24 Jun 2015

Some standup comedy pioneers have come up with an initiative of harmonising the comedy industry where comics come together and practice jokes.

Dubbed the Cracker Nights, the sessions were named after one of the comedy pioneers, Bafana 'Ribcracke' Letsatsi and the concept is also his brainchild. This happened through a partnership with Cresta President Hotel that provided the venue for comedy sessions every Tuesday.

The Cracker Nights started on Tuesday (June 23) and were expected to go on for many months to come.

Speaking at the Cracker Nights launch, Comedy For the Nation of Botswana (COFONABO) secretary general, Modiri “Mod” Keseabetswe said the idea came up due to a need for local comedians to have a place where they often meet to practice comedy as it was synonymous in other countries such as South Africa.

He said the sessions would also act as a platform for those who think they are funny to try their luck and also for upcoming comics to get exposure.

“We felt that this would be the best place to practice our talent or sharpen it. Through this initiative we want to put Botswana comedy together under one roof, everyone is allowed to come and share what they have,” he said.

He explained that the initiative was not confined to members of the Laff-A-Lot Comedy only, rather every comedian in the country, including amateurs, adding that it would be also a way of unearthing talent.

Meanwhile, those who made the Tuesday (June 23) line up include Zozo, Prince Macheng, Brooks, Enigma, Thulani Tau, Onza, Kgafela and Charles Manase among others. Ends