Kigali earns its laugh from weekly comedy, in English

‘Weekly Comedy?!’ is a buzzworthy poster making waves in Kigali lately. However, this wasn’t always the case. When the comedy event launched live last week, many were taken by surprise.

Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, has previously hosted sporadic stand-up comedy shows throughout the city, where people would gather for a night of laughter. This new initiative, performed live in English, makes it accessible for those who cannot attend in person and for audiences who may not speak local languages fluently.

The shows are hosted at Stage One, a hidden gem located in Kigali City Centre, just a stone’s throw from St. Famile Catholic Church in Nyarugenge District. The choice of location near a church seems strategic, potentially appealing to churchgoers and encouraging them to spread the word about this fresh comedic scene.

The weekly Thursday shows start at 7:30 PM, and unlike traditional comedy performances, they cater to a smaller audience—likely curious souls eager for English-language stand-up.

The event showcases a blend of emerging and established comedians, providing audiences with a unique entertainment experience. The Kigali Comedy Club specifically targets Anglophone audiences, which include visitors from Europe, the US, India, and West Africa. Each performance is meticulously curated, ensuring that every session is engaging and well-received.

Amid the growing interest in Rwanda’s unique lifestyle and customs, the event aims to highlight local advancements and the ordinary citizens embracing them. Instead of being presented in polished English, the comedy reflects a fresh take on live entertainment that had been missing from Kigali’s scene.

“We realized that Kigali hosts many visitors and residents, and with the ongoing ‘Visit Rwanda’ campaign, stand-up comedy serves as an ideal way to unwind,” says John Muyenzi, known as Babu, a stand-up comedian and one of the event organizers. “Initially, we had low expectations, but I’m pleased to see our audience steadily increasing.”

By exclusively offering performances in English, this platform challenges local comedians to expand their skills and engage with broader audiences beyond Rwanda’s borders.

The lineup includes various stand-up talents, such as Babu, Herve Kimenyi, and Prince from Comedy Knights, a prominent Rwandan comedy group, along with other rising stars who gather for rehearsals before each weekly show. “I was unsure if comedians would be interested, but I’m glad to see their enthusiasm,” Babu remarks.

Having secured a one-year contract with Stage One to host this event, Babu mentions they will assess its success after three months to determine the future direction.

For the organizers, establishing this platform is crucial for building a robust stand-up comedy culture in Kigali and attracting potential sponsors. “I was thrilled to see a unique space open up for stand-up comedy, and being one of the first performers made it a memorable experience for my career,” shares Bareth, a Burundian comedian based in Kigali.

Bareth, who also founded the 1000 Hills Comedy Club—a monthly comedy showcase—views this new initiative as an important step toward providing more opportunities for emerging comedians, especially as performance venues have become increasingly limited.