Umahlekisa Comedy Club, a local comedy movement has lined up a number of activities at the end of the month as part of its 6th-anniversary celebrations.
The incubation hub for local comedians was founded by award-winning stand-up comedian Ntandoyenkosi Moyo in 2013, as part of efforts to grow the industry in Bulawayo.
Some of those expected to perform at the anniversary celebrations slated for March 29 at Hope Centre include Babongile Skhonjwa, Ckanyiso Dat Guy and award-winning Hip Hop artist, Cal_vin.
Reflecting on the journey in an interview with CITE, Moyo said the club has grown in leaps and bounds in the last six years.
“Umahlekisa has grown from being a backyard comedy movement to being the leading humour and incidental services provider,” said Moyo.
“The journey has been tough but we have managed to stay ahead of the pack and deliver quality humour services to the nation”.
The jester said the club has produced a number of comedians who have gone on to grace national stages.
“We have had memorable moments which include having some of the comedians getting national recognition and touring the region,” he said.
“Our comics have been privileged with performing at premier Zim festivals and being engaged to curate comedy events for big festivals like Intwasa.
“We have had success in growing the number of comedians and improving quality of acts”.
Moyo bemoaned the lack of sponsorship as one of the major drawbacks for the club.
“We have had challenges in having corporates and the public buying into some of our new concepts”.
The stand-up comedian also paid tribute to the Bulawayo community who supported from the time the club was established.
Stand Up Comedy has grown tremendously in the past few years with a number of comedy clubs emerging in the country and comedians who have broken into regional and international territories.
