A skit maker, Uchenna Igwe, aka Sir One On One, who has 480,000 followers on Instagram, tells BLESSING ENENAITE about his career
What influenced your decision to become a skit maker?
It is my calling. Second, I have passion for creativity. From day one, I have been in love with show business; from music to movies, stand-up comedy skit making.
Why do you dress like a woman in your skits?
My parents gave birth to four boys. I am the first child, and in every family where there are only boys, one particular person has to ‘sacrifice’ himself to be the ‘girl’ of the house, that would help with all the house chores. I happened to be the boy who did all that.
Also, we hardly had any lady visiting us. So, it was only my mother who had female clothes in the house. Back then, we used to wear my daddy’s clothes but no one would wear my mum’s clothes, except me (laughs). I can speak with four different tones, and one of them is what I use in my women leader skits. I shot my first skit using that voice in 2017.
Some people believe male skit makers who dress like women are do it to mock females. What do you have to say concerning this?
First, individuals that shoot their skits with female clothes have different mindsets. However, if you watch my skits, you will see that my women leader character is a cultured African old woman, who tries to tell people that they cannot intimidate her in society. That is what I portray. I do not know about any other person.
Aside from women leader, what other characters do you portray?
In 2003/2004, I played male roles in the movies, ‘Inside Africa’, ‘Cadet’ and ‘The Jury.’ In 2021, I shot a movie where I also acted as a man. It depends on the scripts I get. However, I have not dressed like a man in any of my skits before.
How did you get the name Sir One On One?
I have always been a plain and straightforward person. If there is anything that involves not explaining one’s feelings face-to-face to anyone, I cannot be a party to it.
Besides, when I wanted to create an Instagram account with my stage name, Sir One On One, the option was not approved on Instagram. When I typed ‘Sir One’, it was granted though. That is how I adopted the name on Instagram. However, my name on Facebook is Sir One On One.
What do you consider to be your most notable achievements so far?
I have a lot of achievements but I don’t always like to talk about them online. I have always loved being self employed. I started showbiz in 2003, and I worked for people till 2014 when I started my own event venues. I opened one in Ebonyi State and another in Cross River State. That of Ebonyi lasted till 2020. People used to come, sit and drank while they enjoyed the shows staged for them. I also have studios for music, pictures and video editing. I am married and have other investments which I am very grateful for.
What impact have you made with your works and career?
I have really tried my best, and a lot of people have learnt from me. Many successful people from my town in Ebonyi State have travelled out of the town, but I have chosen to remain there. I have helped many of the entertainers from that place.
What are the challenges you face as a skit maker?
One of the challenges I face as a skit maker is getting suitable locations. Second, my church does not like show business, especially hotel business. My father was a comedian but he is now a deacon in the church. Hence, there are certain places he cannot go to or allow his children to go.
Another challenge was that I was a teacher in a seminary school, and it was quite hard for me to switch to doing street shows, which is actually my calling. Some of the people I taught in the school, as well as their parents, might have an issue with it.
Although my parents did not initially approve of my decision to become a skit maker, they later had no choice but to accept me that way. It got to a point that they could not stop me. My father is not someone that would stop the dreams of his children, but he would express his displeasure for what he does not like.
Who are the notable names you have featured in your skits?
I have featured popular actor, Chinedu Ikedieze, aka Aki; as well as other skit makers— Zicsaloma and Mr Funny.
What are your educational qualifications?
I am from Ebonyi State but I was born in Anambra State. I had my nursery education in Ihiala, Anambra; while my primary education was in Enugu State. For my secondary education, I went to Ebonyi State. I am a graduate of Animal Husbandry from the Ebonyi State University.
Why did you choose to study Animal Husbandry, despite being involved in entertainment?
I love agriculture, although I wanted to study Medicine. However, Animal Husbandry was the closest course to Medicine that I could qualify to study.
Did you practise what you studied in the university?
I taught for four years but now, I only have a farm.
You started your career as an actor, but you are also a compere, singer and comedian. How do you juggle all these?
I started as an actor, though my love for reggae music influenced my decision to become a singer. Along the line, I decided to become a master of ceremonies, so as to raise money to pursue my music career. When I got into it, I got to know that I was even more drawn towards comedy than music. That made me to stick to comedy. From 2006, I have been into stand-up comedy.
Which of your works brought you into limelight?
My skit brought me into limelight at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
What are your most memorable moments as an entertainer?
The first day I was called to perform as a stand-up comedian in government house, Ebonyi State, was quite memorable for me. It was during the first term of a former governor of the state, Martins Elechi, about 16 years ago.
What are your embarrassing moments as a skit maker?
There was a time I was performing and some people rushed towards me. In the process, they tore the costume I used for my women leader character.
Who are the people who have helped you in the course of your career?
The first person I would mention is DJ T, who is a sound engineer. He is someone I always talk to, from day one. If I have any issues, he is the one I go to and he would advise me on how to go about it. Other persons who have supported me are media personality, Chinedu Emmanuel, aka Nedu; and popular blogger, Tunde Ednut.
What are your hobbies?
I love to do business.
How do you like to dress?
I like corporate outfits, as well as baggy trousers. I also love wearing things that most people cannot wear.
