Eddie Kadi Interview: Comedy, Expectations & Stage Life
- Babatunde Aléshé, a comedian known for blending African dance styles with his stand-up, didn't initially plan a career in comedy.
- Aléshé admired performers such as Richard Blackwood, Bruce Forsyth, Ronnie Corbett, Laurel and Hardy, and Charlie Chaplin.
- His show, "Let Me Land," reflects on his experiences as an asylum seeker.
Delve into the unexpected origins of Babatunde Aléshé’s comedy career, which began not in clubs, but on university stages. Discover how his unique blend of Congolese music and stand-up comedy captivates audiences, transforming storytelling into an art form. Learn of his admiration for comedy legends and how these influences shape his performance. Aléshé’s experience on “Strictly Come Dancing” and his advice to aspiring comedians provides unique secondary_keyword insights. Uncover the pivotal moment when he headlined the O2 Arena, a milestone that solidified his place in the comedy world. News Directory 3 highlights Aléshé’s journey, his challenges, and the expectations faced. Discover what’s next in his career.
Babatunde Aléshé on Comedy, Dance, and ’Strictly’
Updated May 31, 2025
Babatunde Aléshé, a comedian known for blending African dance styles with his stand-up, didn’t initially plan a career in comedy. His start came while hosting talent shows at university. Encouraged to try stand-up, he found success at Kojo’s Comedy Funhouse, where explaining his funny songs generated even more laughs.
Aléshé admired performers such as Richard Blackwood, Bruce Forsyth, Ronnie Corbett, Laurel and Hardy, and Charlie Chaplin. He said he absorbed their energy,which influenced his own style.
His show, “Let Me Land,” reflects on his experiences as an asylum seeker. The title refers to the expression “let me finish,” a theme that resonates throughout his life story.
Dance is central to Aléshé’s performances. Growing up listening to Congolese music, he integrated its rhythms into his comedy. He said dance is a form of expression deeply rooted in his culture.
Aléshé’s experience on “Strictly Come Dancing” taught him that formal dance involved much more than his natural movements. He learned this the hard way.
Before shows, Aléshé prays for confidence and stretches, often dancing backstage without music.
A career highlight was headlining the O2 Arena.Aléshé said it was a significant moment, marking his arrival on a major stage and boosting his confidence during a time when black British comics weren’t getting many big opportunities. This performance remains close to his heart.
Aléshé finds it frustrating when people expect him to be “on” all the time. He said people often ask him to dance or tell jokes on demand, forgetting heS not always in performance mode.
One particularly bad gig occurred at the old BBC building in White City. Despite feeling confident from previous shows,the audience stared silently throughout his set. Aléshé said the experience made him question his career path and consider returning to his old job at Tesco.
the best advice he ever received was to be his authentic self and to remember that his story is enough. He also values the advice to eat plenty of greens.
Aléshé has learned that audiences generally want performers to succeed, especially when they’ve come to see them. He also advises fellow stand-up comedians to bring a flannel on stage due to sweating.
What’s next
Aléshé plans to continue touring and developing new material, incorporating his unique blend of comedy, dance, and cultural insights.