11 Mar 2014

Standup comedy isbecoming an alternative form of entertainment in the country.

Popularised by the Laff-A-Lot comedy crew, the country is beginning to see other comedians joining this growing industry. On March 21, Rail Park Mall in conjunction with Major Moves Comedy will host a hilarious show at the mall’s food court area.

Dubbed the Rail Park Comedy Night, the show will see Botswana and South Africa’s most funny and acclaimed stand-up comedians doing their thing. The audience will be treated to hilarity from a variety of comics at the first ever comedy show to be held at that mall.

The headliners for the upcoming show are Botswana’s heavyweight, Bafana ‘Ribcraker’ Letsatsi from the Laff-A-Lot crew and top South African comedian Pule, born Nicholas Welch. Ribcraker is one of the pioneers of local standup comedy and his name is well known to many in the industry.

He has performed at many corporate events and shows in the country and he curtain-raised for top South African comedian, Trevor Noah last year. Meanwhile, Pule, one of the highlights of the night has been touring South Africa selling his particular brand of kasi-oriented humour.

He has filled the stand-up slot in three episodes of Laugh Out Loud for Mzansi Magic, was the headline act at 2012 State Theatre Comedy Nights and has performed at the popular 99% Zulu Comedy Show and Mafikeng Comedy Jam.

Overseas Pule has performed in Paris, Lyon and Nancy at Festival D’Avignon. The upcoming show will also include a performance by another South African comedian, Skim Sa Mapantsula, whose comedy exploits have taken him to corporate events, comedy shows and club gigs all over South Africa.

His material ranges from his personal life experiences, being born and bred in the township with mapantsula and his religious upbringing. The supporting acts for the show will include locals such as Oefile ‘Mawee’ Mokgware from Gabane and Desire Itani from Francistown.

Rail Park marketing officer, Kagiso Makole said the idea for the show came about after the realisation that the food court area lacked night activities.

She said they thus collaborated with Major Moves Comedy to have a night activity that would keep the customers at the food court area entertained and also lure more customers to their food court area. Ends