OB Amponsah Reflects on Unsuccessful Bid to Perform at Michael Blackson’s Comedy Show

Popular Ghanaian stand-up comedian, OB Amponsah, has given fans a rare, candid look into the realities of the comedy industry after sharing a detailed Facebook post about his experience surrounding Michael Blackson’s first-ever comedy special, which took place in Accra on Saturday, January 3, 2025.

In the emotional and reflective post on Monday, January 5, 2025, OB revealed that despite multiple attempts to connect with the Hollywood-based Ghanaian-American comedian, he was ultimately unable to share the stage with Blackson on the historic night—an experience he described as both disappointing and instructive.

OB Amponsah explained that he has long admired Michael Blackson and had hoped to collaborate with him, especially given their shared Ghanaian roots and mutual impact on stand-up comedy. Prior to his own second comedy special at the Bukom Arena, OB reached out to Blackson to invite him to perform—but received no response.

Still optimistic, OB noted that he renewed his efforts when news broke that Blackson would be taping his comedy special in Accra. He publicly expressed interest in opening for Blackson and even received encouragement from fans and colleagues who tried to plug him behind the scenes. At one point, fellow comedian Ajeezay reportedly recommended OB directly to Blackson after turning down an opportunity himself.

Despite texting Blackson directly on WhatsApp—messages which OB later shared screenshots of—there was still no response.

OB attended the show regardless, prepared to enjoy the event but also ready to perform should the opportunity arise. Upon arrival at the venue, he met comedians Khemikal and Putogo, who had already been confirmed to perform five-minute sets.

After the first show, OB’s hopes were reignited when Olivia, a member of the event’s organizing team, reportedly informed him that he might get a chance to perform during the second show. According to OB, he was told he would perform a five-minute set before Blackson, alongside U.S.-based comedian Kiara Benson.

Read Also: Ghana’s OB Amponsah Wins Ultimate Comic Challenge at The Idiot Box Comedy Club

What followed, however, was a rollercoaster of confusion. OB described pacing backstage, nervously rehearsing, only to later realize that Kiara would be performing a much longer set and that his own slot was no longer certain. Attempts to clarify the situation were unsuccessful, as Olivia reportedly became unreachable, and the stage manager insisted he had no authorization to allow OB on stage without confirmation.

Despite a delay that OB believes could have accommodated his brief performance, the opportunity never materialized.

In the end, OB chose grace over frustration. While acknowledging the disappointment—felt even more strongly by friends and colleagues who had been rooting for him—he accepted the moment as part of the grind that defines the creative industry.

The night ended not on stage, but at a KFC in Osu, where OB and his team found comfort in chicken and dessert, jokingly noting his choice of Oreos over alcohol due to his SDA background.

OB was careful to congratulate Michael Blackson on a successful show and praised both Khemikal and Putogo for their standout performances. He also acknowledged the importance of Blackson’s platform in spotlighting Ghanaian comedians on such a global stage.

“I already had a new Facebook bio drafted: ‘Opened for Michael Blackson,’” OB joked, before concluding with a reflective reminder that timing plays a crucial role in every career.

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