Comedians Nkusi, Kansiime attract record crowd

In the past, shows organised on Sundays have failed to draw crowds leaving the organisers counting losses. But that wasn’t the case for the “Arthur and Kansiime Live” show which attracted a huge crowd of comedy fans that filled up the big marque at the Kigali Serena Hotel on Sunday evening. Comedians Arthur Nkusi and Uganda’s Anne Kansiime did not disappoint. Nkusi proved that his mastery of comedy has come of age as he cracked a myriad of jokes, mainly about his childhood, which left the audience in stitches. Comedian Nkusi emerges on stage in style. “My mother used to beat me with no compassion. At some point I thought I was an adopted child because of the way she used to beat me,” Nkusi said, and before the audience could get over the joke, the comedian invited his mother to join him on stage. Arthur is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the regional comedy industry. “You would think she had trained in karate. But my dad was nice because he would warn me before beating me...so I would prepare my body and muscles prior. But I love both my parents because they made me what I am today,” Nkusi added. Apart from comedy, Nkusi also showed off his dance skills during his 45 minutes before he introduced Anne Kansiime’s creative director and fellow comedian Cotilda Inapo, who also mesmerised the audience with rib-cracking jokes. And finally, it was time to bring on Kansiime, whose popularity in Rwanda has been rising every year. The petit comedian did not disappoint as she cracked jokes about the beauty of Rwandan women, her husband and growing up in Kabale, Uganda. The fully packed tent was administered to a full dose of laughter at the “Arthur and Kansiime Live” show. (All photos by Nadege Imbabazi) Kansiime’s jokes about studying in a single sex school and her perception of men left many in giggles while the beatings she suffered at the hands of her mother, in form of discipline, resonated with many. Anne Kansiime is also referred to as “Africa’s Queen of Comedy.” “It is one of the best shows I have attended. The turn up was good and the jokes were all funny,” said George Mukunzi, one of the revellers. Ugandan comedian Alex Muhangi and Comedy Knight’s Babu did a good job as emcees of the night. Anne Kansiime with her fellow Ugandan comedian Alex Muhangi who was the host of the show. Anne Kansiime’s creative director and fellow comedian Cotilda Inapo also thrilled the audience with rib-cracking jokes. Fans also enjoyed musical interludes from the likes of Yvan Buravan- the Malaika hit singer. The girl duo of Charly & Nina, and DJ Pius of Agatako fame also performed. Budding local Yvan Buravan performs during the comedy show. DJ Pius and wife Ange Umulisa in the audience. The venue was full to the brim and the performers did not disappoint. (Nadege Imbabazi) Chipukeezy, one of Kenya’s top comedians, cracked hilarious jokes that kept Kenyans in the audience on their feet as they cheered their homeboy. The show ended at 9:45 pm. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

Entertainment

Comedians Nkusi, Kansiime attract record crowd