Ghanaian Comedian & YouTube Sensation Clifford Owusu says, “be happy and dance every day”
Entertainment has always been a way for many to express themselves. In Africa it is no different. Ghana and Nigeria (Ghallywood and Nollywood the countrys’ respective versions of Hollywood), hold the largest hubs for movies on the continent. If you have watched an African movie, chances are it’s been either a Ghanaian or Nigerian film as they account for the largest viewerships. Other countries have various forms of entertainment as well.
Africans are generally very happy people and the gentleman I am about to introduce to you is no different.
One day, I was on Facebook and my friend kept posting these videos and I was watching and laughing. This guy was on YouTube making light of what most of us Africans have encountered once or maybe twice in our lives. The more I watched, the more I laughed, even sharing similar stories with my fellow Africans on my timeline. So personally, I really wanted to get a hold of this gentleman and find out all about him, which I ended up doing.
Doing the interview during the World Cup while his country’s contenders (Ghana) were playing was quite interesting. During the interview, he managed to make my roommate and I laugh constantly. Now this gentleman is a big YouTube sensation and I appreciate him for telling his story on DUNIA.
Clifford Owusu, 30 year old Ghanaian comedian was born in Tema, Ghana and came to the United States, the Bronx to be exact at the tender age of 6. Here’s the interview I did with Clifford.
Name: Clifford Owusu
Age:30
Origin: Tema, Ghana
Educational background: BS in Human Resources at Buffalo College
Professional background: Human Resource Manager
1) What is your story?
I came to the United States from Ghana when I was six years old. My aunt raised me and one day she told me I was leaving to join my parents, already in the United States. I grew up in the Bronx, New York. I felt like I was in a box. So I was really involved with music and production for a long time. My second CD was a comedy CD.
2) Comedy. What got you started?
I was always a happy child and wanted people around me to be happy. I was doing it for fun at first. I was an only child and I was immensely blessed so I started giving back to others by the age of 13 or 14 years old.
3) Describe yourself in 3 words.
Happy. Blessed. Loving.
4) What are your hopes for your comedy?
Continue to get bigger. Happiness is important; to be happy in life is a choice.
5) Who told you that you were funny?
People told me I was funny. But I did not think I was funny. It is a natural gift that God has blessed me with.
6) Who is your favorite comedian?
Eddie Murphy. He is the most entertaining comedian ever. He can play any part whether it is a serious role or a funny role. He is a talented actor.
7) Where do you get your material from?
My material is original, it comes from my brain. Nothing is scripted and it literally comes without thinking. For example, one of the videos I did, was Why Africans take long to answer the phone. I was driving and Zobalzo by Meiway came on the radio and I started jamming and it instantly hit me with an idea.
8) Happiness is like your mantra. In your own words what does happiness mean to you?
In life most people want two things, to be happy and to be loved. Life is like a mirror what you put in, is what you get out of it. Give more and receive more.
9) What is your favorite thing about being Ghanaian?
The food – jollof rice and fufu. Also we are very respectful. We were raised to be great and our parents want us to be great. We are also very disciplined.
10) What advice do you have for our young people and our readers in general?
You can do anything you want to do but you need to work hard. Drive yourself.
Don’t care what people have to say, there will be people that will have negative things to say. Never give up on your dreams. Education is very important. Lastly, be happy and dance every day.
CLIFFORD OWUSU COMEDY
Keep up with Clifford Owusu
Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/kliff555
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Straight2Point
Twitter: www.twitter.com/KappaCinco
Samandu Tshimanga, who goes by Samy, is a college graduate from Indiana University South Bend with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Sociology. She loves the study of people. She is a freelance analyst and talks about politics, human rights and whatever else floats her boat. Her column Young Africans On The Move with Samy showcases exceptional young people making a difference in the community and in their countries back in Africa. Originally from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Samy currently resides in Indianapolis. Twitter: @chic_cocobelle
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