On the April 17, 2024, the Nairobi International Comedy Festival, which is a celebration of laughter, wit, and comedic talent from Kenya and around Africa kicked off at the Nairobi Laugh Bar @chemichemi.
The 4 days of soul filling laughter event Hosted by Emmanuel Kisiangani (Ke) features talented individuals from different parts of Africa who are: Robby Collins (SA), Cotilda Inapo (UG), David Macharia (Ke), Amandeep Jagde (Ke), Darren Collins (USA), George Waweru (Ke) and Justin Wanda (Ke).
The essence of the comedic festival is to promote cultural exchange, celebrate the art of comedy, and ignite conversations that challenge norms while fostering an environment where freedom of expression thrives.
A lifetime experience where laughter knows no bounds and creativity thrives! At Standup Collective.
Below is word from the Team organizing the Nairobi International Comedy Festival:
“We’re proud to be at the forefront of this comedic revolution, shaping the city’s cultural landscape with every joke and performance. From our humble beginnings to our current status as a driving force in Nairobi’s entertainment industry, we’ve always believed in the power of laughter to bring people together and spark joy in even the darkest of times. Our journey began with a simple idea: to provide a platform for emerging comedians to shape their talent and connect with audiences in a meaningful way.
Over the years, we’ve grown from hosting one show a month to a bustling schedule of three shows a week, thanks to the unwavering support of our dedicated fans and the tireless efforts of our talented comedians. But our mission goes beyond just putting on great shows. We’re committed to championing the growth of a vibrant comedy club culture in the region, which is why we pioneered the Nairobi Laugh Bar, the first full-time comedy club in the region. This was a significant step forward in providing a dedicated space for comedy enthusiasts to gather, laugh, and connect with one another. Whether it’s posting short standup clips on Instagram and YouTube or selling tickets online, we’re constantly exploring new ways to connect with our fans and share our love for comedy with the world. But perhaps what we’re most excited about is the upcoming Nairobi International Comedy Festival.” Part of their statement read:
This groundbreaking event promises to take Nairobi’s comedy scene to new heights, with innovative shows like the Highly Debatable Show, among others, reshaping the comedic landscape. Headlining the gala night at the festival is Robby Collins, all the way from South Africa. Robby’s journey from a Durban theater actor to a nation-touring comedian with his own one-man show is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Not only has he toured with comedy icon Trevor Noah, but he’s also shared the stage with legends like Marc Lottering and John Vlismas. With his Emmy-nominated writing and feature film roles, Robby is a multi-talented entertainer who effortlessly finds humor in life’s most painful moments. So whether you’re a local or just passing through, You’re invited to join in celebrating the vibrant and diverse world of Nairobi’s comedy scene.
Attend their ongoing festival, as well as follow them on social media, and spread the word about the Nairobi International Comedy Festival.
The Nairobi International Comedy Festival (NICF) was made possible through the generous support of the Ignite Culture Visibility Grant. They extend their heartfelt appreciation to HEVA and the British Council for their invaluable partnership and support.