The Sunday Mail
Takudzwa Chihambakwe —
“ENTERTAINERS hunger for huge audiences and seek to be popular with the masses so as to maximise revenues from recordings and performances. To compete, they then require a manager, promoter, studio, stable, big budgets or company behind them.
“They cannot afford to ‘disappear’ from the limelight. Therefore, they work hard day and night to maintain a high profile. They dream of being rich and when they can no longer ‘make it big’ tend to fade away into nostalgia or poverty,” said award-winning comedian, Edgar Langeveldt, in rare interview with The Sunday Mail Leisure.
He added: “In contrast, an artiste is an entirely different creature. Normally shy, eclectic or hermitic and always short of budget for the next great project. It is a life-long calling, something you are and do until your last breath. It is not a job or even a career, we are not merely gifted, it’s what God thought to bless mankind with in some way, and that is who I am.”
Are these not words of comfort by someone trying to reassure themselves that they are still in the game and justify running on empty pockets? Langeveldt says he is not comforting himself.
He says in the three decades he has been an artiste money has never been an issue for him but it is his craft that concerns him most.
“In the 30 years I have been an artiste money has never been a priority, except when promised and not delivered. Occasionally, I win a competition or big award, but most of the time the opportunity cost of creating new art precludes the paper chase.
“Artistes are sought-after by international consumers who know exactly what they want and it is more gratifying to get recognition from royals, embassies and presidents, as well as genuine praise and critiques from ordinary folk who appreciate aesthetic intelligence, art and culture.
“Artistes like Dominic Benhura, Dambudzo Marechera, Shimmer Chinodya became well known through the high quality or shock value of their crafts, but this is not even desirable to us. In fact, being well known has many negatives on one’s social life.”
Langeveldt says when stressed and choked up by city life, he takes a hike and rejuvenates his system in the rural areas.
“When I tire of the stress and expense of city-life I either tour the region or park off for 10 months at my father’s village in the Eastern Highlands, trading in ducks, chickens — even zvihuta and teaching local children English, computer sciences and football.”
Langeveldt who has been missing in action for a lengthy period, only appearing in one or two comedy shows throughout the past couple of years is back with an interesting comedy show dubbed “Games#Bond”, which reflects on the amazing history of the Zimbabwe dollar.
“Games#Bond’ is a word play on James Bond 007, the classic movie character who is highly skilled, always on a mission, hot with the ladies and equipped with the latest spy technology and amazing cars.
“As you can probably guess I’ll be covering all the exciting developments surrounding the bond note saga, with plenty room for other topics; my usual live banter about everything from advice for the romantically challenged, to weird business ideas that actually work.
“The show also covers the hashtag phenomenon, the US Elections and the slide from glory of my beloved Manchester United Football Club. But Arsenal and Liverpool supporters are also most welcome at my performances. It’s all about good fun.”
On whether the show will be touring after recently debuting at Theatre in The Park he said, “One never knows with a work of art, it develops and grows with a life of its own. As you get responses and feedback, you wrestle with it and improve it, add and subtract or leave it as it is.
“However, I hope to have it filmed and uploaded to social media, as well as made available on DVD. I have been invited to perform in Kadoma on December 22 with an upcoming comedy ensemble and, God willing, it will be an honour and pleasure to present ‘Games#Bond’ to them.”
Like any artiste, Edgar has his fair chunk of challenges but he encourages colleagues to be as strong as the Russians.
“I am born and bred in this country, and I don’t have to spell out for any Zimbabwean how difficult it is to survive here. Even when you are doing well, the slightest problem with your landlord, car, phone or child can turn into a nightmare, simply because everyone is under the same pressure.
“We must be as strong as the Russians, who are known for being tough in a hostile environment, but my hope is that all the complications would cease and we begin to truly prosper, materially as well as psychologically.
“I have turned 47 but I feel like I’m 98. Given that the average life expectancy is ridiculously low, at least I’m still alive, thank God. But I have buried too many loved ones, the death of my father in 2006 utterly devastated me, I have made inexplicable sacrifices and only found relief in my art work. That is where I meet with the creator, hear the voice of my ancestors and share good experiences with my friends.”
Besides the comedy business Edgar is also a writer and a social soccer player.
“Besides the new comedy material I am putting together, I am currently completing my first science fiction novel and seeking a vibrant publisher, intending to guarantee an old age pension from royalties.
“Apart from writing, I love gardening, watching DVD’s and ‘social media anxiety’ on Facebook. Much less, I kick around at social football but I’m afraid to say my glorious playing days are well over. If anyone bothers to listen, I shout out coaching tips.”
Reflecting on the growth of stand-up comedy in the country since he started out alone in 1997, Langeveldt said, “When I started stand-up comedy in 1997 I was alone for the first 10 or more years.
I was very much in demand due to the novelty of the art form, the theatre, costume and musical skills I injected into it and my own personal, unbelievable experiences.
Nowadays, there are dozens of aspiring comics, it is a growing industry especially when one factors in visits by international performers. NAMA awards included comedy as a category, and the youngsters have much more of the internet, air travel and global audiences.
“It is up to them to be artistes or entertainers. They have to discover their own unique talent, work hard and be very patient.
They can learn much from the greats and must be up to date on news, trends, current affairs, and an uncanny, indefinable pulse on the soul and rhythm of society. They also have to be humble, and you will see always the arrogant fall by the way side.”
Langeveldt, winner of the prestigious, Prince Claus Theatre and Cultural Organisation Award says that Clive Chigubu is the most gifted of the current crop of trending local comedians.
“By far and with no doubt, young Clive Chigubu from Bulawayo is the most gifted, charming and likeable Zimbabwean stand-up comedian for me. Clive is bright, cheerful and extremely funny. He has an innate, instinctual gift for working a crowd, getting them involved in his stories.
“He prepares well, presents himself professionally and remains down to earth. He has racked up a fair bit of experience and with time, more life experiences, greater exposure and well-deserved support, he should emerge a successful character in the region, and even the world at large.”
