16-year-old comedian to perform at Burg comedy night

Mashudu Mambo

A 16-YEAR-OLD aspiring comedian is set to perform at the Burg Comedy Night on 2 October at Ja Dijo Restaurant in the Bulawayo city centre.

Michael Charumuka popularly known as Mekayla is part of the students at Young Artist Development School in Northlea High School, Bulawayo and has performed at different platforms as an actor. He said he draws his inspiration from several prominent comedians in the country.

“I started venturing into arts in January and l drew my inspiration from several comedians like Learnmore Jonasi and Frank Chirisa. I have been creating skits for some time, but it has not been easy as I am still at school and balancing comedy and my studies. My friends have been my pillars,” he said.

Mekayla said he was grateful for the opportunity to showcase his craft.

“This will be my first time performing as a comedian and I am excited about this opportunity. As an aspiring actor, I realised that my talent is in comedy rather than acting,” he said.

One of the founders of Burg Comedy Club, Brandon Masuku said there are a number of artistes lined up for the event.

“I will be hosting the event together with Frank Chirisa. Tanya Alex from Harare will be the headliner, General Lesley and Mekayla will be the featured comedians. We always give a spot to poets and musicians and in this event, we will be having Trybee and Absoll. These different artistes will be given a platform to express themselves,” he said.

Masuku said their goal as a club was to ensure that they give a platform to the different spoken word artistes.

“As a comedy club, our goal is to mentor young comedians and to also ensure that different spoken word artistes are given a platform to showcase their craft,” he said.