Kigali comedy lovers couldn’t resist the rib-cracking jokes from Burundian comedy sensation Alfred Aubin Mugenzi, popularly known as Kigingi whose performance sparked humour and laughter. Kigingi was staging his one-man show, dubbed “Kigingi Comedy Night, at Molato Bar and Restaurant. Sunday evening was full of laughter, music, and cultural reflections that connected audiences from both Rwanda and Burundi. Known across East Africa for his sharp wit and energetic stage presence, Kigingi kept the crowd entertained with a mix of impersonations, playful storytelling, and jokes drawn from everyday life. He skilfully engaged the audience, moving from one topic to another while weaving in lessons about relationships, social trends, and cultural contrasts. One of the highlights of the evening was his take on marriage. With his Burundian-Rwandan wife and their child present, Kigingi teased men about the “real secret” to a happy union. “It’s not about money or possessions,” he joked. “It’s simply about listening to your wife even if it's nonsense, gossip or untimely.” The punchline sent ripples of laughter across the room, many couples nodding in agreement. Kigingi also revisited old-school dating practices, recalling how young boys once relied on a girl’s younger brother to deliver love messages, often in the most awkward situations. “Imagine the mother listening as the brother passes the message,” he joked, painting a picture of the girl storming angrily to the boy, only to scold him for “playing around.” He also poked fun at how village girls, after moving to the city, would transform their lifestyles and even their names. “Godriva becomes Gago, Beatrice turns into Betty,” he quipped, sending the audience roaring with laughter. The comedian also contrasted how love is expressed through music. While couples in developed countries lean on soft, romantic songs, Burundians, he said, once relied on old plays staged in gardens, using outdated scripts and hiding behind trees,“an old-fashioned way that no longer works.” ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Teacher Mpamire talks comedy, career realities, Kigali show The show carried more surprises, including an appearance by Rwandan comedian Michael Sengazi, who had the crowd in stitches with his jokes about Burundian drinking habits and the mistakenly use of alcohol taste. He humorously described the way alcohol is consumed in his country, suggesting it was “an injustice to the drink itself and applying the tool” which sometimes it bursts. Speaking after the performance, Kigingi praised Rwanda for always making him feel at home. “The atmosphere was amazing,” he said. “Both Burundians and Rwandans came together, which created a joint fan base. That unity is special.” He added that performing in Kigali is always memorable because the audiences relate so well to his material. “The hospitality here is extraordinary. Our comedy industries share many similarities because our societies are alike, and most importantly, the language unites us.” The funnyman was amazed about how Kigali continues to grow rapidly, something he believes the comedy scene is growing with it. “We comedians have something in common and that makes our performances richer and more relatable,” he said. The evening ended with standing ovations and endless applause, confirming once again that laughter knows no borders.
