My uncle travelled two hours to beat me for failing Physics – Comedian Layi Wasabi

Isaac Olayiwola, better known online as Layi Wasabi, is a well-known comedian, skit creator, and social media influencer. He shared a poignant childhood memory that illuminates the expectations for education and discipline in some Nigerian homes.

Wasabi, who is presently in the UK, participated in the 90s Baby Show podcast, which was made available on YouTube on Monday.

When asked if his neighbour next door could beat him, he related a specific incident.

"Although I never experienced it, my uncles beat me." One that travelled to flog me was mine. He said, "It felt like a two-hour drive.

The comedian clarified that there were academic issues at the root of the situation.

He remarked, "My mother always wanted me to pursue a career in medicine or the sciences.

Wasabi gave a description of the school system at the time, where students in Senior Secondary 1 (SS1) would study all courses before being placed according to their strengths.

“I passed biology and chemistry but I failed physics and I had stronger subjects in the art department, so it was recommended that I did Art,” Wasabi explained.
His mother was upset by this result because she thought he wasn't studying hard enough.

She called one of Wasabi's uncles in response, and he quickly replied, "Don't worry, I'll be in Oshogbo tomorrow."

Wasabi cheerfully explained, remembering with great detail the day his uncle arrived. "I helped him carry his load from his car and opened the gate for him."

When his uncle asked to see his report card, things became serious.

"You failed physics and you didn't do well in mathematics, lie down there," Wasabi recalled his uncle saying.

Wasabi declared, "I knew where my fate was then," at that precise moment.

Celebrated for his unique sense of humour and commanding presence, Layi Wasabi won his first Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) in May, this time in the Best Digital Content Creator category.

His extraordinary talent and inventiveness were on display at the esteemed ceremony, which took place on Saturday at the Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos. It also placed him alongside other renowned nominees such as Elozonam and Taaoma.