Comedian in a ‘tight spot’

The fact that Innscor Africa, Nando’s local franchise holders here were not aware of the zany series of Nando’s adverts being run in the South African media at the same time and ire that the advert created internationally, led to Ncube’s show being cancelled. The comedian had just signed a deal to have his debut African tour being sponsored by Innscor.
Nando’s South Africa is well known for creating uncouth adverts, and the local franchisors have forthwith dissociated themselves from this kind of publicity. Not that Ncube thinks that politicians and other celebrities do not make good pieces for stand-up comedy, but the comedian believes that this can only be done when the time is right and when one has personal relationship with the persona or character they are trying to portray.
“For instance Emmanuel Manyika is a favourite MC for many State functions. He can portray the politicians in all the humorous manners possible without being offensive. Likewise, the Bornfree Crew, in their song, Toita sei nenyika yeRhodesia, use a footage from the President Mugabe’s speech in their video and I’m sure no one has been offended,” he said.
With this in mind, Ncube has come up with a new production called PaTight literary meaning “being put in a tight spot.” With his production, which is still being advertised as a forthcoming attraction on his website, Ncube believes he can create laughter and debate on Zimbabwe’s social issues. Other two productions lined-up are Zesa Roast and Sixty Cents which all tell the realities of life in Zimbabwe.
He adds that, given any chance he would like to rub shoulders with more politicians, businessmen and other personalities so that even when he creates a joke on stage, it is not offensive.
“Politics and racial jokes are huge barriers and can be highly sensitive in Zimbabwe, but it doesn’t stop comedy from happening. There are many other topics that people will enjoy watching, things like Zesa blackouts, water unavailability and other social concerns. Ncube believes this is the way to go so that Zimbabwe could be viewed in the most positive light even in other countries.
Last year, Ncube was interviewed on CNN’s  Inside Africa programme, in which he defended the country when asked by the reporter: “Are there any funny things about Zimbabwe?” His reply was that many people all over the world have misunderstood the situation in Zimbabwe and about Zimbabweans.
He said his new tour was aimed at getting five million people or more outside Zimbabwe to understand Zimbabwean culture, food and be able to “feel very Zimbabwean”
South African comedian Trevor Noah has made it big in his country and abroad is a darling of every South African, including polticians in that country.