When I think of Sho Tyme Watkins I think of the late great comedian Bernie Mac. If you ever were and still are a Bernie Mac fan then look out Los Angeles because Show Tyme Watkins is the next “BIG THING” in comedy. Although compared to the late great Bernie Mac in appearance and style Sho Tyme Watkins is a man standing on his own merits. Join me as we travel into the world of Comedian Sho Tyme Watkins.
Renisha: Who is Sho Tyme Watkins?
Show Tyme Watkins: Sho Tyme Watkins is De'Shawn Watkins version of Superman while De'Shawn is Clark Kent. It’s my dream name. I believe that in order to achieve a dream you must become the dream. My ultimate dream is to become the greatest entertainer the universe has ever seen. I want to be that guy who when people are feeling down turn to for a good laugh because it makes them feel good on the inside. It’s equivalent to giving a person with no legs, legs. My goal is to supply people with what they’re lacking.
Renisha: Tell Los Angeles how comedy started for you?
Sho Tyme Watkins: Comedy started for me in high school because I was such a weirdo and an outcast. I would make people laugh by accident, asking questions people would never ask and wearing crazy clothes because my family couldn't afford too much. Even when I was really serious people would laugh, that would piss me off at times.
Renisha: When did you know comedy was what you wanted to do?
Sho Tyme Watkins: In high school there was this girl that was really depressed and she never told me what she was going through but she kept crying and crying and crying. I asked her what was wrong and she would never tell me. She said that I would never understand. So, I begin to tell her how she would never understand how much pain I was in. I told her that I am a straight guy who loves women and the woman I was with lied to me and said that I was the only one. I used to bring her flowers and tell her how much I loved her. I would passionately kiss her all the time just to find out I wasn't the only guy! She was kissing body parts and all! She promised me she was going to take my virginity, did she? NO! As a matter-of-fact she slept with everybody except me. I mean everybody. I had her picture in my folder, dudes were pointing at me like "that's your girl?" “Yea they say,” I would respond, "Oh I remember her" they would reply back with laughter burning their faces. It got around really quick that I was the one guy who was kissing another man's residue without even being with the man. That had her hysterically laughing. I made her feel really good. Although I was embarrassed, for the first time I felt like I was great at something. I felt like the world could actually use me. I know it might sound corny but I felt special.
I also had a friend rest in peace named Jazdan Crag. He would tell me I was going to be special because I would take over a boring class and make everybody laugh. So there you have it.
Renisha: Were you always funny?
Sho Tyme Watkins: I guess so, when I was little some of my family members thought I was a little retarded or special because I would stare at people with my mouth open looking like I had down syndrome. I would study them and follow people's every movement and just look dumb. But what they didn’t know is that when I was home alone I would mimic what I saw. I had such a huge imagination as a kid that when I saw different things I would try to act them out at home or with my wrestling toys. I would create characters based on who I saw that day. My family would get a kick out it.
Renisha: What was the best gig you ever performed?
Sho Tyme Watkins: My biggest gig so far was my first showcase I put together called, Don't PLAY wit ME Bi@#h! It was at the Westside Comedy Theater in Santa Monica. I was the MC, the headliner as well as the Co- producer with DNLdidit Productions. We packed the house. People were standing up with standing room only. Everyone enjoyed the show. We had to turn people away at the door. Wow! I still get chills thinking about it. It was one of those crown moments when you say okay we got something. Let's do this!
Renisha: Who is your favorite comedian of all times?
Sho Tyme Watkins: My two favorite comedians of all times are Richard Pryor and Bernie Mac. The reason why is because they were so honest, truthful and vulnerable. Not only were they funny but they related to the people, they were real. They weren't just comedians they were story tellers. They told real stores which made them relatable. There’s a lot more comedians that I love but I love those guys the most.
Renisha: Who is your biggest inspiration?
Sho Tyme Watkins: My biggest inspiration is my grandmother Charlotte Watkins. As a kid she installed in me that I can be anything I put my mind to. She’s supported everything I've done. My grandmother helped raise me. My father was killed due to gang violence so she took me in and raised me. My mom was on drugs at the time and my grandmother allowed me to see things most trouble youth don’t usually get to see. My grandmother installed hope within me. She’s the greatest!
Renisha: Tell us about some qualities that a good comedian should have?
Sho Tyme Watkins: A good comedian should be vulnerable, real and able to make light out of their situation and the world. They should be relatable and tangible where the audience feel like they can touch you and it seems like you're talking to each of them individually. Also, when you bomb meaning you're doing bad and you're getting no laughs, make light of it and be humble. Always be humble and love what you do. Don't do it for the fame or money but if it comes take it. Do it because you love it and because you want to make someone feel better about themselves and their situation.
Renisha: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Sho Tyme Watkins: Never give up even when you suck never give up. Take the bumps and the bruises because at the end of the day this is not only what you do it’s who you are. This is what you were created for. This is the one thing that connects you to the universe. This right here is your passion. Nike said it best, "Just do it!"
Renisha: What advice do you have for up and coming comedians in the Los Angeles area?
Sho Tyme Watkins: Just do it, do it and when you have bad shows do it again. Keep developing your material. Learn your audience. Learn diverse audiences, certain people may not find some jokes funny while others will. Just do it, even when you can't see the end result always believe in what you want your end result to be, believe beyond belief. Believe when you get depressed. Believe when you’re feeling like you can't do it anymore. Believe although some people may say you're not funny. Believe because I guarantee, eventually you're going to be funny. Being funny is like a muscle, you must learn what makes people tick. Study what gets under people’s skin. Study people. Last but not least, whatever you believe in believe that your creator created you perfect just the way you are. We’re always evolving and getting better but if you ever feel like me, like I felt in high school, like a weirdo or an outcast. Remember, you're that way for a reason. You may be that one person who is capable of making someone laugh at a situation that they didn't think a laugh was even possible. Whatever it is, do you, be you and be comfortable in who you are. Live life like you’re going to die tomorrow. That's it.
Contact Sho Tyme Watkins:
Twitter: @Shotyme2203
Facebook: De'Shawn Sho Tyme Watkins
YouTube Channel: shotymereloaded
Sho Tyme Watkins stepped outside of his box of limitations by making his dreams a reality and so can you. Now is the time to seize greatness with No limitations! No limits let’s go!
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