The Sunday Mail
Last year, the local comedy scene experienced tremendous growth, capturing a huge new following.
From performing in front of paltry crowds at venues like the now defunct Book Café to filling up 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale, Harare, there is no doubt that comedy has been on the rise.
This growth might be attributed to visiting international acts who already commanded huge audiences thereby influencing huge turnouts at their shows, which in turn provided the platforms to expose the vast local comedy talent.
Last Saturday, Doc Vikela and Long John proved that local comedy has really come of age when they stole the limelight at Barry Hilton’s sold out show at Harare’s Reps Theatre.
With Doc Vikela being the host of the night, he wasted no time in turning the auditorium into an explosive dynamite of laughter with his fast paced wit.
With jokes that ranged from satire to social commentary, Doc Vikela spared no ribs on the night, unleashing jokes that sent the crowd into wild roars of laughter.
Although most comics have been criticised for performing the same jokes over and over again, Doc Vikela introduced new material.
Some of the issues he tackled include Zim-Asset, illegal sanctions, racism, Harare’s roads and the country’s political climate.
With the introduction of talented beat boxer ProBeats, real name Takudzwa Mashonganyika, one might have thought this would tone down the atmosphere, considering that this was a comedy show.
But the young artiste had other ideas and captured the crowd with his antics.
Adding comic expressions to his set and having the crowd sing along to some old time classics, which he reproduced with his voice box, ProBeats had the crowd eating from his hands by the time he finished his set.
Another highlight on the night was Long John, who might as well have qualified to be the tallest man in the building on the day.
The towering comic was relentless in slaying the crowd throughout his set, firing shots at ZTV’s programming, quality, women’s fake hair and also throwing shade at his own height, which sent the crowd into wild cheers.
By the time the main act came on stage, the local performers had already set the bar high and he had to rely on his vast experience in order to cruise on the same level.
Barry Hilton proved that jokes are not the only element of a comedy. He captivated the audience, complementing his act with facial expressions and antics that drew thunderous laughter from the crowd.
Even if the microphone was to be taken away from him he could still have pulled off an exceptional set with his hilarious antics on stage.
His jokes might have been surpassed by those of local acts, but his stage presence and acting skills proved to be the difference on the day.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail after the show, Barry Hilton said that he had enjoyed the show and was appreciative of the crowd that was in attendance. “I was enjoying myself on stage, the crowd was beautiful and the venue is also brilliant. I have performed in Zimbabwe several times and I believe this is one of the best shows I have been involved in,” said Hilton.
The 60-year-old comic was full of praise for the local contingent of artistes who had participated on the day.
“The youngsters are actually very good, very confident and I loved the way they deliver, even the beat box guy I thought he was brilliant.
“These guys managed to express themselves in an exceptional manner, so I would like to say well done to these guys and I think they should actually do some sort of tour around the country.”
Comparing with the previous shows he has hosted in the country, Hilton said that he had noticed growth in the local comedy industry.
“I believe that there has been massive growth in the local comedy audience and I think this is because people are now appreciating that comedy, if done properly, is not meant to offend but rather to inform.
“Comedy is a great opportunity for people from various sections of society to get together and have a great time in a humorous atmosphere,” Said Hilton.
Doc Vikela said he had learnt a lot from the older comic.
“I think Barry’s technique is just out of this world because people were laughing by just looking at his face.
I have learnt a lot from observing what he was doing on stage, from his gestures to the timing and quick reaction to the crowd’s responses.
“I know we still have a long way to go in this business but I am glad that we have been making progress,” said Vikela.
