It is not often that upcoming comedians get to share a stage with well-established acts, more so in another country, but this past week marked an interesting time in the future of the local comedy industry as two local comedians did their magic on South African stages.
Tsabong based Odirile ‘Brooks’ and Elijah ‘Ouza’ Gaoakanyediwe from Maun managed to not only impress but also leave lasting memories to the audience when they stepped on stage to deliver what they are best at doing. The comedians graced the monthly event themed ‘Tips and Friends’ that is held every first Tuesday at Rhapsodys in Sunny side Pretoria.
Brooks is one of the nation’s most gifted comedians. He is a two-time President Day Competition winner. Brooks is famous for his clever, quick and thoughtful jokes and the way he elevates stand-up comedy to the level of fine art.
Gaolathe Kediemetse of Major Moves Comedy where the two comedians are from said Brooks’s funny, imaginative routines and good humoured jibes perfect for any audience and for any event. He said his unique dry sense of humour, quick wit and intelligent comedy has made him one of the country’s most popular comedians and ensured that audiences are left in stitches wherever he goes.
Kediemetse described Ouza as definitely one of the most fearlessly funny comics working today, raging on the absurd, ridiculous and unbelievable humour. He said although he is based in Maun he has been able to perform constantly at the monthly Cresta President Hotel shows, at Gaborone Sun, at the annual BOTA Arts Awards and several corporate shows.
“Ouza brings a clean, high energy, fun and clever comedy to every show he performs at and he is always the people’s favorite,” he said.
Kediemetse further mentioned that their main aim as an organization is to not only bring top class comedians to the Botswana stages, but to also export our very own talent to SA and other countries where they can experience different crowds. “So this time around we decided to take Brooks and Onza as they have been doing well here,” he said.
He pointed out that experience is the best teacher, and as a result they want to develop local comedians by getting them to perform on the best platforms with the best comics and ultimately be able to perform internationally frequently.
The event was well attended and even graced by A-List SA celebrities. The headliners for the show were top heavyweights Tall Ass Mo of Mo Love fame and Skhumbi from Taxi Ride while the host was Thapelo ‘Tips’ Seemise aka Shampoo.
Kediemetse continued that the event was packed with some of SA’s respected people including the likes of top actress and presenter Boity, radio and TV sports anchor BBK, music artist Myza and sports TV presenter Thomas Mlambo.
“Brooks and Ouza proved they are a force to reckon with belting out witty and humorous punch lines that left the audience in stitches,” he said.
Kediemetse added that the two comedians got positive reception from other established comedians. Thapelo Tips Seemise who is famously known as Shampoo and hailed as one of the best comedians said the two young men have a great future in comedy as long as they can keep or even surpass this standard of performance. “I was impressed when I saw them doing wonders while I was in Botswana early this year, hence I invited them to showcase their talent on our shores and they did not disappoint”, he said.
“Although it’s my first time to see them perform in SA, you can clearly see that the young men are truly talented. With time the boys will surely go places and I wish them well in their endeavors”, commented newspaper columnist, Metro FM and SABC1 sports anchor BBK.
The two comedians will be touring the country on the 4th Annual All Star Comedy Tour.
