adminMbongeni Msimanga
SOME say “laughter is the best medicine” while others say “laughter is the cheapest medicine”. While both statements are true, they are truer to Umahlekisa Comedy Club which is thriving in the otherwise waning fortunes of Bulawayo’s entertainment industry.
Their two-year existence in the showbiz industry has no doubt kept many “ribs cracked” leaving the crowd asking for more of their hilarious jokes, a phenomenon that was alien in Bulawayo’s showbiz industry.
“The journey has not been an easy one. In all honesty it has been a mountain climb. The good thing is that we are still together as a group and we have grown in the arts industry, something that we did not expect when we started the idea,” said the director of Umahlekisa Comedy Club, Ntandoyenkosi Moyo.
The club was one of the pioneers of standup comedy in the city as they were part of the first comedians to preach the gospel of standup comedy in bars and clubs where they were given a platform to perform the little known genre of standup comedy in their bid to raise awareness of the idea for no fee at first.
Although they did not think the “gospel” of standup comedy would be well received, they have proved to be a household name not only in Bulawayo, but the country as a whole.
“We started off spreading the idea mainly in bars and night clubs because they were the only platforms where we could perform and sell the idea. It worked and the reception was just good. We were warmly welcomed by many,” said Ntando.
The comedy club that was originally founded by Ntando and Clive Chigubhu has been on its ascendence and now has household names in the form of Keith Nkosi, Long John, Zwexy Makina, Libo Ntaka and only one female Nomsa Nleya.
Ntando said they hoped to incorporate more females in Umahlekisa who would perform standup comedy.
“We have seven members so far in our comedy club — Umahlekisa with only one female. It is our wish, however, that we have more females in our comedy club, and this will be done by scouting for talent especially from those who have public speaking skills,” he said.
Their second anniversary was graced by Zimbabwe’s finest comedians in the form of Micheal K and Q the boss who also performed and left the audience in stitches with their humour.
The growth of Umahlekisa Comedy Club has also seen them clinch a deal with Cresta Churchill Hotel that has seen them perform every Wednesday, although they lamented the lack of support from the corporate world.
“The corporate world has not been really supportive to us. We have, however, managed to clinch a deal with Cresta Churchill Hotel and we perform there every Wednesday. Companies such as Ipress, Boomcity, Multimedia Box and Jimmy’s Restaurant are some of the few companies that have been supportive in our journey,” he said.
Ntando said they hoped to do advertisements in the future and hold more workshops that would incorporate more talent in the comedy club.
“The comedy club has to continue growing and we are hoping to start doing humorous adverts and hopefully hold more workshops that will help us scout for more talent,” he said.
Online Reporter