By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi
Ghanaian comedian OB Amponsah has shared a heartfelt recount of how he almost performed on stage at Michael Blackson’s first comedy special in Accra on January 3, 2026, but ultimately didn’t get the opportunity.
In a detailed post on Facebook, Amponsah described his excitement at the idea of working with Blackson someone he has long admired and hoped to share the spotlight with. He said he reached out to Blackson several times in the past, believing that a collaboration with the internationally-known Ghanaian-born comedian would be a huge opportunity for exposure. However, his messages never got a response, and they still hadn’t shared a stage.
When he later learned Blackson was coming to perform in Accra, Amponsah publicly offered to be one of the opening acts. Some of Blackson’s fans and people close to the comedian tried to support him, but nothing came of it.
On the night of the show, fellow Ghanaian comedians Khemikal and Putogo were each given five-minute sets. Amponsah was happy to enjoy the performances regardless and praised how well Ghanaian comedians are doing. He also thoroughly enjoyed Blackson’s performance, saying it kept the audience laughing from beginning to end.
Backstage, Amponsah’s hopes rose when the event organiser, Olivia, told him there was a chance he might perform a five-minute set before the second show. Amponsah said he was so excited he started pacing around and rehearsing in his head. But plans quickly changed.
In the final lineup, US-based comedian Kiara Benson was given both opening slots, leaving Amponsah without the chance to go on stage. Despite attempts to sort it out with Olivia and the stage manager, he couldn’t secure a spot.
Taking it in stride, Amponsah wrote that he “swallowed the disappointment,” used a playful “Kevin Hart shoulder shrug,” and reminded himself that maybe it just wasn’t his time yet.
He ended his message by congratulating Michael Blackson on a great show and thanking him for giving Ghanaian comedians valuable exposure. He also applauded Khemikal and Putogo for their performances, and joked that he’d even prepared a new Facebook bio that read: “Opened for Michael Blackson” but acknowledged that circumstances simply didn’t align this time.
“The grind is the grind! Happy New Year!” he concluded .
