Tanzania Comedy Awards to feature 17 categories, cash prizes

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Comedy Awards have been launched, featuring 17 categories and offering comedians a chance to compete for prestigious titles, with a grand prize aimed at supporting their personal and professional growth.

The awards aim to recognise and elevate the talents of comedians in the rapidly expanding Tanzanian comedy industry.

The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 14, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, showcasing both veteran and emerging comedians as they vie for top honours.

As part of the prize package, the overall winner, Best Comedian of the Year, will receive 30m/-, while the Best Male and Female Comedian will each take home 20m/-. Winners in other categories will receive 5m/-.

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The awards were unveiled by musician Omary Nyembo, popularly known as Ommy Dimpoz. He explained that the inspiration behind the awards stemmed from his desire to give comedians the recognition they deserve, which he believes has often been overlooked compared to other entertainment sectors, particularly film.

“Comedy has grown rapidly, yet comedians rarely have awards like those in the film industry. I wanted to ensure they get the recognition they truly deserve,” he said.

“The prizes will allow the winners to purchase equipment or invest in something significant for their personal and professional development,” he added.

To ensure fairness, a voting system has been established where comedians themselves will vote for nominees in each category, ensuring transparency in the selection process.

The Executive Secretary of National Arts Council (BASATA), Kedmon Mapana, expressed support for the initiative, noting that the government is committed to guiding such projects to make them both nationally and internationally recognised.

He commended Ommy Dimpoz’s vision, saying; “we encourage others to come forward with similar ideas. This is an opportunity for the arts and we are committed to supporting it.”