Samia hails comedy’s role in unity

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has lauded comedians for their key role in bringing joy and shaping society.

President Samia made these remarks at the Tanzania Comedy Awards gala in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, underscoring that comedy, as an art form, plays a crucial role in uniting communities and spreading joy.

“These young comedians enhance our country’s reputation in the realm of happiness. Through their craft, they provide comfort during sorrowful times, offer easy-to-digest lessons and most importantly, add vibrancy to our various social gatherings,” President Samia stated.

President Samia reassured artists of her administration’s unwavering support, affirming that her presence at the event was a testament to the government’s recognition of their contributions.

She acknowledged the immense impact of the creative industry, particularly comedy, in shaping public sentiment and fostering national joy.

In a thought-provoking moment, the President recalled Tanzania’s past ranking in the World Happiness Report, where the country placed among the lowerranked nations. She pointed out that happiness is not solely determined by the availability of basic needs but is also deeply influenced by societal engagement in arts and entertainment.

“We learn from these reports that a lack of basic needs does not necessarily mean an absence of happiness. Comedy plays a crucial role in alleviating stress and uplifting the national mood,” she remarked.

President Samia further elaborated on the therapeutic effects of comedy, stating, “When you step into a comedy show, laugh and enjoy yourself, you leave the venue with renewed energy. I can personally attest that I start my day stressfree after such an experience.”

The President expressed confidence that, with continued support for the comedy industry, Tanzania’s happiness ranking would improve in future reports.

“When the next World Happiness Report is released, Tanzania will have climbed higher in the rankings. While we may have food security and stability, true happiness extends beyond material wealth—it includes emotional well-being. Comedy helps combat stress and depression, which are often overlooked in national development discourse,” she asserted.

Referring to the World Happiness Report 2024, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, President Samia noted that Tanzania ranked 131st out of 143 countries, with a happiness score of 3.78—below the global average of 5.56.

President Samia also acknowledged the wisdom embedded within comedic performances. She recalled how comedians humorously suggested she take on an economic initiative by playing the role of an envoy. While presented as a joke, she admitted that such ideas, if taken seriously, could offer practical solutions.

“There was a message in their humour. If we truly consider it, we could implement initiatives such as a regional economic fund within SADC or the EAC that could benefit our economic strategies,” she remarked.

She further pointed out that during times when international financial support is dwindling, ideas however comically presented should not be dismissed outright but rather evaluated for their potential contributions to national policy.

One of the highlights of the event was the award for the Best Funny Leader of the Year, which saw Rukwa Regional Commissioner (RC) Makongoro Nyerere emerge victorious.

He outshone competitors such as Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila, retired pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (KKT) Richard Hananja and former Minister and Tabora Regional Commissioner Aggrey Mwanri.

The prestigious ceremony was attended by an array of high-profile guests, including Speaker of Parliament Tulia Ackson, Minister for Culture, Arts and Sports Palamagamba Kabudi and his deputy Hamis Mwinjuma.

The event also attracted various industry stakeholders, public figures and enthusiasts of the arts and entertainment sector.

As comedy continues to gain recognition as a pillar of national well-being, Tanzania moves closer to realising a society where arts and entertainment are not just forms of amusement but integral components of the country’s social and emotional fabric.