He knows how to sieve what is funny and what is not. Julius William Niyitejeka, aka Julius Chita has been a comedian since childhood. But now the 18-year-old is ready to demarcate his territory in the comedy business.

He has become a regular at several social events like concerts and weddings where he entertains people with rib-cracking comedy. The student of St. Joseph College Integrated College (SJITC) in Nyamirambo, talked to The New Times about his career as a comedian.

Excerpts:

What can you tell us about yourself?

I’m 18 years old, social and I don’t give up on things easily, especially those that I’ve dedicated my time to. I am right-handed and a comedian always looking forward to make people laugh.

How did you get into comedy?

It was in 2012, when I was in secondary school. I used to imitate personalities, including our teachers, fellow students and some government officials. I would try to make it really funny.

When I got the class laughing, it felt good. I remember walking back to the dormitory after making my class laugh. There was something inside of me that liked what happened. I told myself that whatever this feeling is, I want more of it, and so the quest began.

So your career started at school?

That is when I decided I wanted to be a comedian, yes.

Do you write your own scripts?

Yes, that’s the fun part for me — communicating the comical aspects of my everyday life to the audience. When you make a connection with someone by making them laugh, it’s great to know that they are laughing at something you thought of. I have to say, half of the fun of being a comedian is thinking of my own routines.

Where do you get the inspiration for your jokes?

I don’t really know, to be quite honest. I just try to look at the world in a funny way. I try to see things that other people wouldn’t find funny and turn it into something they can laugh at. I don’t really know how it works. It’s kind of like when you look at yourself in a mirror; sometimes you can’t help but laugh at the weirdness of it. That’s kind of how comedians look at life, they see the same thing everyone else sees, but in a comical way.

What has been your greatest accomplishment as a comedian?

I would have to say just being able to make people laugh because not everyone can do so.

Which local comedian inspires you?

It has to be Ben Nganji. He is talented and very creative. I like the way he delivers his content. His comedy is casual but very inspiring. I also like the way he engages the audience.

What is the best part about being a comedian?

It’s very rewarding to know that I am capable of making other people feel good through laughter. It makes me feel even better to be able to see those people laughing and enjoying themselves through my comedy.