Jonny Pula, Triccs lead comedy masterclass in Paying Our Dues
Laone Choeunyane | Friday July 3, 2026 10:20
Holding the night together was MC Dexter Royale, who once again proved why a skilled host is the backbone of any successful comedy show. With effortless crowd work and an instinctive ability to read the room, Royale kept the audience engaged between performances. His quick wit, improvised interactions, and perfectly timed transitions ensured the momentum never dipped; a role that often goes unnoticed but was instrumental to the show's success.
Opening the lineup was Scotch Makopoza, who immediately won over the audience with confidence, charisma, and an unforgettable character performance. Dressed in a loose, shimmering suit, he fully embodied the persona of a loud, controversial pastor, poking fun at Botswana's vibrant church culture. His set blended musical interludes reminiscent of spirited Sunday services with hilariously questionable moral lessons, creating a clever contrast between gospel-inspired delivery and outrageously irreverent punchlines. It was a bold opening that set the tone for the evening.
Next was Fade Hambira, one of Botswana's brightest emerging comedy talents. Having pursued stand-up seriously for only about a year, Hambira already performs with remarkable confidence and composure after Jonny Pula recognised her potential and encouraged her to develop it. Her comedy is thoughtful rather than theatrical, relying on sharp observations and carefully crafted storytelling instead of exaggerated physicality. Though still refining her voice, she already possesses the confidence and timing of a seasoned performer. Judging by the audience's warm reception, she is well on her way to becoming one of the country's standout comedians.
Then came Jonny Pula, and the atmosphere shifted instantly. Widely regarded as Botswana's premier stand-up comedian, Pula delivered a performance that reminded everyone exactly why he holds that title. His set was relentless, packed with expertly written material and seamless audience interaction. Few comedians can balance prepared jokes with spontaneous crowd work as naturally as he does, and throughout his performance he made it look effortless.
Among the night's biggest highlights was his brilliantly self-deprecating story about the origins of his now-iconic crooked smile. It was personal, vulnerable, and laugh-out-loud funny, leaving the audience in fits of laughter. The routine showcased Pula's greatest strength: not simply making people laugh, but finding humour in his own life in ways that feel authentic and universally relatable.
Closing the evening was Triccs, who delivered yet another lesson in the art of observational comedy. He possesses a rare ability to transform ordinary, everyday experiences into razor-sharp material. Whether discussing relationships, street culture, or the fleeting thoughts people rarely admit to having, Triccs consistently finds humour in the familiar. His jokes resonated because they reflected experiences shared by almost everyone in the room. More than laughter, his set drew countless moments of recognition; the kind that make audiences laugh while nodding in agreement. It was a performance from a comedian operating at the height of his craft.
If there was one disappointment, it had nothing to do with the performances. Despite the calibre of the lineup, the audience turnout fell well short of what the show deserved. Those who attended were fully engaged and generous with their laughter, but stand-up comedy thrives on packed rooms where collective energy elevates every punchline. A production of this quality warranted far greater support.
Ultimately, Paying Our Dues was exactly what its title promised: a celebration of the dedication, resilience, and excellence that continue to drive Botswana's comedy industry forward. Jonny Pula and Triccs delivered performances worthy of their reputations, while Scotch Makopoza, Fade Hambira, and Dexter Royale demonstrated the impressive depth of local comedic talent. If Saturday night's show proved anything, it is that Botswana's stand-up scene is not merely growing; it has matured into an entertainment force capable of standing alongside the very best. The only thing missing was the audience size it truly deserved.