Stand-up Comedy on The Rise in Zimbabwe's City of Kings
When the Umahlekisa Comedy Club came into existence a couple of years ago, only a handful of people would turn up for their shows but things have totally changed now.
BULAWAYO — Stand-up comedy continues to grow as a form of art in the city of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second City, with the Umahlekisa Comedy Club now enjoying good attendances at their monthly shows. The Club continues to grow in leaps and bounds and is steadily becoming a popular feature on Bulawayo's entertainment calendar. When the Umahlekisa Comedy Club came into existence a couple of years ago, only a handful of people would turn up for their shows. Fast forward to today and this scenario has changed completely with the club now getting a lot of support from comedy lovers who throng their shows in large numbers. The founder of Umahlekisa Comedy Club Ntandoyenkosi Moyo says they have made a lot of progress in their two years of existence. “We are satisfied with the progress we have made so far,” he said. “Initially we didn’t much audiences but now we have got a database of audiences, of people who come and fill-up the venues.” Umahlekisa Comedy Club held a show to celebrate their second anniversary on March 28 and last month they hosted a show dubbed Khonapho Khonapho at Hope Centre where a number of comedians entertained fans. These included a Botswana national who goes by the name Stokisi. Upcoming comedians that showcased their skills during the Khonapho Khonapho show include Khanda and Sikhanyiso Mlambo and they performed alongside their more established counterparts Clive Chigubhu, H.O and Moyo himself. Female comedians were represented by a lady named Nomsa and Moyo appealed to other females to come forward and be part of Umahlekisa Comedy Club. This month-end the Umahlekisa Comedy Club will host a show whose title is So You Think You Can Laugh on 31 July at the Hope Centre along Leopold Takawira Street. Top comedians that are billed to perform during the show include stand-up comedy veteran Babongile Sikhonjwa, Elando Da General, Keith Nkosi and Zwexy Mackena. The 31 July show will be held in the evening and Moyo said plans were underway to host afternoon shows that will ensure that comedy lovers attend with their families. Umahlekisa Comedy Club is currently working with local schools in a bid to spread the art form and Moyo expressed optimism that talented students will soon be part of their planned afternoon shows.