It’s that time of the year when we get to celebrate the best of Zimbabwean comedy not based on popularity but on execution. This is the second year we are dropping this list and we hope to see the acts grow and become international icons.
1. CARL JOSHUA NCUBE
Ncube proved why CNN labeled him Zim’s biggest comedian by setting a new bar for his fellow comrades in 2015. He was the only local act who landed a slot at the debut Comedy Central International Comedy Festival held in Johannesburg last year. After impressing at the festival, he was subsequently got recruited to be part of Comedy Central Africa’s animation team for MY CHILD: TEENAGE MUTANT AZANIANS.
He also managed to tour all over the globe, performing at over 10 international festivals that include, Africa Laughs Uganda, Gotham Comedy Club New York, Parkers Comedy Club South Africa, Free Your Mind Namibia, Nite of a Thousand Laughs Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda; and the inaugural edition of the Comedy Central Africa International Comedy Festival, amongst many others.
Locally Ncube staged some dope one-man shows and even introduced comedy to Kadoma and got people to drive from the capital to attend the shows. He also collaborated with a number of local acts to stage some memorable shows in the capital and not forgetting he was the host of the debut Anne Kansiime show in Zimbabwe.
2. DOC VIKELA
Another impressive year from the doctor of Zimbabwean comedy. Over the years Doc Vikela has kept refining his work and is now one of the most sought after stand-up comedians in the country. He staged remarkable performances at festivals such as Shoko were he performed alongside the likes of Toll A$$ Mo and he killed it. He hosted a number of events in the country including the BOFOZ 2015 finals. He was also one of the opening acts at the Anne Kansiime gig and his act was also applauded by the queen of African comedy. To sum up his busy year, he scooped his debut NAMA gong and it was well deserved.
3. CLIVE CHIGUBU
This guy is just funny. At times he doesn’t even need to speak, merely looking at him would make you want to laugh. It is because of such unique abilities that he finds himself ranked high up amongst the country’s best. Last year the young lad managed to host a number of shows in the capital and thereby selling his brand to a bigger audience. With appearances at platforms such as Bang Bang Comedy Game Show and Shoko Festival, as well as hosting a number of events, Chigubu grew his brand tremendously. We wait to see if the youngster will be able to take his act to the international audiences in 2016.
4. COMIC PASTOR
The pastor is currently the talk of the town. His upped his game on the acting side of his craft and his partnership with Bustop TV was the best merger in Zimbabwean comedy. Through platforms such as Simuka Comedy, he keeps perfecting his stand-up skills and has managed to land a number of private gigs.
The future is looking bright for the pastor and if he stays focused he might just rise to the top.
5. ALFRED KAINGA
The United States based stand-up comedian is an outstanding act who has managed to get America to love his style and is a favourite at the Improv Comedy Club. His work is just top drawer and once you see him in action you would definitely want to see him again.
6. BABA TENCEN
Chibaba ichi kwavakuseri! This man knows how to pull up some random statements and get the nation into laughing mode. Through his short videos, the South African based act has rocked the nation by making fun of very critical matters that affect Zimbabweans in Mzansi. However, there is need for his team to work on the scripting–at times he ends up rambling without really being funny.
7. P.O BOX TV RELOADED
Now these guys dropped in the ranks in 2015. From being top they diluted their brand and humor because they became too commercial and forgot to be relevant to the masses. No doubt Bhutisi and Kheda are superb acts but instead of dropping more funny and engaging skits they focused more on the corporate deals. We are really happy to see the duo cashing in on their talent but there is need to find a way to subliminally advertise and not make it too obvious we are watching an advert. Another aspect that affected them was the split with the known PO BOX brand, they lost out on a robust social media following and had to start from scratch. However, they are slowly getting back on their feet. We hope to see the duo bounce back strongly in 2016.
8. BUSTOP TV
Formerly P.O BOX TV, the brand also regressed when the duo of Bhutisi and Kheda left. Nonetheless, the remaining co-founder, Luckie Aaron, managed to incorporate Comic Pastor into the mix and together with his two wives, they are rocking the country. The team keeps getting corporate deals and is diversifying into cartoon skits as well. Another strategy they have implemented is partnering with other comedians which has given them a wider audience reach.
9. ZAMBEZI NEWS
This has been a rather quiet year for the satire team. Yes they have been touring the globe and getting nominated at various international platforms but there wasn’t a lot of new material from the crew in 2015. We look forward to the new season of Zambezi News and are hoping to see them more active on the local front. We congratulate them for managing to get their content onto DStv’s Zambezi Magic.
10. LONG JOHN
A very hard working act. He managed to record his debut one man act live DVD last year and will be staging various shows all over the globe this year with a UK and African tour having been confirmed. He, however, needs to keep working on his writing skills to keep his audience engaged and avoid some jokes falling flat.
