Success Jr is one of the most popular comedians in the Haitian-American comedy niche, and one of the most popular comedians on Web 3.0 period. It’s been three years since he’s been posting his skits on social media and grabbing fans along—caravan-like. A huge part of his success can be contributed to his talent for extracting the funniest bits out of Haitian-American life and summarizing them under a minute on social media platforms, especially on Instagram. Another contributor to his vast popularity is the creation of his alter ego Mama Junior, a gospel song-crooning, glasses-wearing, malicious-tongued, gray-haired fiftyish, traditional Haitian mom. Most of Success Jr’s fans have to remind themselves that she’s a creation of his, and not an actual person! Then there’s his consistency in creating and posting content, supplemented by his taking his show on the road, and hitting cities like Montreal, New York, in addition to his home base South Florida.
Lastly, there’s a huge mobile savvy Haitian-American audience ravenous for content that reflects the trials and tribulations of their upbringing…There’s the video about possessive Haitian moms who boss around the kids when they’re on the wheel. And how about the Haitian moms who have dozens of pieces of luggage when embarking on trips to Haiti, and return mostly empty-handed days later. And how about Haitian moms and dads who double-team to be extra critical of their kids? And speaking of being critical…what of the parents who play the merciless comparison game when it comes to their kids and other people’s kids? Success Jr depicts all these woeful scenarios in his videos!
If you missed PART I of the interview with the Millennial court jester, CLICK HERE!
Kreyolicious: What role do you feel social media has played in your success?
Social media played a major role in my success. It’s definitely more effective to make a video that’ll reach millions in a day than to do stand-up at an open mic with 60-100 people.
On stage with other members of Haitian American Productions, a coalition of Haitian-American comedians.
Kreyolicious: What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a niche comedian?
The advantage of being one type of a comedian (via social media only) is that, of course, I have my fan base. Millions of people from Haiti will relate, share and so forth. Disadvantage of course is that I’m labeled as a Haitian Comedian where as I’m an all around comedian. I’ve been doing comedy for all crowds since high school.
Kreyolicious: Which comedians do you look up to?
I look up to unknown comedians that are usually grinding in the hole in the walls. If I can say [just] one person I really look up to, [it’s] Comedian Plus Pierre bka @plusdaddy. He kills the stage no matter who the crowd is.
Kreyolicious: When you meet your fans in person, what’s usually their reaction?
My supporters are usually happy to see me. A lot of them are usually shocked that I’m not this stuck-up person. I love all my supporters!
Kreyolicious: Where do you visualize yourself five years from now?
Five years from now, I’m visualizing myself on a larger platform still entertaining. Not only for my Haitians…for everyone. Wyclef of comedy!
CLICK HERE if you missed PART ONE of the interview with Haitian-American comedian Success Jr.
CLICK HERE To follow Haitian-American comedian SUCCESS JR on Instagram!