-One

Weekly Magazine: Tell us a bit about your growing up years?

Precious Samuel: I was born into a family of eight which includes my parents of course. We were raised up in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. I had my primary and secondary education there. I later went to the Cross River State College of Technology. I had a fruitful and memorable period growing up. It was fun growing up. I was born into a very wealthy home. I had everything at my beck and call and we were given all it took to be comfortable. I lived in luxury.

WM: Why the Niger Delta trade mark evident in your mode of dressing and performances?

Precious: I depict Africa. That is all. I am an African and I choose to look African. If there is anything in me that is unique, it is African and that is what I depict.

WM: You are in a vocation that is male dominated. How do you cope?

Precious: I think it is just my nature. I am a funny person by nature and I am always jovial in disposition. Whoever comes around me will tell you that there is no dull moment with me. My husband calls me mouth-peace. That is my mouth speaks peace. I choose to speak peace into the lives of those who come around me. I am not a comedian so to say. I just fill in the empty gaps when the need arises. I am not bothered that the field is male dominated at all.

WM: What differentiates MC All in one from other artistes?

Precious: The woman in me.

WM: Can you be more explicit?

Precious: Whatever comes out from my mouth puts a smile on your face no matter who you are.

WM: What has been the support like from your immediate family members?

Precious: They have always known me to be like that so they are not surprised at what I do. I remember when I was a bit young, I would stand before the TV and be casting news all alone to entertain the whole family. I would also be singing imagining I was in a studio producing an album. They have always known that to be a part of me and they have been very supportive.

WM: Are there any memorable moments for you so far?

Precious: That would be my second year in school. The first time I went on stage was to perform a Makossa dance. The second time was to mime a song by Lionel Richie in Calabar. Along the line, I went off key. Before I knew it, the audience had gone wild and was shouting that I get off the stage. I got encouraged by another

group who performed that day. Ironically, they sang that you must not always win  the hearts of your audience. Sometimes, you must make mistakes in order to  correct yourself. You don’t have to be a hero every time. But for every bad time,  I have had other good moments on stage. Now I anchor programs during weddings,  church events and birthdays. From one program, I get another job. My husband also  keeps encouraging me despite all.

WM: Don’t we have enough comedians in Abuja? Most of the time, comedians have to be ‘imported’ from places like Lagos and Port Harcourt to anchor programs in the FCT. Why is this so?

Precious: We are just growing up. We will get there someday. I am still a new entrant into the business professionally, so I can’t say much.

WM: What has been the reaction of your male counterparts here in the FCT?

Precious: It is normal. Anywhere you go and you are told that a female comedian is coming up, the reaction is normal. They would wonder what a woman has to say. It is the same with the male comedians. But I thank God that at the end of each performance, I am able to capture mine audience.

WM: Give a brief assessment of the nation’s comedy industry?

Precious: There are improvements. When there is life, there is hope. That is my personal principle to life. That I also choose to apply to the industry.

WM: What puts smiles on your face?

Precious: I like having kids around me especially the little ones. What makes you cry? I hate insincerity. And I hate lies. They make me angry.

WM: What is your source of motivation on stage?

Precious: I look at their faces and I realize that as their faces are different, so are the thoughts going on through their respective minds. Some could be happy, some worried, some sad. You just need to do something unique to bring smiles on their faces. And that is what I set out to do at my performances.

WM: A lot of people see comedians as a set of unserious people. Is that true?

Precious: Nobody ever takes me serious no matter how hard I try to persuade them to take me. Even in church, the only time they take me serious is when I am leading prayer sessions. But I don’t blame them. It is a perception that is not  necessarily true.