Rwanda is undergoing tremendous transformation in entertainment circles and this has come with the advent of an industry that thrives on talent more than anything else. Last year alone, Rwanda hosted two comedy shows dubbed Kings of Komedy which were highly successful.

However all this wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for one man, Eric Mugisha, who is the brain behind the shows. In an interview with Joseph Oindo, he talks about the status and challenges of the comedy industry in Rwanda.  

Tell us about yourself before establishing Kings of Komedy

I was born and raised in Uganda where I did my early education up to college. I studied Business Administration and when I completed, I started off by organising corporate events in Uganda. I also worked as a marketer with East Africa Magazine based in the UK.

What motivated you to establish Kings of Komedy?

When I came to Rwanda in 2009, I realised that stand-up comedy had no fan base but at the same time it occurred to me that there was need to pioneer it. There were no established comedians to speak about, but I had this powerful drive inside me that wanted to establish an industry where comedians are able to make a living out of it. It is against this background that I invited experienced comedians in the region to Rwanda so that they could share experiences with the Rwandan comedians.  

So, you mean you make a living from bringing comedians to the stage? 

No, I’m also in business. I supply goods to supermarkets like Uchumi in Uganda and some supermarkets here in Rwanda. I usually get my goods from neighbouring countries and as far as Dubai.

Back to comedy, how has the general response been so far?

The response is great. Several sponsors have come on board to support us through making investments. As it turns out, the comedy industry can be profitable. The public has also been amazing. The last comedy show we hosted at carwash was a huge success and that inspired me to organise more shows. I think that what was needed was a little cultivation to yield productive results.

Talking of the Carwash event, was it your breakthrough in your ambtious venture?

Yes, that was it. Bringing in top comedians like Erick Omondi, Anne Kansiime and Patrick Salvado among others and the overwhelming turnout was quite stirring. 

What is your view about the state of comedy in Rwanda?

Rwanda needs slap-stick comedy. People here still lack something that can connect them with comedy and make them laugh. We still need to have more stand-up shows. Rwanda comedians should also ‘stand up to be counted’ because I believe there are some untapped and hidden talents that only need to be discovered. 

What are your future plans towards promoting Rwanda comedians?

My main plan is to market Rwandan comedians while bringing in one or two international comedians to share their experience on stage. I have so many comedians outside the borders of Rwanda that are ready to work with me. I have been talking to Churchill (Kenyan top comedian) and he tells me that when the right time comes, he will come to Rwanda and share his experience with our budding comedians. This is also an avenue through which our comedians can expose their talents.

What has been the main challenge concerning staging stand-up comedy in Rwanda?

We still lack a theatre where we can stage numerous shows. Right now, I want to organise another event but the issue of a venue is a major impediment. The Ministry of Culture should come up with a plan to build a theatre where we can stage such shows.

Do you think that Rwanda standup comedy has a future?

We can only talk about the future when the present comedians come out and expose their talents. I believe that there are many comedians even in the countryside that only need exposure. We want to convince the market in Kigali that what we are doing is real then spread our wings to the countryside to identify new talents. But as things stand now, I see great potential in the country.

Was comedy your passion when you were growing up?

I used to like comedy though stand-up comedy is a new phenomenon in East Africa.