Comedian Atome back with rib-cracking jokes

Just when many thought he had retired from cracking jokes – at least on stage, comedian Atome proved he neither retired nor was tired. Going by his most recent show, it is safe to safe that Atome, real name Diogene Ntarindwa aka Gasumuni, is back.

Monday, March 06, 2017
Atome in action. Eddie Nsabimana.

Just when many thought he had retired from cracking jokes – at least on stage, comedian Atome proved he neither retired nor was tired. Going by his most recent show, it is safe to say that Atome, real name Diogene Ntarindwa aka Gasumuni, is back.

On Saturday, Atome performed before hundreds of people during the second edition of ‘Kwirekura’ comedy show, a new concept that showcases Rwanda’s history and current image.

Atome strikes dance moves during the show

The show was held at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village attracting a big audience of people who came to see the man who had spent a while without holding a show.

Atome spent at least three hours on stage performing jokes in four languages, namely English, French, Kiswahili and Kinyarwanda. He also threw in a few jokes in Kirundi.

Atome during the show

Atome’s performance focused on Rwandans’ lifestyle in general. "The idea of Kwirekura comedy came up way back 2014 during the ‘Kwibuka20’ (Genocide anniversary), it’s about showcasing Rwanda’s progress in different sectors since the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi,” said Atome.

Atome on stage with his niece

While he uses comedy to show the progress made thus far, he uses the opportunity to put across the important messages to his audiences.

In attendance during the Saturday show included the First Lady Jeannette Kagame, the Minister for Sports and Culture Julienne Uwacu, and Senator Dr Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo.

The hall was filled at full capacity as the audience was hungry to see Atome perform for the first time since 2015

"Atome is obviously a very talented comedian. His jokes capture the imaginations and meets his audience’s expectations, today he made us laugh from the start until he exited the stage,” said Octave Semayange, a fan who attended the show.

3Hills singer Hope Irakoze performed at the end of the show

The show ended at 9.30p.m.

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