The Sunday Mail
Takudzwa Chihambakwe Leisure Correspondent —
“IT has been an eventful journey loaded with sorrows and joy,” reflected co-founder of Bustop TV Lucky Aaroni, as his team celebrated “2 years of amazing laughs” at a local hotel in the capital last weekend.
Aaroni spoke of his despair after splitting with his founding partners Admire Kuzhangaira (Bhutisi) and Roland Lunga (Boss Khedha).
“After the split with PO Box TV, we lost a lot as all the clients we had went with the then known faces, Boss Khedha and Bhutisi. I was left with the fairly new kids on the block, Maggi and Gonyeti. I did not know what to do to make things work as the ladies were still new in the game.
“I remember telling Gonyeti how discouraged I was. I didn’t feel like going on and she said to me ‘asi uri kundi doubter? Give us time, let’s keep working zvinoita’,” narrated Aaroni.
Gonyeti’s words would be just what the doctor ordered for the hard working Aaroni.
“After putting some thoughts to Gonyeti’s words I started consulting a lot of people because I wanted to see if there was any chance of us making it back in the game. After a number of consultations, I was given some ideas on how to reposition the brand in the market with the new faces I had and I am glad to say it worked.
“In a few weeks the hits began to rise again and people also warmed up to Gonyeti and Maggy. As we were on this purple patch came Prosper The Comic Pastor and his wit, and we managed to rise back to the top. But again, he too, left us,” said Aaroni.
As they say; once bitten, twice shy. Experience had taught Aaroni how to deal with such situations.
“This time around though, the impact was felt but it was not as bad as the first time when we were not prepared at all. Fast forward a few months later after the departure of Prosper in August, the ladies have made names for themselves and we are still being contracted by companies to make skits for them.
“Am truly grateful to God for his provision and sustainability as well as all the companies that have stood with us through our low and high moments.”
The celebrations, which were held at New Ambassador Hotel, saw over ten comedians converge.
It was a night with a difference in the capital, which had last experienced comedy of this magnitude when Anne Kansiime visited back in August. The comedians who included the likes of Q The Boss, Tinye, Doc Vikela, Mandla Da Comedian, and Boss Kheda among many others serenaded the packed auditorium with their hilarious punch lines.
Simuka Comedy co-founder Doc Vikela, revealed that the comedy buffet witnessed last weekend is set to continue.
“The Bustop TV comedy nights might come in under the Harare Comedy Nights franchise. We are still to iron out a few finer details. We are also lobbying for partnerships with a couple of corporates,” said Doc Vikela.
Quizzed on whether Simuka Comedy Shows will now be halted he said, “Not at all. Simuka Comedy shows will continue though things have been very slow over the past few months.
“When Book Cafe closed it spelled doom on the project, they were a firm believer in the vision we had and stood with us through good and bad days after that finding spaces where we could attract audiences has been tough.
“There is an acute shortage of accessible performance spaces that are comedy-friendly. This year we have made Sopranos a home of comedy and it is opening up a good avenue and we are commencing shows with them next year also.
“The intention is to have a Friday show and a Saturday show. One at Sopranos, a Simuka comedy night and one at Ambassador Hotel, Harare Comedy Nights,” he revealed.
