Comedy is powerful voice for social awareness –Comedian Oh Joo
GHANAIAN comedian Oh Joo believes it's high time comedy was recognised for its deeper societal value instead of merely seeing it as a collection of laughs and light-hearted moments.
To him, comedy is not just a medium for entertainment, it is a potent tool for sparking conversations, influencing public thought and driving social awareness, much like music and theatre.
In an exclusive interview with Graphic Showbiz, Oh Joo argued that comedy, when harnessed with intent, could cut through barriers and engage audience on issues often considered uncomfortable or controversial.
According to him, comedians have a unique role to play in national discourse.
“People tend to dismiss comedy as mere fun and a game. But the truth is, comedy holds immense power. It disarms people, makes them comfortable and in that moment of laughter, you can deliver a message that sticks. It’s a strategy that’s just as effective as what musicians and playwrights use.”
“Our society is facing a lot of challenges—from mental health to political tension and social inequality. We as comedians can’t always be passive observers. We need to use our platforms to reflect society, to provoke thought and to push for change,” Oh Joo stated.
He encouraged comedians to leverage their platforms and creativity to tackle social issues, promote awareness and drive progress through their craft.
He pointed out that while Ghana has had pioneers such as the legendary satirist Kwaku Sintim-Misa (KSM), much more can be done within the comedy industry to address critical societal issues. (Read Actress Ebi Bright nominated MCE for Tema Metropolitan, Keep your sympathy, I earned my crown-King Promise)
“KSM has done an incredible job over the years with his style. He tackles real issues with humour, and that’s commendable. But it shouldn’t end there. We all have voices, and collectively, we can do more. His work is just the tip of the iceberg,” he added.
Oh Joo, who recently hosted Turd Talks, a TED Talk-style comedy show with a Ghanaian twist, reiterated his commitment to using humour as a tool for advocacy.
Held at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Accra on Saturday, April 19, 2025, the event blended thought-provoking themes with satire, shining a spotlight on one cause particularly close to his heart — autism awareness.
He told Graphic Showbiz the motivation behind the initiative was to raise awareness of autism which he believed was yet to receive attention.
“I have friends on the spectrum, and I’ve seen how much they struggle due to lack of understanding and support from society. Autism is real, and it’s time we started treating it with the seriousness it deserves. With Turd Talks, I want to open people’s eyes while making them laugh at the same time. That’s the sweet spot,” he quipped.
