Ellen DeGeneres, Trevor Noah are my role models – Diamond Osakorigho

There are several talented comedians in Nigeria but Diamond Dietanuru Osakorigho, is an exception. He is outstanding! The Warri, Delta State-born comedian has said on countless occasions that, as well as his upbringing, his education has also been helpful to the nurturing of his innate talent for comedy.

The creator and host of the Pararan Mock News, holder of a certificate in Business Management Studies from the Ghana Chartered Institute of Financial Investment Analysis is also currently in the middle of his studies at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) to obtain more qualifications to his credit.

While he was live on an edition of Pararan Mock News on December 4, 2022, he gave a more detailed explanation, saying: “As for qualifications, it has helped me develop the skills and knowledge I need to succeed in the comedy industry and make a positive contribution to society. Comedy and my qualifications have helped my career very well and have impacted positively on society at large.”

The Pararan Mock News, a comedy news show airing three times weekly, has elements of the Ellen DeGeneres Show and the satirical The Daily Show, hosted by Trevor Noah. Indeed, both comedians are his role models, as he explained on one of his Instagram live chats: “Both are comedians who have achieved great success while also using their platforms to promote positive messages of social justice and equality. Both are my role models who inspired me to pursue my dream and make a positive impact on the world.”

Diamond, the winner of the 2005 edition of the Made in Warri comedy contest, considered himself one of the lucky comedians who broke even early in the business, having started out in 2017 and already making waves by March 2018.

Responding to a question from his fan during the live chat with TMY Podcast, he said: “One of the biggest lessons in comedy is the importance of being true to yourself and your own unique voice. When you’re starting out, it can be tempting to try to emulate other comedians or follow the latest trends, but ultimately, the most successful comedians are the ones who have a distinct point of view and a unique sense of humour that sets them apart from everyone else.”