J'cans set to 'Laugh out Loud' with Emanuella today

Undoubtedly the most sought-after child comedian, Emanuella Samuel arrived in Jamaica on Saturday after journeying 11 hours from West Africa where she lives in the Imo State in South East Nigeria.

At the age of five, Emanuella, while observing the making of an episode for a Mark Angel production, confidently announced that she could "do better".

Mark Angel, referred to as 'Uncle Mark' by Emanuella, could not refuse the opportunity to allow the then preschooler to express herself. Now, at seven years old, the self-assured, though humble child star is a main character in the productions.

The rising star comes from a large family and is the fourth of six children who all support her current career. Though known worldwide, the young star is cautious in receiving permission before contributing an opinion.

A little shy at first, Emanuella's animated facial expressions were quite conspicuous. A person's smile involuntarily changes to a loud laugh when they come into contact with the kindled spirit that is Emanuella. Thus the series of shows on which she will be performing while on the island is appropriately titled Laugh Out Loud comedy tour.

School not a challenge for rising star

She is currently in the second grade at primary school, but due to career-related responsibilities, an advanced academic schedule has been provided for her to remain ahead in studies. And she is not isolated in classes, having been one out of a number of performers attending the same school.

"It's not challenging, and I feel happy as everyone in school is used to me. it is not a problem," says Emanuella. "I only miss playing, watching cartoons and my family when I am away," she added.

"It is sometimes a stressful process, but we get support from her school to allow time off and also leave school on time on days where Emanuella is required to film," shared Angel.

Though Emanuella's colleagues (both children and adults) are targets of the pranks for the online series, she has been able to separate her career from real life, but she is still a typical child who speaks what first comes to mind. While parts of the comedy tour shows are rehearsed, Emanuella promises to merge humour with audience reaction.

The future of Emanuella's career in acting is unpredictable, but there are no qualms that present obligations have affected her education. Like most children her age, she is uncertain of a definite career path, but in expressing her interests, said she "loved fashion and make-up artistry". She also loves music and dancing and names international recording artistes, Rihanna and Fefe (a popular Nigerian female singer/songwriter) as some of her role models.