When the continent of Africa is treated as a hegemony, this is often offensive. Yet the phrase "Africa is a country" is one that needs no explanation when exchanged from one African to another. It is underlied by nuances best understood by experience and revels in the identity that brings the continent together.
On a recent Sunday night, the Harare International Conference Centre echoed with laughter as an African doctor shared stories inspired by Uganda but understood by Zimbabwe without additional context. The occasion was Dillan Chiota's Unbothered Comedy Show, but the spotlight was on Dr. Hillary Okello, who was finally bringing his Jokes From Away Tour to Harare.
Ignatius Mbongeni was host on the night and right from the moment he introduced himself, he was brilliant. His performance can be best described as controlled chaos, a showcase of wit so sharp it should classified as dangerous.
Tinotenda Lebohang was brazen in his dark humour, sometimes offensive but constantly responded to with laughter. Ckanyiso Dat Guy gave us the unconventional with his search of a perfect name, a search that had humourous quibs for all the names that didn't fit. Chipenzi was a narrator of the ghetto chronicles, pointing out the funny side of our everyday lives.
Dillan Chiota arrived with questions of why anyone would want to kill Lebo M over Learnmore Jonasi, and lamentations of how no one cared about him at his own show, before introducing the night's headliner Dr. Hillary Okello.
After having graced Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia, and Namibia, the Jokes From Far Away Tour was finally in Zimbabwe. It began with a reflection of Okello's experience in different African countries, the struggles of travelling with an African passport, Africa's troubles at the World Cup and xenophobia down south. In an instant it made the case that it should've been called "Jokes From Home."
Okello was witty, insightful and masterful in storytelling, with a knack for accents that could tickle even the dullest of funny bones. Built around the shared realities of the continent, the performance had unforgettable punchlines (one of Awilo Longomba's "Coupé Bibamba" being particularly memorable) and perceptive commentary that pointed out the absurdity of some of our experiences.
The hour long performance's lasting impression was that Africa is both home and a country, yet there is more to the narratives told about us. A testament to Okello's hold of humour that such a nuanced message could be delivered. Separated from Zimbabwe by multiple borders and hundreds if kilometres, it still felt like listening to a friend that grew up down the road.
If his performance at King Kandoro's State Of The Nation had endeared him to Harare's comedy audience, then this one certainly earned him a permanent place in our hearts.
Unbothered was both testament to comedy's growth in Zimbabwe and on the African continent, a collaboration of talent that can only take the space to greater heights.
Greedysouth rating: 8/10