KUDZAI CHITSATSO
IN country where there's not much to laugh about, Zimbabwean stand-up comedy has grown in leaps and bounds over the past decade.
When one thinks 'stand up', names like Carl Joshua Ncube (now a 'special ambassador for gastronomy'), the late Clive Chigubu, American-based Learnmore Jasi (some of you may remember him as Long John), and King 'Mr Sold Out' Kandoro immediately come to mind.
A new generation of comics has also sprung up, aiming to be mentioned in the same breath as these aforementioned pioneers of stand-up comedy.
Among the lot is Harare-based Glad Chipenzi (popularly known as Chipenzi Da Comedian), who is set to host a stand-up comedy special alongside Kingslee ZW at Jason Mphepho Little Theatre on Saturday 3 August.
The twenty-five year old began his comedy career in his hometown of Norton, and showed great potential right from the beginning. In the same year, he was part of the top comics at the Shoko Festival.
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| Chipenzi Da Comedian |
Four years later, he is now part of two comedy houses — Council of Clowns and Pieces Peaces Entertainment. They regularly host shows that have since become a favourite amongst Harare stand-up comedy fans.
In a quick sit-down with ZimSphere, Chipenzi described his brand of comedy as 'observational', whereby he takes inspiration from everyday situations.
"I do observational comedy that I portray through physical action. I am inspired by turning the hard situations we face daily into something worth laughing about. I do more of social commentary where l explore different issues — from socio-economic to religious," he said.
Some issues, though, remain sacred cows in Zimbabwe, as Chipenzi admitted;
"I do try to keep my hands clean off politics as we all know how dirty it is."
Regardless, Chipenzi and his peers see comedy as a tool to ease the anxieties of the people and spark conversations.
"Comedy is meant to spark a conversation on issues that people find difficult to speak on — varying from some of the most uncomfortable situations into something worth talking about," he explained.
His counterpart, Kingslee ZW, could not hide his excitement for the upcoming show, as he sees it as a celebration of Zimbabwe's growing comic scene.
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| Kingslee ZW |
"We're excited to shine a spotlight on Zimbabwe's vibrant comedy scene. This show is more than just laughs; it's a celebration of our culture and a chance to connect with our audience on a deeper level," he beamed.
He concluded with this promise to expectant fans;
"To our audience, get ready to laugh until your ribs hurt! Chipenzi Da Comedian and I are bringing the heat with our 'African Mama's Boy' comedy special. We're diving headfirst into the hilarious world of being a Mama's Boy with a Zimbabwean twist."
On the first Saturday of August, expect side-splitting stories, sharp wit and whole lot of fun as Chipenzi Da Comedian and Kingslee ZW bring you 'African Mama's Boy'. There'll be a packed lineup of comedians and a surprise musical performance.
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