With more than two decades of experience as a Master of Ceremonies and a flourishing career in architecture, Sunday Onyenachiya, fondly known as Sunny Messiah, has built a distinct niche in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Celebrated for his sharp wit and ability to deliver humour in flawless English with originality and style, he continues to set himself apart as a class act.
As he gears up for his highly anticipated comedy special, Paternity Leave, slated for November 16, 2025, Sunny Messiah takes a moment to reflect on his journey, his creative process, and why this show promises to offer far more than just laughter.
You’ve been in the comedy industry for a while now. How would you describe your journey so far?
Sunny Messiah: It’s been a journey of growth, resilience, and plenty of lessons. Comedy has taken me from small clubs to bigger stages, corporate functions, and weddings, opening doors to big opportunities. Without a doubt, it has its share of challenges, but for me, the real joy is performing my jokes and seeing faces light up with unbridled laughter. It is irreplaceable! That’s what keeps me going.
Where do you draw inspiration for your materials?
Sunny Messiah: Everyday life! To be more precise, my everyday life. I moved from looking for materials from every other place to making it personal.
My life is my biggest fodder now. I mine and milk my personal stories for jokes. I’m always observing, always writing, it could be a new joke, punchline or tag. Especially, since no joke is ever truly finished.
There are almost always new angles and perspectives. Every new angle is an opportunity and or a set up for a new punchline. Hope I’m not getting too nerdy (laughs). Well, to put it simply, inspiration is everywhere. Where and how you are looking is what makes all the difference.
Nigerian comedy is evolving rapidly. What do you think about the current state of the industry
Sunny Messiah: It’s exciting. The industry is diversifying, with a lot of comedians putting out specials yearly. Whether or not we all fully understand what a comedy special is, that’s another story. I am glad it’s encouraging comedians to be more original and authentic.
It’s also bringing relative recognition to joke writers and has also midwifed new comedy audiences.
All these gladden me. But we still need more structured comedy clubs around the country where comedians can go to workshop their jokes and possibly go on tour.
You’re an architect by training and still practise actively. How do you balance architecture with comedy and event hosting?
Sunny Messiah: It’s all about structure and creativity. Architecture teaches you discipline, precision, and how to design with purpose.
Comedy, on the other hand, gives me the freedom to play, to explore human experiences, and to connect emotionally with people.
My colleagues say I’m an architect by day and a comedian by night. Some say I’m a comedian who moonlights as an architect.
I laugh it off most times because I have never bothered to set the record straight. We will find out after Paternity Leave. (laughs)
Let’s talk about your upcoming comedy special, Paternity Leave. What inspired the title and theme?
Sunny Messiah: Paternity Leave came from reflecting on family and fatherhood, but with a humorous twist. It’s about balance, responsibility, and those everyday situations that can drive you crazy but also make for the funniest stories. The show is my way of turning life into laughter.
Can you share the details of the show and how people can get tickets?
Sunny Messiah: Sure. The live recording of Paternity Leave is happening on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Alliance Française de Lagos / Mike Adenuga Centre, 9 Osborne Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Tickets are already selling fast. You can get them online here or follow me on my social media handles for updates. We have different categories: Regular (10K), VIP (25K), and Gold (50K). So, there’s an option for everyone.
You’ve got some big sponsors on board. How have they contributed to making this happen?
Sunny Messiah: I’m really grateful to our sponsors including Atorj Technology Limited, Sew Smooth, Martinz Nnaji Jr’s Film Kitchen, Tetrarch Nigeria Limited, Ivon Melda, Havana Prime, and PixxelColors Agency for believing in this vision and investing in this comedy special.
They have been incredible partners, helping us scale up production and reach more people. It shows that brands are starting to see the value of comedy not just as entertainment but as a cultural force. Their support took off a chunk of our financial burdens and is helping us focus on delivering a world-class show, and I don’t take that for granted.
What should audiences expect from this special?
Sunny Messiah: Audiences should expect something refreshing, smart, and full of energy. Paternity Leave isn’t just another comedy show. We’re bringing fresh material, high-quality production, and interactive moments.
It’s going to feel like a celebration, laughter, culture, and connection all in one. It’s personal to me, and I think everyone, whether married, single, parent, or not, will connect with it.
