‘They offered me dollars’ — Kevinblak alleges dollar offer to alter skits

Nigerian comedian, Kevin Chinedu, popularly known as Kevinblak, has alleged that officials of a political party offered him dollars to modify his satirical skits critical of governance.

Mr Chinedu made the disclosure on Monday during an interview on Arise 360 on Arise TV, where he spoke about pressures faced by content creators who use humour to hold public officials accountable.

Known for his fictional character “Governor Amuneke,” Mr Chinedu said the approach came at a particularly difficult time in his personal life.

“They said they were going to change my life, that I’m earning crumbs… give me dollars. They mentioned that my colleagues are in the game,” he said.

Alleged inducement

Mr Chinedu disclosed that he was invited to Abuja with promises of financial reward in exchange for altering his content.

“I had a lot of bills on my head and I just heard, come to Abuja, let’s change your life. Dollars upon dollars,” he said.

He, however, declined to name the political party involved, referring to it only as “Amuneke’s party,” and cautioned against speculation.

“Don’t mention names, trust me, don’t mention names,” he said.

Refusal and principles

Despite the financial pressure, Mr Chinedu said he rejected the offer, citing his personal values.

“I looked at it, I said, no, I am who I am. I’ve been here for a long time, and I’ve never been in any illegal thing,” he said.

“If I want to do it, it should be something I’m doing because I want to do it… not because I’m being influenced by money.”

Peer influence

The comedian also revealed that his close associates shared similar values and had resisted similar approaches.

“I don’t have friends that are easily overwhelmed with money. I have people who have principles… they themselves have been approached,” he said.

He noted that such conversations are common within his circle as creators navigate ethical challenges in the industry.