Tanzania Comedy Festival coming to Dar with countless fortunes

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Comedy Festival is scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam on November 27 this year, with organisers planning to use the platform to reach different groups in society, provide opportunities for talented persons with disabilities, support vulnerable communities and create employment opportunities for young people.

Speaking to media outlets in Dar es Salaam on preparations for the festival, Tanzania Comedy Festival Director and comedian, Frank Matthew, said the event would not only provide entertainment but also create opportunities for people with disabilities who have talent in comedy, singing and other forms of art.

Mr Matthew said some talented individuals have been unable to showcase their abilities due to various challenges, adding that organisers were committed to identifying and nurturing such talents.

“We want to explore ways of reaching these people. Even if we provide opportunities to only one or two individuals, they can serve as examples to demonstrate that people with disabilities can also excel when given the opportunity to showcase their talents,” he said.

He said the festival would go beyond entertainment by bringing communities together and providing different groups with opportunities to participate in activities aimed at improving their lives.

Meanwhile, Azam Media Programme Coordination Manager, Fatma Mohamed, said the company supported the initiative because it provided an opportunity to nurture young talents and create self-employment opportunities through comedy.

She said organisers were working to ensure a well-coordinated entertainment programme, while inviting talented Tanzanians and other stakeholders in the creative industry to support the event.

Sinema Zetu Channel Head Sophia Mgaza said the festival, dubbed *Cheko Funga Mwaka* (End-of-Year Laughter), would bring together some of the country’s leading comedians, including Leonardo Butindi, popularly known as Leonardo, Frank Matthew and JJ Ephraim.

She said more performers would be announced as preparations for the event continue.

Ms Mgaza said the festival was intended to give Tanzanians who had spent much of the year pursuing their daily economic activities an opportunity to relax and enjoy quality stand-up comedy.

She added that, apart from the main comedy performances, the programme would feature sports activities bringing together comedians known for their humorous football analysis and stakeholders involved in sports content production.

The festival will also include charity activities involving visits to centres for people with special needs, where comedians will interact with residents through entertainment, games and shared meals, while identifying hidden talents for further development.

On health activities, Ms Mgaza said members of the public would receive free medical check-ups covering various health conditions, alongside a blood donation exercise aimed at supporting hospitals and saving the lives of patients in need of blood transfusions.

One of the festival organisers, Humphrey Richard, popularly known as MC Kisoli, said the event would be among the biggest stand-up comedy shows towards the end of the year.

He urged Tanzanians to turn up in large numbers, saying the festival would provide an opportunity for people to take a break from their daily challenges and enjoy laughter.

“Bring all your problems this November and let us deal with them through laughter,” said MC Kisoli.

The festival will also be broadcast to viewers through Sinema Zetu Channel and Azam TV Max.