International line up for HICOFEST
Dumisani Ncube | Wednesday April 26, 2017 18:00
American comic Rich Lyons, Fredi Lilius from Finland, Sotho comedian Bonez Masapo, South Africa’s Vuyo Jiya, Mdura from Swaziland, Clive Chigubu from Zimbabwe, Botswana heavyweights Phenyo The Master, Rekunde, Mawee, Thapelo Malani, Kgafela, Zozo, Ouza, Roy and K-Lo will stage performances.
This time around the festival runs for two nights and it will comprise performances and a workshop for local comedians. The first show on Thursday will be a vernacular show with performances mainly by local acts and the Friday show will feature the international acts.
“Unlike our previous HICOFEST which happened on one night, we have spread the event over two days and also increased the lineup from nine to over 15 comedians most of whom are heavyweights who are hot and in demand now.
However, we also give a chance to local upcoming comics to experience the big stage with established acts.
Another benefit of the event is that the heavyweights from outside the country will offer workshops to local comedians on how they can improve their craft and also travel the world,” said events coordinator for Major Moves Comedy, Gaolathe Kediemetse.
This is the first time HICOFEST host comics from overseas and it will also be the second time that Chigubu performs at the festival. The comedy workshop date and venue are still yet to be announced by the event organisers.
“We are excited to be hosting overseas comedians for the first time.
Our main aim really is to see standup comedy growing in Botswana as part of mainstream entertainment. We also want to contribute positively to lives of the comedians who can be able to make a living off comedy like elsewhere in the world.
HICOFEST offers such a platform for local comedians as in most cases they collaborate with invited comics who invite them to their countries.”
Local comedians such as K-Lo and Phenyo The Master have previously expressed their excitement towards the festival as they have said they are ready to perform and share the stage with their local and international counterparts.
Meanwhile, Phenyo The Master has received an invitation to perform in Swaziland at the Swaziland International Comedy Festival (SICF), which will take place from Thursday till Saturday.
The festival will feature comics from different countries.
“I’m excited to be travelling to Mbabane, Swaziland to showcase my talent and represent local comedy which is abundant in Botswana.
Whenever I perform outside I make sure I give my best and represent my country really well.
Performing internationally is always a great experience and I also get to network with comedians from other countries,” Phenyo The Master said.