Stand up comedians plead for recognition, support
Dumisani Ncube | Thursday November 20, 2014 10:46
Umbambi ‘Bambino’ Ndiwenyu and Tulani Tau, stand up comedians, aired their views to Showbiz stating that comedy has a lot of potential in the country.
However, they said that the art is facing a huge challenge of lack of support by the audience and investors who can make comedy expand its market.
Bambino stated that comedy gigs do not come very often and this contributes to comedians failing to make a living through the craft. He further revealed that clients are not willing to pay comedians according to the proper quotations with some agreeing to only pay half of the original amount.
Bambino who performs comedy in a variety of languages such as Kalanga and Sekgalakgadi said the major issue that comics are facing is of low audience attendance that they experience during shows. He further pleaded to the corporate world saying, “Hire comedians for their events and also sponsor comedy shows”.
A couple of promoters such as Urban Arts Association have hosted a number of comedy shows such as the Soul Food Comedy Roast, which mainly caters for developing upcoming comedians.
This season’s Soul Food Comedy Show winner, Tau, argued that the general public does not support local comics but they are willing to attend comedy gigs featuring international acts. Some, he said, only support local acts when they are in an international comedian’s line up.
Tau stated that if good investment is put in comedy it could diversify entertainment in Botswana rather than for people to opt for regular leisure cinema outings or going out for drinks. He further mentioned that market expansion in stand up comedy will also curb unemployment as it will encourage more comedians to take the professional route that will help them make a living by making people laugh.
Stand up comedians such as Dignash and Ribcracker have managed to penetrate the comedy industry and create a name for themselves with some capitalising on emceeing at events.