Ola Dada and Dan Duvall on Wild Chickens and Family Rivalry

The two comedians have a text exchange ahead of Just For Laughs Vancouver that goes off the rails.

by Cam Delisle

Published on January 30, 2026

As winter ramps up and anticipation builds for February’s annual comedy surge in Vancouver, two of Canada’s sharpest stand-ups are putting the finishing touches on their sets — and trading messages about everything from nerve tingles to wild hypotheticals. Nigerian-born, Vancouver-based Ola Dada has built one of the most compelling stand-up résumés in the country, from semifinalist on Canada’s Got Talent to performances on CBC’s The Debaters and festival stages across North America — and now he’s gearing up to tape his next special at Just For Laughs Vancouver 2026.

Joining him in the roster is Victoria-based Dan Duvall, a versatile comic whose career spans stand-up sets across Canada and the U.S., TV writing credits, and a spot as a Just For Laughs New Faces pick in 2025. As the city transforms into a comedy hub with shows spread across theatres and clubs for one of Western Canada’s biggest comedy celebrations, we put the two in a text thread and stepped back. From riffing back and forth about Miami’s chicken apocalypse, convincing their parents to settle imaginary scores, the following conversation veers between set prep, nerves, and the kind of absurdity that keeps comedians sane during festival season.

Ola Dada: Yooo Dan! How you been?

Dan Duvall: Good as hell brother, you?

OD: I’m on a flight to Toronto, where are you at?

DD: I’m in Miami! Have fun with -20 brah…

OD: Bro, I hope you lose your room keys… Are you doing shows or you’re on vacation?

DD: Hahaha, I’m working on cruise ships! I belong to the sea now. I’ve been off for a week though, just chilling in Miami. Back to the boats tomorrow! There’s loose chickens all over Miami… It’s weird as hell.

OD: They have free food! America is doing much better than I thought.

DD: That’s their answer to lower grocery prices, they just let a bunch of chickens loose downtown. Stray cats too.

OD: Please tell me you have a video… The chickens and cats are co-existing no problem?

DD: Literally yes, I have so much video. Also, a baby possum attacked my foot.

OD: I have never heard of wild chickens before…

DD: It’s a first for me too. I think that might mean that we’re privileged?

OD: I need a photo of wild chickens next to a KFC. How long are you at sea for? Will you make it back for your show at Just For Laughs?

DD: I’m at sea for two more weeks and then I’ll be back in Vancouver on Feb. 13 for the whole fest! Kicking it off opening for Annie Lederman at House of Comedy, then a few other shows throughout the week before my own hour show at the Fox Cabaret on Feb. 21! Your taping is the night before right? I want to try and come if I’m not already on a show!

OD: That’s awesome man! Annie is dope. I am so pumped to see you do your new hour! How is that coming along? Also, yes! I am recording my new hour on Feb. 20, I hope you’re free that night!

DD: Yeah, she’s the best! We met in Montreal last year. I feel good about the new hour! I’ve been working on it since 2023 so it better be ready or I should probably find a new job. Where are you recording yours?

OD: I am sure it’s going to be great! I am recording mine at the Hollywood Theatre at 7:00 and 9:30. I’m gonna bring my mom and dad to yours if they are in town.

DD: Oh, I’m sure I can make it to one of those! Yes, please bring your parents. I’m bringing my parents. We can make them fight for our love.