Rwandan comedian and radio personality Japhet Mazimpaka has warned that many people are getting lost in the world of social media influence, describing it as a “pandemic disguised as false validation.” The comedian, who is doing solo performances after splitting with 5K Etienne, believes people are increasingly trapped in the need to appear on others’ screens, failing to balance online presence with real life. These are the topics that could steal the spotlight when Japhet headlines his upcoming comedy special titled “Social Media Influenza” on Friday, January 23, at Urban Park Suites, Remera. Entrance tickets for the show are already available at Rwf 20,000. According to Japhet, the one-man show aims to humorously address common issues on social media, including user behavior, how online content shapes opinions, and the growing influence of digital platforms on mindsets, relationships, and social interactions in Rwandan society. ALSO READ: Comedian Mazimpaka on cracking ribs in Nigeria, opportunities and future plans Reflecting on the new comedy concept, the former Bigomba Guhinduka member said that the digital world has become misleading and manipulative, especially for celebrities who often mistake follower numbers for real influence. “Globally, over 64% of people are active on social media. Locally, about 9.2% are active. Yet this life is influencing how we behave. Sometimes we lose ourselves just to be present on other people’s screens and smartphones. How do we navigate and balance it? That is where my concept is centered,” he said. “We will be unmasking these mysterious and dangerous concepts through laughter, because at the end of the day, we need to know how to live in this new life,” he added. ALSO READ: The dark side of social media for Rwandan youth Japhet believes comedy can raise awareness, especially on issues that are often ignored or misunderstood. He describes social media as a ‘double-edged sword,’ largely driven by young people who consume content based on trends and instant gratification. “We literally have no experts on how best to live this digital life. Young people are doing everything to get exposure and attention just to trend. Most end up faking personalities that are far from reality, posting one picture out of a hundred shots,” he explained. He also pointed to artificial intelligence as a growing concern. “AI is trending and doing almost everything a normal human does. Manipulation is everywhere, and many people cannot tell what is fake and what is real. That is how serious this ‘influenza’ is, and it is a critical topic we must talk about and find balance,” he said. ALSO READ: The power of social media in fostering change Comedy exposing social media as a no-man’s land Japhet noted that the use of the internet varies widely, with young people dominating social media while older generations remain largely disengaged. “Everyone takes the internet differently. Elders are mostly out of the league, while young people are overusing it. Sometimes, none of us actually owns anything on these platforms,” he said. Referring to his show’s artwork, where he appears laughing and crying at the same time, he said that it reflects the contradiction of social media life. “We rely on these platforms for attention, yet they don’t show reality. Very few people post their real lives,” he noted. He warned celebrities against confusing numbers with real impact. “Having 100,000 followers does not mean you have 100,000 people. They are just accounts. We don’t own them, and we influence very few. If we can, we should be mindful and creative enough to spread positive influence,” he said. Japhet is a multitalented international stand-up comedy act. He has performed at major stages across East Africa and beyond. He hosted his first solo comedy special, ‘The Stupid Experience,’ in February 2023. He has also performed before large audiences in Nigeria (Lagos) and Kenya (Nairobi). To him, “Comedy is more therapeutic than just relaxation.”
