Stand-Up Comedian | TV Presenter | Actor | Event Host | Philanthropist
Hi there! I'm DKB Ghana, originally born as Derick Kobina Bonney on September 3rd, 1985 in the capital city of Accra, Ghana. My parents, Caroline Mensah and Harry Jerry Bonney, are both Ga-Adangbe people of Ghana. I am a stand-up comedian, TV presenter, actor, and event host.
My journey in entertainment began during my time at St. John's Grammar School in Ghana, where I discovered my love for entertainment and gradually established myself as a regular dance and rap performer during entertainment programs there. In 2005, I gained admission to the University of Ghana, where my serious engagement with Stand-up comedy took roots after proving myself at an event on campus. I have had the opportunity to showcase my talent on several TV shows, including 'Citizen Comedy Show' on Metro TV and 'Laugh A Minute' on Viasat 1 (now Kwese TV). However, my popularity skyrocketed when I represented Ghana at Big Brother Africa (season 7) in 2012. I have been touted as the new King of Ghana Comedy by Kwaku Sintim-Misa, who is a Ghanaian satire-comedy innovator veteran. I'm also among the few Ghanaian TV personalities who have different shows running on different channels at the same time, in addition to hosting a radio comedy show.
As the owner and creator of Ghana's biggest monthly comedy show dubbed Comedy Express, which started in 2016, my team and I decided to take the show virtual amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. In July 2020, the first virtual edition aired in Ghana. In February 2014, two years before Comedy Express, I organized the first-ever eponymous comedy tour dubbed DKBLIVE COMEDY TOUR across Ghana. My international comedy collaborations have seen me share the stage with Observational Comedian and Satirist Aron Kader on May 15, 2016, and British-Congolese Comedian-Actor-Presenter-Philanthropist Eddie Kadi. I'm proud to have won several awards in recognition of my contributions to the entertainment industry. In 2019, I won the Best Comedy act at the Ghana Entertainment Awards, US, and the Best Ghanaian Comedian of the Year at the Ghana Music & Arts Awards, EU. In 2017, I won the Best Comedian Act at the GH Entertainment Awards, US, and in 2016, I was named Comedian of the Year at the Viasat1 "JIGWE" awards in Ghana. I was also nominated for the Best Entertainer of the Year at the GH Entertainment Awards, US in 2018.
I'm grateful for the support of my fans and will continue to work hard to bring joy and laughter to everyone who comes across my work.
What were some of the most significant challenges you faced initially, and how did you overcome them?
As with any career, I faced several challenges at the beginning of my journey as a comedian. One of the most significant challenges I faced was gaining acceptance from the public as a comedian. Comedy wasn't seen as a viable career option in Ghana at the time, and it was challenging to convince people that I could make a living from it.
To overcome these challenges, I had to work hard, remain focused, and never give up on my dreams. I started by performing at any event that would have me, whether big or small. I also created my opportunities by organizing my shows and events. This helped me build a following and gain recognition from the public.
Finally, I continued to develop my skills and hone my craft. I attended comedy workshops and studied the work of successful comedians both in Ghana and abroad. This helped me improve my material and delivery and made me a better comedian overall. Through hard work, perseverance, and a supportive network, I was able to overcome these initial challenges and establish myself as one of Ghana's top comedians.
What advice would you offer to young people who are just starting their careers or pursuing their passions, both locally and internationally?
My advice to young people who are starting their careers or pursuing their passions is to work hard, remain focused, and never give up on their dreams. Here are some specific tips that I believe can help:
Believe in Yourself: It's important to believe in yourself and your abilities. If you don't believe in yourself, it will be challenging to convince others to believe in you. So always have faith in yourself and your abilities.
Identify Your Passion: It's important to identify your passion and pursue it relentlessly. If you are passionate about what you do, it won't feel like work, and you'll be more likely to succeed.
Be Persistent: Success doesn't come overnight, and it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. So don't give up on your dreams even when the going gets tough. Keep pushing, and you'll eventually achieve your goals.
Seek Out Mentorship: Find mentors who can guide you and offer valuable advice based on their experience. Mentors can help you avoid pitfalls, make connections, and provide you with insights that can help you grow and succeed.
Embrace Failure: Failure is a part of the learning process, and it's important to embrace it. Don't be afraid to make mistakes or fail; instead, learn from them and use them to improve and grow.
Network: Networking is essential in any career or passion pursuit. So make connections, attend events, and put yourself out there. You never know who you might meet, and it might be the opportunity you need to take your career or passion to the next level.
Stay Focused: It's easy to get sidetracked, but it's essential to stay focused on your goals. Don't let distractions or setbacks deter you from pursuing your passion. Keep your eyes on the prize and stay focused.
In conclusion, pursuing a career or passion is not an easy road, but it's a rewarding one. With hard work, dedication, and persistence, you can achieve your goals and fulfill your dreams.
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dkbghana/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dkbghana
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dkbghana/