Renowned American comedian Dave Chappelle is set to perform in Kenya this week, with a highly anticipated show lined up for Wednesday, May 29th. The details of the event have been uploaded on the social media pages of the Stand-Up comedy collective Punchline Nairobi and tickets for the exclusive performance sold out within minutes.
Chappelle’s show will take place at the Louis Leakey Auditorium, National Museum of Kenya. The gates open at 7 pm, while the show begins at 8 pm. Tickets for the highly sought-after performance were priced at Sh 7000 (approximately $63).
In keeping with Chappelle’s strict no-phone policy during his shows, the organizers have implemented stringent measures to ensure a phone-free viewing experience. “Upon arrival, all phones and smart watches will be secured in Yondr pouches that will be unlocked at the end of the show. Guests maintain possession of their phones throughout the night and if needed, may access their phones at designated Yondr unlocking stations in the lobby,” Punchline Comedy Club notes in a caption of the show’s poster.
The organizers have made it clear that anyone caught with a cell phone in the venue will be immediately ejected, emphasizing their commitment to creating a phone-free environment for the audience to fully immerse themselves in Chappelle’s performance.
This no-phone policy is a common practice for Chappelle’s shows, as it aims to protect the comedian’s work and ensure that the material is not recorded and distributed without permission. According to Forbes Magazine, “In the world of live performances, cell phones open the door to extreme distraction, copyright violations and misuse and misinterpretation of content. Phone-free events mean fewer intellectual property challenges, improved performances and experiences, and enhanced comedy development.”
Chappelle, who began performing stand-up comedy at the tender age of 14, is known for his unfiltered and humorous takes on everyday life, often addressing sensitive topics such as race and society with his signature wit and candour.
The Nairobi show, organized by Punchline Comedy Club, will be an intimate affair, with only 300 seats available in the venue. According to a source who spoke to Nairobi News, “The small and intimate venue was a condition set by Dave. He even wanted it to be for a smaller audience of 100. So even 300 was a push.”
Two Kenyan comedians, Lu Savali and Ciru Mwangi, will have the honour of opening for the Emmy Award-winning American star. Both comedians have expressed their excitement and disbelief at the opportunity to share the stage with Chappelle.
Ciru Mwangi shared her thoughts on social media, writing: “I will be one of two opening acts for Dave Chappelle, even in my wildest dreams I had not seen this.”
Lu Savali echoed similar sentiments, stating: “As a comic, this isn’t even in your wildest dreams. But this Wednesday I’m opening for @davechappelle in Nairobi, Kenya. Believe the hype.”
Chappelle’s phone-free policy is not unique to the Nairobi show; it was also enforced during his recent performance in Abu Dhabi on May 23, organised by Live Nation. At the Etihad Arena, as part of Abu Dhabi Comedy Week, attendees were required to secure their phones, smartwatches and accessories in individual pouches at security check-in. Guests retained possession of their devices but could only access them in designated phone-use areas within the venue.
As the internet buzzes with excitement over Dave Chappelle’s upcoming Nairobi performance, fans and comedy enthusiasts alike are gearing up for a truly unforgettable and immersive comedic experience, free from the distractions of modern technology.
