It’s been tough for over a year for comedy with the pandemic stalling physical shows. But as they say, the show must go on. Comedians have found creative ways to entertain their audience through virtual shows and films, enabling them to consistently churn out funny content. Weekender brings you, in no particular order, the humourists carrying the Rwandan flag in comedy. Arthur Nkusi He is seen by many as the face of Rwandan comedy given the personality he has built in the game, locally and outside the country. From theatre to radio comedy, Nkusi is arguably one of the best comedians in Rwanda. It was in 2010 that he set out to do comedy as a profession, and he says being himself and not trying to be someone else is what has made his style unique. While comedy was new to many in Rwanda’s entertainment industry, Nkusi has played a big part in discovering and growing the talents of different top comedians that Rwanda has now, and showed them that they can make a living out of it, just like artists in music and film do. Clapton Mugisha Better known by his stage name Clapton Kibonke, Mugisha has been in the comedy industry for quite some time now. The friends who advised Clapton to join comedy probably knew what a top comedian he would become, and time has proven what a talent he is in comedy. It is Mugisha’s talent in comedy that earned him commercial deals to advertise for different companies. His latest combination with fast-rising comedian Patrick Rusine, with whom they act drunk in the YouTube comedy series ‘Mugisha na Rusine’ is one of the most trending comedies on social media. Japhet and 5K Etienne From their memorable different big comedy shows like ‘Bigomba Guhinduka’, Japhet and 5K Etienne have come a long way to show what an exceptional combo they are. The duo has formed a strong partnership in comedy and has since made a name in the local industry. Their comic combination while making jokes around trending life experiences is what makes them unique. Joshua His daily comedy show dubbed ‘The Josh Challenge’, which airs every day on KC2, is a testament of how far the comedian has gone to establish himself as one of the best comedians Rwanda has in its ranks. In his comedy TV show, the comedian builds challenges from showbiz news trending in Rwanda. Sharing stages with renowned comedy acts, both local and international, like Arthur Nkusi, Kenyan Chipukeezy as well as Malawian Daliso Chaponda, isn’t something that comes by chance but by merit. Joshua’s talents have seen him perform at many of the biggest comedy shows organised in Kigali including ‘Seka Live’, ‘Bigomba Guhinduka’ and his most memorable show ‘Kigali International Comedy Festival’, which saw him named the overall ‘man of the show’ ahead of big African comedy stars like America’s Got Talent finalist Daliso Chaponda. Rufonsina The comic actress, born Sandrine Uwimpundu, made a name for herself thanks to her language, known as ‘ikigoyi’, and comedy lovers look forward to new episodes of the movie series that she acts in. ‘Ikigoyi’ is a language spoken by people who were born and raised in Bugoyi, a region located in Rubavu District, Western Province. Her acting skills have earned her the attention of filmmakers who want to feature her in their movies. Michael Sengazi Sengazi made a name for himself in comedy when he scooped the Prix RFI Talent du Rire 2019 during a ceremony held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, making him the first Rwandan comedian to win the continental prize. The title played a big part in the Burundi-born stand-up comedian’s rise to stardom and is now regarded as one of top comedians that the Rwandan comedy industry has in the books. Sengazi is a member of Comedy Knights which has always been home to a number of home grown comedians who rose to fame and are now leading the industry. Nyaxo Digital platforms have created room for discovery of a diversity in talent exposure and comedy is no exception. Nyaxo is a good example of new talent on the block who rose to fame thanks to online platforms. The young comedian quickly rose to fame when he launched ‘Nyaxo Comedy’ in 2019. His series has been trending since the first episode on YouTube in June 2019. Nyaxo’s fun acts put him on the list of the most sought-after comedians that Rwandans wish to see on stage once comedy fully gets back to life. Ndimbati Ndimbati has taken the comedy scene by storm. The veteran’s comic acting is increasingly attracting the attention of so many people. His appearance in the famous ‘Papa Sava’ has turned it into one of Rwanda’s funniest comedy series on YouTube charts, thanks to his funny acts in every episode created by lead actor and director Gratien Niyitegeka.
