Clemento Suarez Calls for Decentralisation of Stand-Up Comedy in Ghana
Ghanaian comic actor and comedian Clemento Suarez is advocating for a decentralised approach to the growth of stand-up comedy across the country. He believes that expanding the comedy industry beyond the capital, Accra will empower more talents and create a stronger foundation for the sector.
In an interview with mrwoode.com Clemento urged top comedians to help groom talents in the regions. According to him just as governance is decentralised with MPs, DCEs, and regional ministers serving across various districts comedy should also follow a similar model.
Those who have the light on them can pull them up once in a while but it should be treated like some kind of decentralisation, he said. So if these comedians are in Accra but decide to take a show somewhere the local comedians who have held the grounds there can support and it’s going to be a good show. We can empower them wherever they are to be champions there.
He emphasized that empowering comedians in their own localities will make national collaborations easier and more impactful.
Adding to the conversation comedian Oh Joo shared his admiration for a Hausa-speaking comedian he recently encountered, stressing the need to embrace diverse talents regardless of language. He and other panellists, including Lekzy DeComic, encouraged regional comedians to create content in languages their audience can best relate to, instead of feeling pressured to perform in English.
There’s no need to always use English. Know your audience. Speak their language. That’s where the connection begins, Lekzy DeComic advised.
Over the past few years, Ghana’s stand-up comedy industry has witnessed significant growth. Once considered an underdeveloped sector stand-up comedy has now become one of the most vibrant areas in the creative space. In 2024 alone, over 20 stand-up comedy specials were successfully held in major cities such as Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi.
This resurgence has inspired many young talents and drawn larger audiences to comedy shows, creating a viable platform for comedians to thrive.
Today, Ghana proudly boasts a diverse range of stand-up comedians including DKB, Jacinta, Ebenezer Dwomoh, Ranzy Ray, Smile, Kwaku40, Kojo Pjay, Oh Joo, Papa Yaw, and Putogo. Other notable names include Foster Romanus, Jerry Ashinyo, Kwame Obed, MJthecomedian, Comedian Warris, Lekzy DeComic, Afia Barcelona, and Ato Pah.
With industry players like Clemento Suarez calling for greater inclusion and support for regional talents, the future of Ghanaian comedy looks even brighter.