Renowned Ugandan comedian Alex Muhangi is increasingly getting interested in building a strong collaboration among comedians from Uganda and Rwanda.
Muhangi recently performed at Gen Z Comedy show which is hosted by renowned Rwandan comedian Mercy Ndaruhutse.
He, however, revealed that his trip to Rwanda was more than just a performance as he looks to work closely with Rwandan comedians and join hands to push the comedy industry to another level.
"It was not just about the performance. I wanted us to have this relationship; meet the comedians here, talk to them and then we could start that journey of having guys come to perform at Comedy Store in Kampala, and have my guys there also come here to perform on this beautiful stage of Gen Z,” Muhangi told The New Times.
Muhangi said that he has been discussing with Merci on possible collaborations which, for him, started when he agreed to perform at Gen Z Comedy show.
At the show, he met a host of Rwandan comedians and he hopes some will in turn go to Uganda to perform at his popular show, Comedy Store, which hosted many celebrity names including Rwandan musician The Ben.
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"My trip was not just about the performance, I also intend to build some connections,” he said.
Regard possible partnership between Gen Z Comedy and Comedy Store Uganda, Merci said, "Comedy Store has been there for a while and it is a platform that I personally need.”
"Basically, Gen Z is local, so we are trying to find a way to extend our market to the East African level so that we can send some comedians there and vice versa,” he added.
The comedian, who is a product of Art Rwanda Ubuhanzi, revealed that if things go according to plan, the partnership may begin in January 2025.
"Apart from the visibility and market extension, this will serve as an opportunity for a new learning experience as well as employment on both ends,” Merci said.
Muhangi echoed his Rwandan comedy counterpart’s comments, saying that, "the collaboration will be the very best since Ugandans and Rwandans have always been the same people and there should never be limitations for creativity, adding value to their crafts and market broadening.”