Benjamin Bello
- Comedian
Press clippings Page 4
Benjamin Bello: BBC stole character making C4 complicit
In the last four days, within the cyber bubble of the UK comedy industry, there has been a shitstorm on Twitter and Facebook about BBC Studios apparently ripping off a character comedian's long-running on-stage persona and selling a series pilot based on it to E4 (part of Channel 4). So obviously, yesterday, I had a chat with the wronged 'President Obonjo' aka comedian Benjamin Bankole Bello (remember that exact name). There is a certain element in this rip-off by the BBC of life imitating art.
John Fleming, John Fleming's Blog, 22nd July 2019Has President Obonjo had his identity stolen?
A mad African dictator terrorising his audience for laughs? Count us in. Sounds like a great concept. In fact, we know it's a great concept because someone's successfully been entertaining Fringe audiences with it for years. And his name is President Obonjo.
Robert Peacock, The Wee Review, 18th July 2019Angry comedian claims E4 has 'stolen' his character
Last night the broadcaster announced that Famalam and Sliced star Samson Kayo is to play a fictional African dictator called Colonel Banjoko in a new spoof talk show. However Benjamin Bello has been performing a similar act live called President Obonjo in the clubs for ten years.
Chortle, 18th July 2019The Wee Review Award nominations
Our nominees announced for this year's awards.
Robert Peacock, The Wee Review, 26th August 2017Edinburgh Fringe day 19
How to perform comedy to a tough audience.
John Fleming, John Fleming's Blog, 20th August 2017The New King of Scotland is back
President Obonjo tells all about his return to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
President Obonjo, British Comedy Guide, 12th August 2017President Obonjo interview
We speak to the African dictator set to stage a comedy coup at the Fringe.
Robert Peacock, The Wee Review, 29th June 2017Review: Old Comedian Of The Year 2017
Of all the stand-up competitions around - and there are many - Leicester Square Theatre's Old Comedian Of The Year has a point of difference. Not so much the age cut-off - only over-35s need apply, which still leaves a pretty wide field - but the fact that entrants must have been going for at least five years... demanding the comedians have achieved a certain level of experience, without a level of recognition.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 30th May 2017Review: Old Comedian of the Year
If the idea of The Old Comedian of the Year final conjures up images of Zimmer frames and senior moments nothing could be further from the truth.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 30th May 2017Old Comedian of the Year finalists announced
The line-up has been announced for this year's Old Comedian of the Year final.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 11th May 2017