The Nairobi International Comedy Festival lit up the Mövenpick Hotel in Westlands, transforming it into the city’s biggest laugh stage of the year. Organized by Standup Collective, the week-long event brought together Kenyan favorites, regional headliners, and international acts in a program that proved comedy in Nairobi is no longer a side-show—it is a cultural movement with growing regional and global pull.
Headline Acts and Highlights
From the onset, the presence of a diverse cast of comedians presented a breath of fresh air. Comedians drawn from Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, the UK, and the US graced the comedic stage and left revelers in stitches. Mammito’s closing act arguably told a story of what the event was all about. She delivered punchline after punchline in perfect conversational delivery. Her jabs at the Zimbabwean currency drew a fit of laughter, cementing her place as a comedic national treasure. The cross-border banter was also another highlight, resulting in laughter that brought shared regional unity. Marcus Ryan, a renowned Australian comedian, came as advertised, endearing the crowds with his captivating storytelling, while Zimbabwean King Kandoro was very animated, owning the stage with his energy and magnetic presence. Justine Wanda’s self-deprecating style of humor was also on display.
Highlights
The surprise of the bunch was David Macharia. The Nairobian household name had the odds stacked against him, considering the A-list comedians that headlined the event. However, David was undeterred, using his wit to find comedic relief from everyday, relatable experiences, and even, at one point, delivering a skit while a blackout ensured, much to the delight of the crowd. David’s improvisation, coupled with his impressionable vibe, solidified his jester status. Other acts, including Ciku Waithaka and Ruth Nyambura, told unfiltered and raw stories that brought a comedic touch to topics such as womanhood in a fearless manner.
The Nairobi International Comedy Festival poses the potential to become a recurring regional juggernaut with more surprises and collaborations on the horizon. This event positioned Standup Collective as a safe pair of hands when it comes to packaging established comedians and upcoming acts in equal measure. Regional tours remain something to watch out for as the show continues to garner support from cultural institutions such as Alliance Française or Goethe-Institut. Future collaborations would mean more established acts and an opportunity for the discovery of young, untapped comedic talent. Therefore, if you missed this edition, worry not. Subsequent Comedy events promise to deliver with regional tours lined up. Stay alert to the social media buzz to find out where the comedic caravan makes a stop next.