Nigerian comedian and musical performer, Otolorin Kehinde Peter, popularly known as Kenny Blaq, has opened up about the deep influence his father had on his career journey.
In a recent interview on the popular show “With Chude,” which aired on July 24, 2025, the award-winning entertainer reflected on his early struggles, creative process, and the unwavering support he received from his father throughout his rise to fame.
Kenny Blaq, who is well-known for his unique blend of music and comedy, a style that has earned him recognition across Africa and beyond, shared that his father played a foundational role in sharpening his talents and boosting his confidence as a performer. According to the comedian, it was his father’s insistence on pushing him to entertain guests that helped him discover his voice and hone his craft from a young age.
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“My dad made me get better in comedy,” Blaq said during the interview. “He would just look at me, invite his friends over to the house, and tell me to perform for them. He would tell me to crack jokes. They were laughing, but he wasn’t, until I started cracking jokes about him snoring.”
This early, informal “training ground” became a turning point for Kenny Blaq, who was born into a humble family in Lagos. Despite the challenges of growing up in a crowded neighborhood and navigating a competitive entertainment industry, he developed a distinctive style that fuses witty comedy with music, often drawing from his background in gospel choirs and music performance.
The comedian revealed that his father’s influence went far beyond the living room performances. Even today, Kenny says, his father remains actively interested in his work, often asking about the material he is currently scripting for upcoming shows.
“To date, my dad would ask me about the material I am working on,” he said. “He is a big fan of music, and all of the music I know today is because of my dad.”
Music has always been a strong component of Kenny Blaq’s art. His skits and stage acts frequently feature song parodies, vocal impersonations, and musical storytelling, which have made him a standout in the Nigerian comedy landscape. With his twin sister, Taiwo Otolorin, also active in the creative industry, it’s clear that artistic passion runs in the family.
Kenny Blaq also spoke affectionately about the personal bond he shares with his father, describing it as a relationship rooted in mutual respect and creative exchange.
“He inspires my music, and I still share a good relationship [with him],” he continued. “I visit my dad almost every day when I get the chance. I would sit down with him and we would play music.”
Over the years, Kenny Blaq has earned accolades for his performances both locally and internationally. He was named Best Comedy Act at the Future Awards Africa and has performed on major stages, including the London edition of AY Live. Despite his growing fame, he remains grounded in his family values, often acknowledging the crucial role his upbringing played in shaping his identity as a performer.
As he continues to push creative boundaries in comedy and music, Kenny Blaq’s story stands as a powerful reminder of how family support, especially parental encouragement, can be instrumental in nurturing talent and fueling success in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
