adminProblem Masau Arts Correspondent
THE much-awaited “Rainbow Towers Comedy Festival” is on tonight at Rainbow Towers with local comedians promising a show to remember. Local comedians who are expected to square it off with their South African counterparts are Carl Joshua Ncube, Michael Kudakwashe and Qobiztha Siziba popularly known as Mr Q.
The comedy festival features the top stand-up comedy duo of Donovan and Jason Goliath from South Africa in what is expected to be a night of rib-cracking, gut-wrenching laughter.
Carl, who is the brains behind the festival, has promised a night to remember.
“The comedians are in good shape and are raring to go. It will not be a stroll in the park for the South African comedians because they will be up against competent local comedians,” he said.
Depending on the success of this debut festival, Carl is planning to host other fêtes next year.
“Next year the festival will happen four more times, a move that will see the growth of the Zimbabwean stand-up comedy industry,” said Carl adding that “the collaboration between Zimbabwean and international acts will cause nothing but growth for the local scene”.
“It’s the same thing that made me grow as a comedian performing on the continent with some of the biggest names, now I am so honoured to be able to bring some of these names to Zimbabwe” he said.
However, the South African duo are celebrated comedians in their own right.
Donovan’s act includes a lot of story-telling and simple insights using various characters and impersonations to get his message across.
He has rocked fêtes like the “Tshwane Comedy Nights” at State Theatre, “Soweto Comedy Festival” and “Blacks Only”.
Not to be outdone is Jason Goliath. A comedian and actor, best known for his recurring role as “Gatiep”, a resident in the Sandton apartment block, in the SABC1 sitcom “Ses’ Top La”, in 2012.
He has performed at numerous corporate events and leading comedy rooms including Parker’s “Monte & “Emperors Palace”, “Melville Underground”, “Captains Comedy Festival”, “AWEdnesday Comedy Jam”, “AWE embrace it” and many more.
Those who will represent Zimbabwe are also heavyweights in their own right.
Described by CNN African Voices as the “new face of Zimbabwean comedy”, Carl literally broke into the Zimbabwean comedy scene with his debut one-man show “Carl Joshua Ncube’s Big Announcement”.
To date he has performed in South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria and the USA.
Kudakwashe and Mr Q have also been doing well in local comedy.
Online Reporter