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Budding comedians must have tough skin – Abdul Waris Omaru
Critics say Ghanaian comedians are not witty enough and it is not a ‘career’ worth pursuing if anybody intends to make ends meet.
Others hold the view that some of the performers only repeat common jokes or even end up stirring controversies. Few of them have, in the past, ‘taken bullets’ for jokes people considered offensive.
But that is not all. The onset of the novel corona virus has also led to somewhat ‘poor visibility’ of stage comedy shows especially in the capital city, Accra, as it was previously not the case.
In spite of this, there are still some individuals who have yet not thrown in the towel on the craft but continue to find alternative ways of lighting up the mood of their fans.
One of them is Abdul Waris Omaru, who goes by the stage name ‘Comedian Waris.’ He has gained some attention on social media and other public spaces as he continues to thrill fans who find gratification in laughing out loud.
When The Spectator caught up with him recently, he said that he did not have plans of joining the industry but eventually found himself on stage through an audition in 2016.
According to him, he took up comedy because it gave him “quick money” compared to his previous job as a producer at Top FM, an Accra-based radio station.
The former student of Odorgono Senior High School, touching on his life and experience, said he worked at a spare parts company, a cement and concrete factory, and served also in other capacities as a security man, after completing school.
He later on took up a multimedia course and had internship at some radio stations before deciding to embark on his new journey.
“I was working as a Sound Engineer and Producer at Top FM in Accra. I auditioned at one of DKB’s comedy shows and I subsequently had some coaching from him and other actors in the industry who are still coaching me,” he said.
Asked about how much income he earned, the comedian, born in Kumasi Aboabo in the Ashanti Region, explained that his standard of living had been improving since he started comedy.
“I work with time so when I perform every five minutes, I earn GH¢ 1,500.00. When I was a sound engineer I was paid GH¢ 300.00 at the end of the month.
To further prove that he was, indeed, ‘making money’, he stressed: “when I was a sound engineer I was using a ‘yam phone’. Now, I use an iPhone.”
Waris, also a content creator, said that he had been featured in a movie titled ‘Akwaaba’ with popular comedian Clemento Suarez.
Apart from stage comedy, he again works with some companies as an ‘influencer’ to attract clients and help increase patronage of goods and services of those entities.
He admitted not doing any stage comedy in the past five months but continues to post short comedy skits regularly on Instagram.
Contrary to popular views, he insisted that comedy is worth pursuing, provided the “actor branded himself or herself very well.”
“Everything you want to do pays but it depends on how you package yourself. I think I am doing it to my optimum best and I am making money although I am not yet at the top.
“It is better than working and waiting several months before you are paid,” he stated sarcastically.
Waris said “the sky remains the limit,” as he is considered among some of the top comedians in country. He posts new funny videos frequently on his channel and interacts with fans to push his brand.
“I get good feedback from my audience and it is getting better. A lot of people started ahead of me. I started four years ago and if I am counted among the top 10 comedians I think it is a good signal,” he added.
Comedian Waris came under fire about two years ago from making comments about musician Sakordie’s little daughter, which sections of the public considered inappropriate. But he was quick to apologise and retract the unfortunate comments he made, whether knowingly or unknowingly.
He advised that budding comedians must have a tough skin, develop creative concepts to attract audience and go “a little crazy on stage.”
“I hope more people would embrace comedy, and when everything is set, I am sure we will derive the outmost benefit from our shows.”
“They (comedians) must know that jokes alone do not pay the bills but they should keep pushing,” he said.
Warris said he was on the verge of establishing a foundation to mentor young people and help them attain their goals in life through their talent.
He did not disclose his relationship status but said he had a “lot of girls” who admired him and indicated that he would soon settle down “with the one his heart decides.”
By Ernest Nutsugah
In a music landscape often defined by trends and tempo, George Nii Odai Oliver widely known as DJ Rev stands out as a man on a mission.
More than just a DJ, he is a minister, mentor, and youth advocate who has found a unique calling at the intersection of sound and spirituality.
Beyond the decks, DJ Rev is a devoted husband and a committed servant of God.
His life is anchored in purpose, with a deep passion for youth development. As the Technical Director at Christ for Youth International (CYI), a global youth ministry, he plays a significant role in shaping young lives, not only through words but also through music.
His journey in ministry began early, including his role as a founding member of the Ambassadors Christian Rap Group, where he first explored the power of music as a tool for transformation.
The name ‘DJ Rev’ derived from ‘Reverend,’ reflects both his spiritual identity and his mission to ignite atmospheres much like revving an engine with high-energy gospel music.
For him, every performance goes beyond entertainment; it becomes a moment of worship, revival, and connection with God.
His journey into DJing started from a fascination with music and technology during his younger years in Ghana.
Drawn to the ability of DJs to influence mood and unite people, he identified a gap in the Christian music space, which was someone who could seamlessly blend urban sounds with gospel messages. Starting from small church events and youth programmes, DJ Rev gradually honed his craft into what he now describes as a full-fledged calling.
Like many success stories, his path was not without challenges; he had limited access to equipment, skepticism about gospel DJing, and the difficulty of balancing ministry with performance all tested his resolve.
Yet, through persistence, faith, and support from mentors and the Christian community, he rose above these obstacles. Borrowing equipment, learning on the job, and staying grounded in prayer became part of his journey.
A defining moment in his career came when he realised that DJing was more than a passion; it was ministry.
Witnessing lives being transformed during his sets, seeing people move from dancing into deep worship, and watching young talents he mentored flourish affirmed his purpose.
DJ Rev’s style is best described as high-energy, spirit-led, and versatile. He effortlessly blends hip-hop, Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, and urban gospel into seamless mixes that resonate with diverse audiences.
His signature approach is what he enthusiastically calls ‘Energyyyy! saying it is not just about hype, but about creating moments that touch both body and soul.
What sets him apart in Ghana’s DJ industry is his unwavering commitment to ministry-first performances. While many DJs focus solely on entertainment, DJ Rev uses his platform to create spaces where faith and music coexist powerfully. His technical expertise, drawn from his role in ministry, combined with his passion for mentorship, gives him a distinctive edge.
Over the years, he has witnessed significant growth in Ghana’s DJ industry, with increased recognition, technological advancement, and global influences such as Amapiano shaping the soundscape.
Notably, he has contributed to pushing gospel music into mainstream spaces, particularly through his popular Amapiano Gospel mixes.
Among his most memorable performances are events like Oasis Gathering, Sound Fest, and Saved to Serve platforms where music transcended performance into powerful spiritual encounters.
“These are moments that define success, lives touched, hearts uplifted, and faith renewed,” DJ Rev stated
Away from the spotlight, he embraces a quieter, more reflective life. He enjoys spending time with family, mentoring young people, engaging in ministry work, and pursuing simple hobbies like gardening and DIY projects.
For him, a perfect day off includes moments of prayer, meaningful conversations, and peaceful retreats, often in serene locations like Cape Coast or the Volta Region.
Despite his achievements, DJ Rev remains grounded. He acknowledges the challenges he has faced, ranging from limited resources to balancing ministry and career, but credits his resilience to faith, community support, and a clear sense of purpose.
These experiences have taught him invaluable lessons about perseverance, humility, and authenticity.
Looking ahead, DJ Rev aims to expand his ministry through music both locally and internationally, release more projects, mentor emerging talents, and further establish gospel DJ culture in Ghana. His ultimate desire is to be remembered as a pioneer who brought revival through music, blending excellence with unashamed faith.
To young aspiring DJs, his message is clear: master your craft, stay consistent, build character, and never lose sight of your purpose.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Amb. Prince Kojo-Hilton’s international mission signals new era for creative industry development
Between October 2025 and April 2026, a significant creative industry mission unfolded across Brazil, led by Ghanaian visual artist, production designer, and Pan-African Art Ambassador, Prince Kojo-Hilton.
What began as an invitation to contribute to creative education quickly evolved into a far-reaching engagement spanning academic institutions, government bodies, global platforms, and community initiatives.
More than a professional visit, the mission positioned itself as a structured intervention aimed at addressing one of the most pressing gaps within the global creative sector, the disconnect between education and industry practice.
At the centre of this engagement was a clear focus on capacity building. Working with the Zion School of Entertainment in Rio de Janeiro, Kojo-Hilton delivered a masterclass in Art Direction and Scenic Design during Zion Creative Week.
The immediate impact of the session prompted an expansion of the masterclass programme into a broader, multi-campus engagement, extending its reach to a wide network of students and emerging professionals.
His approach departed from traditional classroom instruction. Instead of theory-driven lectures, participants were introduced to practical, industry-based processes, including visual storytelling systems, production design methodologies, and the professional discipline required to operate within global creative industries.
The result was a shift in how students engaged with their craft, moving from passive learning to active, experience-driven development.
Beyond academic institutions, the mission extended into diplomatic and governmental spaces. At the Ghana Embassy in Brazil in Brasília, Kojo-Hilton engaged in strategic discussions with Ghana’s Ambassador to Brazil, Nii Amasah Namoale.
The discussions centered on long-term collaboration between Ghana and Brazil within the creative arts sector, with a focus on education, exchange programmess, and institutional partnerships.
This engagement progressed further at the National Congress of Brazil, where he was introduced to policymakers and cultural leaders, including Brazil’s Minister of Culture, Margareth Menezes.
His presence and work were formally acknowledged, reflecting growing recognition of the role creative professionals can play in national development and cultural diplomacy.
On the global stage, Kojo-Hilton represented Ghana at the World Forum of Favelas 2025, where his contributions to creative community development were recognised with an international award.
The forum provided a platform to present models that integrate art, education, and social impact, reinforcing the value of structured creative initiatives in community transformation.
A key outcome of the mission was the international expansion of the Film Craft Expo, an initiative founded by Kojo-Hilton to explore the art, science, and business of film-making and theatre.
Interest from multiple countries has positioned the platform as a potential global model for creative industry engagement, bridging the gap between emerging talent and professional practice.
Academic collaborations also formed a critical component of the mission.
At the University of Brasília, discussions explored interdisciplinary opportunities connecting art, science, and environmental innovation. Additional engagements with institutions such as Casa das Artes de Laranjeiras focused on curriculum development, artist residencies, and production-based training systems designed to better prepare students for industry demands.
While institutional engagement remained central, the mission maintained a strong connection to community impact. Workshops conducted in local communities, including Maricá, emphasised the role of art as a tool for empowerment, identity formation, and social transformation.
A significant part of his engagement in Maricá included a cultural and social contribution through the donation of a painting to the House of Immigrants.
The artwork serves as a permanent symbolic gesture of identity, resilience, and shared human experience, reflecting his commitment to using art as a tool for cultural connection and community memory within the city.
Participation in cultural events such as Rio Carnival further highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage while positioning it within a global context.
One of the most forward-looking outcomes of the mission is the development of the Global Visual Arts for Screen and Stage initiative.
The platform is designed to integrate visual arts, film, theatre, fashion, and technology into a unified system that supports training, collaboration, and industry growth.
By addressing fragmentation within the creative sector, the initiative aims to create sustainable pathways for employment, innovation, and institutional development.
Across all engagements, a consistent message emerged, the global creative industry is evolving, and there is an increasing demand for structured, experience-driven education.
Institutions are no longer seeking inspiration alone; they are seeking systems that can translate creativity into measurable economic and social impact.
Following six months of sustained engagement across Brazil, the results are evident. New partnerships are being explored, institutions are opening pathways for collaboration, and there is growing recognition of the role creative industries can play in national and international development.
The mission has not only strengthened cultural and creative ties between Ghana and Brazil, but has also positioned Kojo-Hilton within a broader global conversation on the future of creative industry development.
As he continues to expand his work across continents, he remains open to collaboration with universities, film schools, theatre institutions, visual arts institutions, cultural organizations, and governments seeking to invest in structured creative growth.
He also facilitated a focused workshop on Talent Discovery and Nurturing with immigrants, centered on identifying hidden creative potential and providing practical guidance for personal and professional development.
The session emphasised empowerment through creativity, encouraging participants to recognise their abilities and explore new pathways within the creative industries.
Together, these contributions reinforced his broader mission of using art not only as a professional practice but as a meaningful instrument for inclusion, transformation, and social impact.
In reflection, he expresses profound gratitude to God for the opportunity to undertake this journey and for the grace that made every step possible. From Ghana to Brazil and back, he acknowledges the divine protection, guidance, and favour that ensured safe travels and the mission’s successful execution.
The experience stands not only as a professional milestone but also as a testament to the power of faith, dedication, and purpose.
His guiding philosophy remains clear and unwavering, saying “The only thing that I am a slave to is my passion.”
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
