Klint da Drunk

'''Afamefuna Klint Igwemba''' (born 3 March 1975), professionally known as '''Klint da Drunk''', is a Nigerian comedian, actor, musician, painter, gadget enthusiast, and dancer. Hailing from the Igbo ethnic group, he is celebrated for his signature "drunken" persona—stumbling, slurring, and delivering punchlines in character—which has made him a pioneer in improv comedy. Rising to fame in the early 2000s through Night of a Thousand Laughs and collaborations with Nigga Raw, Klint has headlined major tours across Africa, including sold-out shows in Ghana (2009 TV3 Mentor appearance) and Uganda (2019 Comedy Store). His multifaceted career spans Nollywood films, music features, and visual arts, earning him accolades like Best Comic Actor at the African Movie Academy Awards. As of October 2025, with a net worth estimated at $500,000–$1 million, Klint continues to innovate via YouTube sketches and his ongoing tour The Drunk and The Preacher, blending humor with social commentary on Nigerian life.

Early Life

Klint da Drunk was born Afamefuna Klint Igwemba on 3 March 1975 in Agukwu-Nri, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria, into an Igbo family. The eldest of three siblings, he grew up in a modest household in Enugu State, where his early exposure to village life inspired his comedic persona—mimicking local drunkards during school plays. Despite financial challenges, Klint displayed artistic talents from childhood, sketching cartoons and performing impromptu dances at family gatherings. His formative years in Enugu, amid the vibrancy of Igbo culture and post-civil war resilience, shaped his humor's blend of satire and relatability. He has often credited his parents for instilling discipline, noting in a 2021 ARISE TV interview that "comedy was my escape from the ordinary."

Education

Klint pursued formal training in the arts at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Applied Arts in the mid-1990s. His studies emphasized painting and design, skills he later integrated into comedy props and album artwork. Though he briefly explored music production, academic pressures led him to hone his improv skills through campus theater. No records detail advanced degrees, but Klint's self-taught mastery of gadgets—evident in his tech-infused stage setups—complements his artistic foundation. He mentors young artists at IMT workshops, emphasizing creativity over credentials.

Career

Music and Early Breakthrough

Klint's entertainment journey began in the 1990s as a musician, teaming with rapper Nigga Raw (now Phyno) to win first runner-up in the inaugural Star Quest talent show by Nigerian Breweries and the Benson & Hedges "Grab Da Mic" competition. Featured on Nigga Raw's debut album Obodo (2000), his hook on the title track became a hit, blending reggae influences with Igbo lyrics. However, a discouraging recording session—mocked for his "funny voice"—pivoted him to comedy. By the early 2000s, he adopted the "Klint da Drunk" alias, channeling village drunkard mannerisms into stage acts that captivated audiences with absurd, unscripted rants.

Comedy Stardom and International Tours

Klint exploded onto Nigeria's comedy scene at Opa Williams' Night of a Thousand Laughs (2005), his viral "iyuwiyuwiyuwiyuu" routine leaving crowds in stitches and earning mentor Ali Baba's endorsement. He headlined alongside Basketmouth and Bovi, pioneering "drunk improv" that satirized politics, relationships, and daily Nigerian struggles. International acclaim followed: In 2009, his Ghana TV3 Mentor performance dazzled millions, while 2010 saw him thrill Kenyan crowds, including Raila Odinga. Tours extended to Uganda (2019 Comedy Store) and South Africa, with sold-out shows blending dance and gadget gags.

In Nollywood, Klint starred in over 20 films, including The Destroyers (2006), Chain Reaction (2008), Lost Kingdom (2010), My House Help (2012), and Men on the Run (2015), earning praise for comic timing. His painting hobby yielded exhibitions in Enugu (2022), featuring satirical portraits of celebrities.

Recent Ventures (2020–2025)

The COVID-19 era boosted Klint's digital presence: His YouTube channel (@OfficialKlintdaDrunk) amassed 500,000+ subscribers with sketches like "Drunk Tech Reviews," fusing comedy with gadget unboxings. In 2022, he survived a ghastly car accident, crediting faith for his recovery and channeling it into motivational tours.

By 2025, Klint's The Drunk and The Preacher stage show premiered in Abuja (May 2025), pairing him with a preacher for dueling routines on morality and mischief, thrilling 5,000+ attendees. He guested on ARISE TV (September 2025), discussing comedy's evolution, and announced a memoir, Drunk on Laughter, for 2026 release. Despite rumors of retirement, Klint affirmed in an October 2025 interview: "The drunk never sobers up—life's too serious not to laugh."

Awards and Recognition

Klint's innovative style has garnered widespread acclaim: - Best Comic Actor, African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA, 2008). - Best Comedian in Nigeria, Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA, 2010). - Best Actor in a Comedy, Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA, 2012). - African Best Comedian, City People Entertainment Awards (2015). Nominated for multiple Golden Icons Awards, he was hailed as a "comedy legend" by peers like Ushbebe. Former President Goodluck Jonathan, a fan, attended his shows thrice.

Personal Life

Klint is married to Lillian Igwemba, a private businesswoman, and they have two children—a son and daughter—residing in Enugu. A teetotaler despite his persona, he quips, "I act drunk to sober up the nation." Devoutly Christian, Klint supports youth arts programs in Anambra, donating paintings to orphanages. His gadget passion includes collecting vintage cameras, which inspire comedic props. In 2023, he revealed battling depression post-accident, advocating mental health via social media (@klintdadruhnk, 300,000+ followers).

Legacy

At 50, Klint da Drunk's influence endures as a bridge between Nigeria's stand-up golden age and digital comedy. His unscripted style inspired Gen Z acts like Nasboi, while films and music features diversified Nollywood humor. With a net worth of $500,000–$1 million from tours, endorsements, and art sales, he mentors via workshops, ensuring Igbo storytelling thrives. Critics praise his resilience, from music pivots to accident recovery, as "drunk-proof" inspiration.

See Also

• Night of a Thousand Laughs
• Nigerian comedy
• List of Igbo people
• Nollywood

References

Synthesized from sources as of October 2025