Gen-Z Comedy Show has launched a training programme aimed at strengthening comedians’ skills and promoting more professional approaches to performing. The training, which began on August 31 and runs through September 2, focuses on capacity building and helping comedians develop material without relying on jokes that target individuals in the audience. Show founder and host Merci Ndaruhutse said the initiative is part of efforts to improve the quality of performances and create a more respectful environment for both comedians and audiences. The training comes amid public criticism of some young comedians over jokes directed at people attending the bimonthly show. The debate intensified after businesswoman Kate Bashabe attended the show on Thursday, August 27, where she was scheduled to distribute notebooks to students ahead of the new academic year. Shortly after her arrival, up-and-coming comedian Dudu made a joke that reportedly upset Bashabe, prompting her to leave the venue before the planned distribution of notebooks. Several reports linked her departure to remarks made during the show. However, Merci dismissed the claims, saying Bashabe left after other plans came up. ALSO READ: Gen-Z Comedy show host apologises after controversial content on 'promiscuity' He acknowledged that some comedians have previously made inappropriate remarks about audience members but said organisers are taking steps to prevent such incidents from happening again. “It will not happen again,” he said. Merci also rejected suggestions that the training was organised in response to the Bashabe incident, saying it had been planned before her appearance at the show. “Under the new approach, comedians will focus on performing comedy they have written themselves rather than making individuals in the audience the subject of their jokes,” Merci told The New Times. “We are just giving comedians hints about how they can work and do comedy without relying on speaking about people, which we see sometimes brings negative words to some people who attend,” he added. The three-day programme has brought together experienced figures from Rwanda’s comedy industry, including Arthur Nkusi, Hervé Kimenyi, Michael Sengazi and Atome, also known as Diogène Ntarindwa. They are expected to guide the younger comedians on professional performance techniques, joke writing and ways of engaging audiences without singling out individuals. The first day featured comedians Michael Sengazi and Patrick Rusine, as well as media personality and Rwanda Media Commission Chairperson Scovia Mutesi. Merci said the organisers intend to continue investing in the development of comedians, with another training session planned for next week. Comedy lovers welcome initiative Regular attendees of Gen-Z Comedy Show have welcomed the training, saying some comedians have occasionally “crossed the line” when making jokes about audience members. “I think it is a good opportunity to remind comedians that people come to comedy to have fun and leave stress-free instead of being humiliated. This is a good initiative, and we hope it is going to restore Gen-Z Comedy Show’s reputation,” said Esther Beza, a regular attendee. Gen-Z Comedy Show is marking four years since it was launched by Merci in 2022, following his graduation from the first cohort of the Art Rwanda-Ubuhanzi programme. The show initially operated at the Art Rwanda-Ubuhanzi Incubation Centre in Rugando before moving to Mundi Centre and later the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV) at Camp Kigali as its audience grew. Over the past four years, it has evolved from a platform for emerging comedians into a regular Kigali entertainment event, attracting comedians, celebrities and government officials while engaging young people through comedy and discussions on various issues.
