Lady D wary of performing in bars

Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
UP-AND-COMING female comedian Nomsa Diana Muleya is still afraid of performing in bars, saying she has to grow in the art first before she can entertain imbibers at nightspots. Muleya, known as Lady D on stage, has been in the comedy business since 2013 when she made her maiden appearance at an Umahlekisa Comedy Club show.

She has had nightmarish experiences at pubs, with the most disturbing being at Horizon Night Club last year where she was booed off stage.

“I still have jitters when I perform in front of people, especially in a bar or nightclub set up. After past experiences in bars, I’ve decided not to perform at bars for now as I still have unpleasant memories,” said Lady D.

“My sets aren’t for people in bars but for decent crowds who come to theatres and attend comedy shows.”

Lady D said although she has had setbacks in her career, she would continue persevering.

“I’ve flaws as a comedian and I’m not perfect but I’m proud that I’ve carried the torch for female artistes, especially comedians in Zimbabwe. It’s hard to make it and get accepted in the mainstream of any art form,” she said.

The comedian said one of the struggles which comes with the job was juggling between being a single mother and an artiste.

“I’ve a son who’s in high school and I need money for his school fees and upkeep. Getting a gig as a female comedian is very difficult because there’s a stereotype that we’re not funny. I salute women like Tumi Morake from South Africa and Kansiime from Uganda for making names for themselves. I aspire to be like them,” said Lady D.

She will be part of the cast of the Khonapho Khonapho Comedy Show at Hope Centre next week Friday.

“I’ve been working hard on my jokes with Ntando Van Moyo and Clive Chigubu. I’m excited to be featuring on the Khonapho Khonapho Comedy Show as this will help me prove my mettle in front of a crowd,” said Lady D.

Born in Harare in 1984, Lady D is the second born in a family of two boys and two girls. She took an interest in drama clubs and public speaking while at Hyde Park Primary School in the capital before her family relocated to Bulawayo. She enrolled at Mzilikazi High School where she did her secondary education.