Local comic brigade invades Free-State

As Masapo exports comedy show festival

LESAOANA SEKETE

MASERU – The relaxation of stringent COVID-19 restrictions that prohibited a vibrant entertainment, night life and cross border activities has given back jollity to many, and people now have something to laugh about – comedy. Local comedians Tšepo ‘Masapo’ Mpiti, who is also a singer, has elevated his game as co-organiser of a comedy show that be staged in the neighbouring South African Free-State town of Clarens.

The Sesotho comedy festival will hit the town’s Marti Lotz Hall on May 29, featuring celebrated local comedians ‘Makhubelu, Lilaphalapha and Mokotatsie. The festival will also feature local poets Matsimela Setenane and  Khosatsana ea Phokeng. “The festival first ran as a collaboration between Lesotho and their South African counterparts that included Tieho Khakhau, and has been running for the past four years. In the third edition we decided to introduce poetry to give it more punch.

However, comedy still remains the core theme with a large number of artists coming from the Lesotho, and we are trying to maintain our artistry and stabilize it…thanks to God, the experience has been good and amazing,” Masapo told Life&Style in an interview. He also recognized the reception they always receive, which he said “leaves the organisers in awe because most of our shows have always been sold out.”

He added that the concept behind the show has always been to find a conduit to cushion the hard realities of life through comedy “as and comedy is the best medicine and laughter can heal.” “This is the best we can offer since we have been blessed with such a gift.” “We are trying to bring everyone who is willing and able to enjoy the ride and build something with us that will take performers and the audience to a new level altogether; while also taking somewhere in life as artists,” he added.

Masapo’s journey has been a long and glamorous one in and out of the countries he has visited as a performer, he was recently booked for a performance in Zimbabwe. Just before COVID-19 hit our shores he was billed to perform at the Mangaung Cultural Festival in South Africa, he was also nominated for an award in 2016/2017. He did a show in 2019 on Showmax where he was featured by Skhumba and Tumi Morake.

He says his journey has been a daunting one as “I am also the father of standup comedy in Lesotho.”