In a recent interview, Yahaya Habeeb Olatunji, popularly known as Baba Kamo or Dr. Whiteberry, opened up about his journey in the entertainment industry, revealing how his passion for the big screen initially sparked his interest in acting.
Whiteberry, a stand-up comedian, actor, movie producer, and content creator, hails from Ita Merin, Oluwajuwonlo House, in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Born in September to the families of Alhaji and Mrs. Abdulqadiri Yahaya Akanbi, he grew up in Kano and Ilorin.
“Whiteberry is a Master of Ceremony, a comedian par excellence, a versatile actor, and a naturally gifted content creator,” he said. “I was born in Kano State and grew up there and in Ilorin, Kwara State.”
The name Baba Kamo, Whiteberry explained, came from the character he often portrays in his skits, which resonated with his audience and became his alias.
Whiteberry attributes much of his growth to numerous mentors in the comedy industry. “I have a lot of bosses in the industry because I am always open to learning and fresh ideas. Gbenga Adeyinka is someone I respect and have learned a lot from, so I can call him my direct boss,” he stated.
Despite his success in comedy, Whiteberry’s true passion lies in acting. “What people don’t actually know about me is that I started this whole stuff with acting. Acting is what I really have passion for right from the beginning, so I went back into acting because I want to expand my market to the big screen,” he revealed.
Whiteberry’s annual comedy show, “Comedy Ward with Baba Kamo,” has become a major event in Ilorin, Kwara State, attracting entertainment enthusiasts from across Nigeria. “The show has become the biggest annual comedy concert in Ilorin, drawing significant Nigerian celebrities like 9ice, Qdot, Gbenga Adeyinka, Baba Alariya, Ozain, Dr. Smile, Larry Jay, Honeytongue, Mc Desktop, Finestz, and others,” he said.
Unlike many of his colleagues who explore cities like Ibadan and Lagos, Whiteberry remains focused on Ilorin. “I am particular about Ilorin because I am from here. People won’t come from outside to develop Ilorin for us; they want to develop their own states. My priority is the development of entertainment in my state,” he explained.
Whiteberry shared that disappointments from friends and colleagues have been his major motivation. “When people tell me I can’t do it, I do the work. These challenges have made me up my game,” he said. Despite being a shy person and an introvert, he has learned to manage public expectations and interactions.
Fans of Whiteberry can expect exciting new projects. “Presently, I am working on a big project that will shake the industry. It’s the right time for me to hit the big screen,” he promised.
Whiteberry’s journey reflects his dedication to his craft and his commitment to promoting and developing entertainment in Ilorin, making him a prominent figure in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.