King of Comedy


Western Jamaicans first became aware of Dwight Samuels in the late 80s as successful rib-tickling deejay Lieutenant Elmo, who has received quite a few forwards, while holding his own on many a major stage shows this side of the island.


It comes as no surprise that this son of Wakefield, Trelawny who reveres the humorous Professor Nuts, has segued into stand-up comedy and is proving to be a force to reckon with, after emerging as the 2007 Champion of Comedy Buss; dubbed Jamaicas first reality stand up comedy television show.


Dwight, the firstborn of 20 children for mother Viris Smith and father David Samuels bashfully declares that growing up he was always mischievous, but in a good way, with it being passed off as humour.


I started out as a deejay in 1983 while I was a student at William Knibb Memorial High School, and would crack up both students and teachers with my hilarious rhymes. At the time I would listen to deejays like Professor Nuts, Lieutenant Stitchie and Papa San, who were highly humorous, I would even sample their material, said Samuels.


Dwight has realized much success as deejay Lieutenant Elmo, even without the proverbial buss nationally and internationally. He has performed with the best of them on Reggae Sumfest 1998 and 1999; the historic Rise Up Concert for the Reggae Boyz in 1998 and even as recent as 2006 Reggae Sunsplash.


Samuels advent into stand-up comedy was not planned, even though for him it is second nature. My entry into stand-up comedy was more buck up. In fact, Im known for cracking up co-workers on the job (as a ramp attendant at Sangster International Airport) and my supervisor, Veroheen James encouraged me to audition for Comedy Buss saying I would surely win. As they say, the rest is history. We all know that Dwight Samuels who now goes by the moniker Don Perri is the reigning Comedy Buss king.


Life as Don Perri knows it has change dramatically for the better. He has provoked intense laughter at packed houses in Montserrat, Barbados and Trinidad, with other overseas performances pending. He also has his sight set on cashing in on the North American comedy circuit.


He vows never to loose sight of his gra**root supporters in Jamaica, especially those who voted for him during the competition, and said hes always ready to perform for them at the drop of a hat. In the meantime, this king of comedy is content with using his friends and co-workers at Air Jamaica as sounding boards for his new jokes which he develops as snippets of hilarious situations in everyday life and performing for lovers of comedy nationally.


My life has changed a whole lot, even at the most simplistic level. What would be a normal 20 minute trek through Montego Bay now takes 2 hours, as Im constantly having to big up fans who recognize me which I enjoy, said the comedian.


Samuels is convinced hes a better deejay than he is a stand-up comedian. Stand-up comedy is probably the hardest form of entertainment, as you have to keep people laughing, which is no easy feat, while as a deejay you rely on rhythm, rhymes and movement. He values both genre of entertainment and if truth be told, hes great at them.


In the world of comedy, Dwight favours local comedians, Blacka Ellis and Bobby Smith. Dave Chappelle is his international favourite. He claims Ellis is more wit than humour, Smith has an uncanny ability to relate serious issues in a most humorous way, while Chappelle is deep yet funny. He also gives high ratings to Christopher Johnny Daley, Ity & Fancy Cat, Rohan Gunter and Pretty Boy Floyd.


In spite of his hectic performance itinerary, this father of three also values down time with his children Shadeika, Shameika and Dwight Jnr.


Dwight Don Perri Samuels is managed by Siwiya Entertainment. Call 539-4430 for bookings.