BY NELIWE NGUBANE (INTERN)
MBABANE— An electrifying night of laughter unfolded on 1 May 2026 as Dr Hilary Okello hosted Jokes From Far Away,Kampala,Uganda at MotIV, Bugolobi, with visiting Eswatini comedian Dr Shakes delivering a standout performance that left a lasting impression on Uganda’s comedy scene.
Travelling from Eswatini to Uganda, Dr Shakes brought a fresh voice to the stage, quickly connecting with a highly responsive audience. Reflecting on his experience, he said, “Kampala surprised me in the best way. The crowd doesn’t sit back and ‘observe’ comedy, they participate. There’s a rhythm to how they respond, almost musical.” His remarks captured the energy of a crowd that engaged deeply with every punchline.
The show, which started at 8:00pm, drew a diverse audience and highlighted the growing strength of East Africa’s comedy circuit. Dr Shakes noted that Kampala’s audiences are culturally aware and open to layered humour. “You can lean into local references, pan-African jokes, even switch tones mid-set, and they stay with you,” he said, emphasising the ease with which he adapted his material.
He further praised Uganda’s comedy identity, describing it as bold and authentic. “It’s not trying to imitate anyone. There’s a strong identity rooted in storytelling, language, and everyday life,” he explained. According to him, comedians are fearless, and audiences reward originality, creating a powerful performance environment.
Beyond the stage, Dr Shakes highlighted the value of post-show interactions. “Ugandans don’t just laugh and leave, they engage you, they break down jokes with you, they share their own stories. That’s gold,” he said. However, he acknowledged the challenge of thinking quickly on stage, adding that adapting material in real time is key to success.
The visit also opened doors for collaboration, with plans already underway for future shows in Eswatini and cross-border comedy exchanges. The Kampala performance marked not just a night of laughter, but a growing cultural link between the two nations.
#StandUpComedy #AfricanComedy #KampalaNights #EswatiniToUganda #ComedyCulture #LiveComedy #DrShakes
(Courtesy Pics)
