STAND-UP comedian Takudzwa Mangodza believes the best way to communicate social issues is to embrace a sense of humour which takes the audience into a world of make-believe and return them to the real world with a sharp and positive mind.
The multi-talented artist attracted the attention of everyone as he stood up from his chair to demand a share of his gate takings for the Bantu SpaceShip band performance at the recently held Vinyl Festival. Asked why he had to show that level of humility, Mangodza said he was a stand up comedian.
Comedy usually contrasts itself from other forms of travesty, farce and or burlesque meant to engage the audience because it is centred on making people laugh.
Mangodza, who was born and raised in Harare, said his talent was shaped by his diverse exposure to television and film celebrities including icons from his own surroundings.
“For the past four years, my comedic approach has been stage performance, commonly known as stand-up comedy. My expression in comedy has been storytelling, taking the audience into a world of comfort and humour,” he told NewsDay Life & Style.
“The best way I have promoted my craft is by joining a comedy club called Council of Clowns and Peaces Pieces Entertainment, but I am not only limited to performing under a club because I collaborate with others such as Nicca Kats.
In general comedy is popularised through fluency in the use of language, a unique accent and in several instances demonstrating misunderstandings and mispronunciations of words. The late Lazarus Boora aka Gringo, Safirio Madzikatire (Mukadota), Freddy Manjalima aka Kapfupi, Zuku, Mutirowafanza (late), Magaisa are part of the long list of theatre and drama comedians who have made history in Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwean hall of fame for stand-up comedians is fast growing from the old list of once regularly sought-after of the likes of Doc Vikela, Comic Elder, Comic Pastor, Edgar Langeveldt because of the emergence of comedy clubs and associations like the Council of Clowns and Peaces Pieces Entertainment.
- Comedian Mangodza promises happier times
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Mangodza featured in Blueroof, Gazaland Police film and recognises it as one of his biggest lead fetching activity. His approach to fashion and dressing has in most instances made him distinct and favourably most sought-after. He believes that the sky will be the only limit to growing networks and business links if people accept the power in laughter and persuasive dialogue brought by comedy.
Mangodza, who is also a writer, production manager and actor, said comedy was a strong art form because it ended on a happy note with everyone calling for more through laughter.
“On stage I have performed at Reps Theatre, Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre as well as at local Harare restaurants. I say to anyone in or who wants to be a part of the entertainment industry: Whenever you feel like it's hard it is good to remember that the best wine wasn't made in a day and it is never too late to start,” he said.
