Jerry Ashinyo Calls For Support For Ghanaian Comedians

Ghanaian comedian Jerry Ashinyo says the country’s stand-up comedy industry needs more platforms and stronger branding to help local comedians reach wider audiences.

Jerry said Ghanaian audiences have historically been difficult to please but are increasingly embracing stand-up comedy. He said comedians now have more opportunities to connect with audiences, although the industry remains small.

According to Jerry, Ghanaian comedy also faces competition from established international comedians, particularly those from the United States and Nigeria.

He believes part of the challenge comes from the different forms of comedy Ghanaians have traditionally consumed.

He pointed to concert party performances and comedic roles in Ghanaian films as examples of styles that audiences became accustomed to before the growth of modern stand-up comedy.

He said audiences need to understand that stand-up comedy requires a different kind of engagement because the comedian depends heavily on the audience’s imagination and response.

Jerry also explained the pressure comedians face when a joke fails to generate laughter.

He said comedians refer to such a performance as “bombing” and described comedy as a form of war.

According to him, comedians are expected to get their first laugh within about 20 seconds of starting a performance. When that does not happen, the pressure can quickly build.

He said comedians can respond by interacting with the audience, improvising or acknowledging that a joke has failed before moving on.

Despite the challenges, he said comedians can learn from negative reactions and use them to improve their craft. He also stressed the importance of writing, saying comedy requires significant intellectual work.

According to Jerry, comedians develop ideas through writing, removing weak material, adding new material, and testing jokes until they work.

He said Ghana’s comedy industry would benefit from more major comedy platforms similar to the established shows that regularly attract large audiences.

Jerry said better branding and more opportunities for local comedians could help the industry grow and give Ghanaian performers greater visibility.