Stand-up comedian: Vilho Haipa
A stand-up comedian entertains audiences by performing comic routines, often including jokes, stories and observational humour. They create and refine material, rehearse performances and engage with audiences through live shows.Comedians must be quick-witted, creative and able to connect with diverse audiences, often addressing current events, personal experiences and social issues.
Vilho Haipa, known by his stage name ‘Funny Jones’, has been making waves in the comedy scene since 2018. His dedication and passion for making people laugh have driven his successful career in stand-up comedy.
His interest in comedy started early. "I grew up watching comedians from Free Your Mind (FYM) on NBC and although I had never claimed the title of a class clown, I was always intrigued enough to give it a shot," he recalled.
In 2018, Haipa connected with FYM, secured a spot on their show, and he has never looked back.
As a stand-up comedian, his job involves ensuring that people have a good time at formal events. "This I achieve through sharing jokes on relevant topics that could be of interest, such as politics, economics, personal relationships and so forth," he explained.
Haipa emphasized the importance of disciplined practice in comedy. "Some refer to comedy as a muscle. Similar to the gym, the more you work on it, the bigger and better it becomes." Comedians often engage in wordplay games, continuously write and refine jokes, and rehearse extensively to perfect their performances, he said.
Emerging trends in the industry have also opened new opportunities for comedians.
Haipa observed that as more young people participate in corporate events, there has been an increased demand for comedians at these events. Even weddings and baptisms, which were formerly more serious, now book comedians, he noted.
"With social media, more comedians have a wider reach, making it easier for opportunities to collaborate on various platforms with other industry creatives," Haipa highlighted.
His career as a stand-up comedian is marked by his commitment to his craft and his passion for entertaining. This journey offers valuable insights for aspiring comedians, emphasising the importance of practice, dedication and staying attuned to industry trends.
"The love for comedy and the drive to explore its possibilities have always been my motivation," he said.
In addition to his live performances, Haipa continuously works on developing new material. This involves staying updated with current events and popular culture, drawing from personal experiences, and experimenting with different comedic styles and formats.
His ability to adapt and innovate keeps his performances fresh and relevant allows him to resonate with a broad audience. Haipa highlighted that networking within the comedy scene provides opportunities for collaboration, learning and growth. "Building relationships with fellow comedians and industry creatives has been instrumental in my career."