Inno JP is a Rwandan-Belgian comedian who has captured the hearts and laughter of diverse audiences around the world, with his unique blend of talent, humour, and personal anecdotes. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Belgian, Rwandan comedians thrill crowd in style Recently, he made his mark in Rwanda with his first-ever stand-up show, organised by Wallonie Bruxelles International. He also gave a three-day masterclass to local comedians on occasion. Finding humour in the most unexpected places, from his childhood memories to his struggles with addiction, Inno JP uses his true-life story to pass on his message. ALSO READ: Comedians Inno Jp, Herve Kimenyi, Michael Sengazi share tips ahead of show in Kigali Born Innocent in Kigali in 1983, Inno JP was adopted by a lesbian couple from La Hulpe, Belgium, when he was just a year old. Drawing inspiration from his multicultural background, Inno JP's play, aptly titled ‘True Story’, showcases his witty take on life. He often refers to himself as ‘the Barack Obama of the cursed lawn’, highlighting his experience as the only Black person among his childhood peers. In his stand-up routines, Inno JP humorously incorporates his perpetual struggle with punctuality. He jokes, “My mother first realised my existence due to the fact that her period was late! But in the first place, I was conceived because my biological father pulled out a little bit late... So how can I possibly ever be on time?” He said, “The only time I was ever ahead of the rest of the people is when I was a Black kid raised in a homoparental family in the 80s, which was not as common or normal as it is now!” How true is ‘True Story’? On stage, he cleverly links his “illegitimate” child status with his perpetual punctuality problems. He wittily sums up his existence with, “I am the biological consequence of a lack of timing.” Inno’s biological mother was married to a soldier, the head of protocol in the Rwandan government at the time. However, chaos struck when the soldier was imprisoned, accused of spying for rebels against the government. After the soldier’s release, Inno’s birth became suspicious given the time the soldier was away, and this raised questions about his paternity. The complex situation led to his mother giving him up for adoption to a Belgian couple living in Kigali at the time, Josée and Hélène, at a time when same-sex adoption was illegal. They went back to Belgium with him as a baby. As he transitioned to adulthood, Inno felt a growing need to reconnect with his biological family. In 2004, he learned about his mother's presence in Belgium, who had been living there for a decade but hadn’t reached out due to the nature of adoption. Unfortunately, he found her in poor health, and she passed away three months later. He also discovered that his biological father had died during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. His journey of self-discovery led him to reconnect with his extended family in Rwanda, where he experienced joyous reunions and formed new connections. Inno JP's undeniable talent and humorous approach to sensitive subjects have earned him a dedicated fan base. His show, ‘True Story’, has been a resounding success, captivating over 7,000 people over two seasons at the Théâtre de la Toison d’Or (TTO) in Belgium, and on tour. He has also performed at prestigious events such as the Montreux Comedy and Canal Plus TV Galas and shared the stage with renowned comedians like Blanche Gardin, Kyan Khojandi, as well as, Michael Sengazi, and Herve Kimenyi among others. Before his career took off, Inno JP pursued studies in communications and briefly worked as a journalist. It was by chance that he discovered stand-up comedy, and to his surprise, it felt right for him. Seeking to refine his comedic skills, he continued to study humour in Montreal, where he now calls home. However, Inno JP's rise to success was not without its challenges. He battled alcohol abuse and smoking for an extended period before finally overcoming these habits in 2017. Since then, he has embraced a sober lifestyle and focused on his craft. The 40-year-old refers to himself as a man who now enjoys his cup of tea and meditation. “Don’t worry if it sounds cliché, just find something that works for you and stay with that,” he advised. In his performances, Inno JP fearlessly addresses serious social issues like racism, deconstructing conventional beliefs with his razor-sharp writing and rhythmic delivery. “Humour allows us to laugh about what we usually sweep under the rug, bringing us closer together in shared laughter and understanding,” he commented. Reflecting on his life, Inno JP expresses his gratitude to Rwanda for granting him an identification card as a Rwandan citizen. He also cherishes his recent experience of performing in his home country for the first time. He said, “Rwanda holds a special place in my heart. Being able to perform here and connect with the audience has been a truly fulfilling experience.”
