Skit maker, Clinton Atika, also known as Rukky Funny, has 180,000 followers on Instagram. He talks to FAITH AJAYI about his career
Tell us about your family and educational background.
I am the only male child of my parents. I had my secondary education at Abraka Grammar School, Delta State. I went on to take an online course in Data Analysis,
When did you become active on social media?
Before I started making skits, I had been active on social media since 2019, doing ‘selfie videos’. I actually started making comedy skits in 2021.
How did you begin your journey as a content creator?
I started my career in Nollywood in 2019, but since I was young, I had always wanted to be a celebrity or a public figure. I love comedy and the people around me always say I am funny. I make content that I feel is funny, and I put it out there. I started creating comedy content for fun, but the journey has been good. When I was in Asaba, whenever I heard that they were shooting in a particular location, I would go there.
What influenced you to go into content creation?
Comedy is something I love doing and it comes naturally. Before social media, I had been a funny person, and a lot of people have confirmed that to me. That was why I decided to be making content that will make people laugh.
Take us through your creative process before you put out content.
Most of my contents are based on the things happening around me. I feel that making content about happenings in society will raise awareness about those issues, and it would be easy to relate to. Also, I work with a team, which I regard as the best.
In what ways did your upbringing influence the type of content you make?
My mum is a very funny woman, and I think I got my funny nature from her. There is a word I say at the end of almost all my contents, which I learnt from my mum.
What makes your content stand out?
I create my content based on the things I experience. Although there are those who do similar things, but their realities will be different from mine. I believe that we all see life differently, based on our different experiences and upbringing.
What form of support did you get when you started content creation?
My biggest supporter has been God. At some point, it was not easy, and I actually felt like giving up. But, I am grateful to God that I persevered.
My family and friends have also been wonderful, because if they did not support me, I don’t think I would have been able to get to where I am now. They all supported my craft in their different ways.
What was your family’s reaction when you started as a content creator on social media?
The truth is that when one starts something, it might not make sense at the initial stage. When I started, it was not funny. My mum and some of my loved ones thought I was not being serious with my life. They thought I was just having fun, and they did not expect something big to come out of this. But, when I started getting events and show bookings, and they started hearing from other people about my craft, they started to believe in me and support me. My mum attended my first show in Asaba, and was surprised at the crowd she saw.
Who are some of the people who inspired you to become a content creator?
My biggest role model of all time is Wizkid. I have always admired since he was a young artiste. It always amazed me that a young boy like him could make such a big impact, and break records. He is still breaking records and is very active in the industry.
In the area of consistency, Sabinus (Mr Funny) is another person who inspires me. I was opportune to meet him recently, and he shared a lot of things with me that I feel will help me develop. He is someone I look up to. As successful as he is, he remains consistent, and that inspires me.
What were some of the challenges you faced when you started?
One of the biggest challenges I have been able to overcome, which I am forever grateful for, was that in 2021, my accounts (Instagram and Facebook) were disabled, and I had to start from scratch again. At that time, I had over 87,000 followers on Instagram. I used to get thousands of comments on a post, but after my accounts were disabled, I only got like five comments. I was so depressed at the time.
However, one of my greatest achievements was when I surpassed the number of followers I had with my old account. I was so happy and proud of myself.
How do you deal with challenges?
It is by God’s grace, and by believing in myself and my craft. Even when I had few followers, I believed that I could get more, and I am forever grateful for that.
What content brought you to the limelight?
That would be the skit of me recovering the things I bought for my ex-girlfriend. When I wanted to start making video content, I started by posting the video of me recovering the things I bought for my ex-girlfriend, and it went viral. Since then God has been faithful.
How do you deal with criticism from people?
I have always believed in what I do and I have it at the back of my mind that no matter what one does, people would talk bad about it. It is not everybody that is expected to like what I do. Even with their negative comments, they still follow me, and are actually fans. And, I am okay with that. What matters is that I believe in God and my craft.
What are your highlights as a content creator?
That was when I was able to surpass the number of followers I had in my previous account. Also, I was amazed at the huge number of people that attended my show. I only did little publicity, but the turnout was shocking.
What are your other areas of interest aside from content creation?
Philanthropy is one area I would love to do more. I love helping people. I don’t like posting about the things I do on social media, but whenever there is a situation that I can be of help financially or otherwise, I try to help, even with the little I have. When people are happy, that makes me happy too.
What are some of the opportunities content creation has given you?
This interview is one. If I was not a content creator, you wouldn’t interview me. I have also met people like Sabinus and Ayiri Emami. Content creation has been a blessing to me.
How do you like to dress?
I like to dress like Wizkid; but it also depends on where I’m going. What I wear when going to church is different from what I wear when going to a party. I always like to dress in a way that will turn heads wherever I go.
How do you unwind?
I go out to the club or a lounge with my friends to have fun.
