A TWENTY-year struggle for fame led Britain’s Got Talent star Kojo Anim to fall into a deep depression before celebrity pal Kevin Hart “saved” his career.
Speaking exclusively to Seconds Away Online’s Big Interview, the 42-year-old stand-up comic admits he was in a dark place just 12 months before becoming the bookies’ hot favourite to win the talent show.
Kojo Anim is Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer act
“I felt like my career was falling apart,” says Kojo.
“I was constantly making bad decisions. I was in a very, very dark place.
“When you’re going through depression or anxiety you can’t understand that it’s only a chapter in your life.
“My aunt said to me, ‘if you can find light in a dark room, imagine what it’s going to be like when the lights come on.’
The comic collapsed to the floor after he was told he’s in the semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent
“That really stuck with me. It allowed me to keep the faith.
“Now the lights are on. I’ve been given an opportunity with Britain’s Got Talent and I’m grabbing it with both hands.”
Fan favourite Kojo has been on the outskirts of showbiz throughout his career. In 2014 he was a warm-up act for Kevin at his Wembley gig as he continued to chase fame.
He also counts BGT judge Alesha Dixon and American comics Kevin Hart and Chris Rock as close friends.
But despite his celebrity pals and a taste of the spotlight with small TV appearances, he admits always feeling like an outsider.
“I have been the biggest window shopper ever,” jokes Kojo.
Kojo with pal Kevin Hart who he has supported on tour
“A lot of people have said ‘oh he knows all these stars, why has he not blown up already?’
“It’s even worse when you’re that close and it’s not about you.
“I feel like I’ve spent 20 years preparing for success.”
During his depression, Kojo read 13 books to help inspire him – including Kevin’s autobiography.
He says it pushed him to “keep the faith” and “hit the reset button”. Now he’s about to perform in front of ten million people on tonight’s show.
“I took a gamble going on BGT to get my own opportunities,” adds Kojo.
He’s been friends with Alesha Dixon for a decade
He’s also performed comedy with Chris Rock
“I don’t want to be opening up for Kevin Hart or any of these people anymore.
“I want people to say they opened up for Kojo.
“I’ve spent years honing my craft to be able to give an amazing performance.”
There to celebrate his big moment tonight will be his beloved foster mum who he calls Aunt Sandra.
She took him in when he was five years old and despite it only meant to be for three months, ended up staying until he was 16.
Kojo said: “I grew up in foster care so to have the woman who raised me in the audience tonight is going to be really emotional.
The 42-year-old is one of the favourites to win BGT
“I want to show her how far I’ve come since she gave me £150 to join my first comedy run club.
“Every kid needs someone to believe in them, and she did that for me by giving me the confidence growing up to know I could do anything.
“To have her in the crowd means everything to me.”
Kojo was given an automatic pass to the semi-finals when he became Simon Cowell’s golden buzzer of the series.
He’ll go up against Amanda Holden golden buzzer act Chapter 13, Angels Inc, KNE, Rob King, Colin Thackery, Gomonov Knife Show and John Archer.
“Simon told me ‘I want you to want to win’,” said Kojo.
“He’s inspired a competitive spirit inside of me. I genuinely want to win the show.”
- Britain’s Got Talent continues at 7.30pm on ITV
