He is one of the biggest names in East African comedy and Salvado Idringi is here to crack the ribs of comedy fans. Joseph Oindo interviewed him about his show slated for tonight, Saturday in Kigali.

How many times have you performed in Rwanda?

I’ve performed in both editions of ‘Kings of Comedy Kigali’ organised by Eric Mugisa, with the likes of Anne Kansiime, Eric Omondi, Alex Muhangi, Arthur Nkusi and Chipukeezy. So this is going to be my third time in Kigali.

How did you evaluate people’s reaction to your brand of comedy?

I was actually a crowd’s favourite and I enjoyed my time on stage performing for the people of Kigali, the shows were amazing because the line-ups were great. I even actually contemplated doing my first ever one man show in Kigali because of the love I got, it’s actually a dream come true, and I promise comedy lovers that we are going to have a fabulous time.

What should we expect from you this time?

This show is actually special to me, it’s a show I get to tell the audience who I am because I will be on stage for about two hours, the theme ‘Man from Ombokolo’ which I chose as my story. It’s not the usual ten minutes where I’m cracking jokes; Kigali will know who I am in the most hilarious way ever.

Stand up comedy means you have to re-invent time after time to satisfy the expectations of your fans. Tell us about the 2016 Salvador?

There is no new or Old Salvador, there is just Salvador, I evolve with time but I’m still the same funny man. I have gained a lot of experience from my travels and I’ve managed to incorporate them into my style of comedy. It’s hard for me to express myself on paper because I’m more of a practical guy, that’s why I’m promising to put up an amazing show because I know what I’m capable of.

Comedy also means you’ve to be sensitive about the social and cultural environment you are performing.

How are you prepared for this, Rwanda being a different environment from your native Uganda?

One thing about comedy that most comedians take for granted is respect for other cultures, there are some things you don’t make fun of because they are sentimental, my experience has taught me that.

How deep do you know Rwanda?

I don’t know Rwanda as a country that much but I have many Rwandan friends and acquaintances both in Uganda and Kigali so I feel so much at home every time I come to Kigali. All the big shows I do in Uganda are sponsored by RwandAir so we are family.

You are going to stage a one man show and the expectations are high, how prepared are you?

I’m very prepared because as I said, my dream was always to stage a one man show in Kigali. I’ve done it before and I’ve already been booked to perform in Nairobi, Dar es salaam and Juba because of the success of the one man show in Kampala, so I’m very prepared to make my Kigali people experience the ‘Man From Ombokolo’.

What is the exciting part and the challenges that come with putting up a one man show?

The fun is that people get to hear all your jokes, it’s one of the most interactive shows a stand up comedian can do, and since you are not limited by time, you have time to fully express yourself.

The major challenges are; you have to be on top of your game to pull it off, and that’s why you hardly hear of one man shows in the region. You have to be part and parcel of the whole organising process yet you are the comedian performing, you are always cautious because if you get injured, there is no show at all.

What’s your assessment of Rwanda comedy?

Rwanda comedy just like any other countries in the region is rising. We might not be on the level of South Africa or Nigeria in terms of professionalism and financial again, but one thing I must say is that we are funny. Arthur Nkusi has been to Kampala a couple of times, same as Herve Kimenyi, meaning that comedy from Rwanda has started crossing borders, so it’s just a matter of time. I’m very optimistic.

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