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Peter Tanyanyiwa : Arts Correspondent

Comedian Simba Kakora, better known as “Simba The Comic King”, is set take comedy to another level when he introduces his “Comic King Show” on ZBC TV. Each episode of the show consists mainly of several pre-recorded sketches or skits starring Simba and other comedians. The skits cover a variety of societal topics often with a focus on Zimbabwean popular culture, ethnic stereotypes and race relations.The show was developed with the aim of introducing stand-up comedy to a wider audience as the art form is still relatively unknown by the majority of Zimbabweans.

Simba Kakora said he is hopeful that the TV show will also help in boosting audience numbers for stand-up comedy shows.

“Most of my peers complain that comedy is unsuccessful as a result of lack of support from sponsors yet we have never made an effort to make our art attractive to sponsors,” he said.

“Sponsors are willing to partner with anyone as long as they are guaranteed mileage. For them it is a game of numbers, if it does not make financial sense then they are not interested, period.

“The success of the likes of PO Box in acquiring corporate backing is evidence that indeed corporates are willing to part with large amounts of money as long as it makes sense for them financially.

“The Comic King Show’ is an attempt to get stand-up comedy on our local television screens after its predecessor ZimComedy Live, a production that Kakora was also involved in, failed to make it onto ZTV.

“Myself and the director of the show Joe Njagu, had different ideas on where we wanted to take the show so in the end we settled for an online channel based in the United Kingdom. It has since found success on the online channel, but ultimately we need a show that will showcase stand-up talent to a local audience,” said Kakora.

His sentiments were also echoed by Michael Simbarashe Mushunje the director of the series.

“I believe stand-up comedy is an art form that is much needed on a platform like ZBC.

“An episode will start with an animated sequence of ‘The Comic King Show’ logo. After the opening sequence, the host introduces himself and goes into a five-minute stand-up comedy monologue. The monologue is then followed by three to four skits. After the conclusion of the skits the host then introduces a guest stand-up comedian who performs a five to seven minute stand-up comedy set,” said Mushunje.

Comedians that will feature in the first few episodes are Comrade Fatso, Kadem The Comic, Bothwell and Tinaye.

Simba The Comic King is a NAMA award winning stand-up comedian and writer who has been performing since 2010. He is a co-founder of Zimbabwe’s first ever stand-up comedy platform “Simuka Comedy”.