Online Reporter
Gift Moyo
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
For the first time in five years, highly acclaimed Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi is returning to Bulawayo today as part of his Homecoming tour.
Masvingo, Kadoma and Harare are also included on the tour.
Having left Zimbabwe over five years ago, Jonasi has established himself on the American comedy scene as one of Africa’s most popular comedians.
Speaking ahead of his first performance in Bulawayo tonight, Jonasi emphasised the overwhelming nostalgia that being back home made him feel.
“It’s been about two years since I last performed in Zimbabwe, at Shoko Festival. But coming back to Bulawayo is especially exciting because it has been more than five years since I last performed there.
“Coming back home feels really good. I’ve missed Zimbabwe, I’ve missed my people, and I’ve definitely missed being able to make jokes about things that are uniquely Zimbabwean.
“Living and performing in America has given me a lot of opportunities, but there are certain jokes and cultural references that you can’t fully explain to an American audience. So, I’m really looking forward to being back home, where I can just say something and the whole room understands it immediately,” he said.
Aside from his duties as a comedian, Jonasi is looking forward to spending some time with family and loved ones in Zimbabwe.
“Honestly, I’m looking forward to the simple things. I want to spend time with my family in Chimanimani and, most importantly, eat my grandmother’s chicken.
“I’ve spent a lot of time travelling and working internationally, so being home gives me a chance to slow down, reconnect with family and enjoy the things I’ve missed. Chimanimani is home for me, so I definitely want to spend some proper time there,” he said.
Providing some insight into the jokes that he has prepared ahead of his performance tonight, Jonasi confirmed that those in attendance would be in for an enjoyable night of laughter.
“Fans can expect to see my growth, both as a comedian and as a person. I’ve travelled a lot, lived in America, performed on some incredible stages and experienced things I never imagined when I was starting out in Zimbabwe. All of those experiences have changed me and, of course, they have given me a lot more material.
“The shows will have stories about Zimbabwe, America, my experiences travelling the world and everything that has happened in between. I think people will see a different version of Learnmore from the comedian they may have watched years ago,” he said.
