Everyone loves to laugh, it’s just part of what makes humans human. And today, more than ever, the standup scene in Uganda is vibrant with an increasing pool of comics that will make your time in the theatre worthwhile.
Since a decade ago when the Pablo Kimuli crop pioneered standup in the country, the roaster has gotten longer and more diverse. Ranging from standup to sketch acts. Comedy is emerging from the shadows of the industry where it had been relegated and claiming the space at the fore, one show after another.
On October 7, comedian Little Brian headlined his maiden comedy event dubbed “Laugh a little louder”, held at the Oasis mall cinema in Kampala . With just two years in the underground scene, the English standup comic took a shot at one-man show, often the highest yardstick to measure the league in which they play.
His set dwelled on everything from what life’s like teaching in a primary school and having to eat pupils’ food, stark comparisons between the wealthy and the poor among others.
Overall, he did fairly immersing himself in the experiences he shared and scored well in transition that made his set feel like one long story.
The roster for supporting acts featured some of the notable names like Dr Hilary Okello, Mc Kash Owakabi, Don Andre and Timothy Nyanzi – from whose works he draws inspiration. Others being Jacques Rwothumio, Ebuku Daniel, Oj Papatunde and Sundiata.
Such a range achieved diversity both in style and theme – be it jesting about the politics of the day, Uganda’s distinct culture and the common stereotypes that punctuate life.
Everything was on the table, except the usual raunchy humor for which the industry has always taken sharp criticism. Whereas the majority of the acts of the night were typical standup, there was ventriloquism too.
The night was also characterized by a music performance from Icy Trey Richards.
The highlights notwithstanding, the production (stage and lighting) lacked the aesthetics that complete a good theatre experience.
Fair to say the new crop of comics represent something unique that with creative consistency could lure in the untapped audience.
While watching comedy on screen can be enjoyable, comedy can be much more thrilling when experienced live. There’s something special about a comedian taking the stage in front of your very eyes and commenting on the state of the world or any of the wide ranges of comedic topics that comedians tackle that just tickles the laugh organs in just the right spot, leaving you cackling, howling, and near-choking experience.
Comedy has always been something to make us feel better and to relieve us of stress, letting humor and entertainment help us make sense of the world through hilarious and oftentimes incredibly observant humor.
