I had read an advertisement on Facebook that there would be a comedy night at the Ishyo Arts Centre –Kacyiru, in Kigali City. Many will agree that the centre has, over the years, become a hotspot in arts related events. 

After a busy day on my computer monitor, I thought this was the best opportunity to unwind. I took my still photo camera and headed to the venue.

Comedy fans began streaming in and, by 7:30pm, the hall was packed to capacity. I strategically took a seat on the front row ready to capture the best moments of the show.

In art they say, every action has a reaction. Ten minutes later, I decided to capture the audience reactions. I was shocked to learn that, the hall was completely full.

Herve Kaimenyi, a professional stand-up comedian, actor and choreographer, recently, entertained a gathering crowd at Ishyo Arts Centre. He did what he knows best – and his humorous performance left the crowd longing for more.

Besides engaging the crowd in laughter, Kaimenyi also brought to the stage some of his magic tactics and honed the show.

Perhaps his widest appeal comes from the issues he addresses in his jokes, a fusion of various genres.

"You have to keep in touch with what’s going on in the world and find the ironic twist to it,” Kaimenyi told the audience.

"Its hard work and l cannot forget that my fans give me a lot of material for the jokes too,” he added.

The actor, who also played a lead role in ‘Grey Matter, a movie which was selected at the recent Tribeca Film Festival, recounted: "I listen to all artists not just comedians. I read a lot; I try to learn new languages, new form of arts, from Hip-hop to Salsa, contemporary dance and body expression, poetry, Jazz, Blues, East African rhythm, opera.”

"I watch other comedians from our own Atome to Red Fox, Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Gad el Maleh, Jamel Debouzze, Jeff Dunham…to mention but  a few. I learn something new every day…’’ Kaimenyi added.

The other five comedians did not disappoint either. They performed and rocked the night. This is definitely the next stop for comedy lovers.

The organisers said that the next performance promises to be a night like no other as the crew brings new stories with added number of comedians and time duration.

The ‘Comedy Nayiti’ was sponsored by Ishyo Arts Centre in conjunction with a Rwanda based Entertainment Company, Positive Productions and Igihe.com.

Joseph Njata is Administration Assistant at KWETU Film Institute

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