Ghanaian comedian Richmond Xavier Amoako, popularly known as Lawyer Nti in the Kejetia Vs. Makola show, has made a public statement on his rate card, stating that he will turn down a gig that will offer him GH₵ 1000 or GH₵ 2000 and rather sleep.
In an interview with Obidumbie Adu Kumi on Asempa Showbiz Review on Asempa 94.7 FM, the comedian bemoaned how people do not take their craft seriously, which is affecting their value as comedians.
He urged that comedy be treated just like any other business, stating that there was no way he was going to accept charges of GH₵ 1,000 or GH₵ 2,000 whereas his expenses, clothing, transport, and others cost more than the money offered him.
“Errm… I am not sure I have gotten anything like that because, I am one of those people who will not accept anything that will make me suffer. I would rather sleep than come to your show and take maybe 1000 or 2000 Ghana cedis considering my transport and costumes cost more than that. I will not do it. I will rather sleep and know I didn’t eat for one week” he stated.
When asked if the offers he rejected based on his cost and value made prospective clients feel he was pompous, he stated emphatically that, he does not care about the person’s reaction because once the call hangs up, whatever thought remains in their head
He added that, if he does not value himself, no one is going to do that for him. And people shouldn’t think that because he is a comedian, they can just call him to come do anything for them, he is not going to do that.
“If I don’t put worth on myself, who is going to do that for me? So if you call me to carry pots on my head, then I will come because its comedy? oh no… There are certain things I will just tell you I will not do.” He remarked.
He insisted comedians should stand their ground and be resolute on their value since no one will take up that responsibility for them. In saying that, he appreciated Clemento Suarez, another popular comedian in Ghana, for helping and beginning such a campaign for value.
He remarked that Clemento has helped comedians be resolute on their worth as he was open about their worth at shows, which stirred them to demand the same and support his agenda. He concluded by saying that Comedians should be treated as businessmen.
Richmond Xavier Amoako features in the satirical courtroom show, Kejetia Vs. Makola, which portrays how legal matters are resolved but shrouded in comedy.
Source: Ede Morrat