admin
Mbongeni Msimanga, Sunday Life Correspondent
WHILE many comedians often use obscene language, sex and politicians to make people laugh, a new face in Umahlekisa Comedy Club, Mandlenkosi Simbarashe Mathe has taken a different route and attempts to bridge tribal divide in Bulawayo.
Although still new to the game of comedy, Mandla proved his mettle when he was given a slot to perform on stage that saw him slay jokes, sending the crowd into wild cheers while leaving some pondering on unity.
In an interview with Sunday Life, the towering comedian said he believes more can be done to address societal matters and comedy being the best medicine to bridge tribal divide.
“I believe comedy can be used to address societal issues that are affecting us and among them is tribalism that I often experienced when I was growing up. I am not a tribalist and because my parents come from both tribes, I have been forced to adjust to such a setting,” he said.
With the microphone eventually being taken away from him after pulling out an exceptional performance last Friday, Mandlenkosi said his main goal was to unite people using comedy.
His comedy colleagues have now given him a moniker, Two in One.
“My aim is to unite people through comedy. I have always wanted to do that. Even my names are reflective of who I am and I believe I will achieve that,” he said.
His short stint in comedy has also seen him win the best comedian last year at the Shoko Festival, a competition that saw six comedians from different parts of the country take part.
“My journey in comedy so far has been amazing I must say. I won the best comedian at the Shoko Festival and it really made me think of doing comedy full time,” he said.
Mandlenkosi said he has learnt a lot from comedy and believes it can be a way of life for anyone wishing to take an arts journey and will reap rewards in the end. Mandlenkosi attended Gwanda High School and only managed to go as far as Ordinary Level before joining Umahlekisa Comedy Club and venturing into comedy.
Online Reporter