CELEBRATED stand-up comedian Doc Vikela might not be a medical practitioner, but over the years he has mastered the art of laughter administering the right dosage to leave audiences in stitches.
Born Victor Mpofu, Doc Vikela said comedy played a critical role as a form of social commentary in society.
Locally, comedy has been employed as a tool to address the daily struggles faced by citizens and the comedians have been striving to strike a balance between humour and sensitivity.
The comedians have been using their creativity and different platforms to shed light on societal ills while providing a therapeutic release for audiences.
“As a social commentator, I end up creating an environment where people can laugh about their problems, evaluate their problems without stressing, but by laughing at their problems and themselves,” Doc Vikela told NewsDay Life & Style on the sidelines of his recent performance at the Sellout Comedy Show at Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre in Harare.
The comedian, who is also the co-founder and creative director of Simuka Comedy, further noted that comedy creates a safe space in terms of digesting hard and tough social norms, ills and problems of society.
While comedy brings joy to many, it, however, presents some challenges for comedians.
“The greatest challenge when creating a comedy script is not knowing for certain if people will find the jokes amusing. Comedians must carefully observe people’s struggles and everyday experiences to create surprises that resonate with the audience,” he said.
- SA comedian Barry Hilton heads for Zim
- ZITF exhibitors in high spirits
- SA comedian Barry Hilton heads for Zim
- ‘The show must go on’: Gurura launches Reset
Keep Reading
At the Sellout Comedy Show, Doc Vikela proved he is the doctor of comedy with a sterling performance which he later described as one of the most exhilarating experiences he has had in his five years of doing stand-up comedy.
“Tonight, I felt an overwhelming sense of appreciation, love and support. It has given me the confidence to continue serving my audience,” he said.
In his endeavour to make people laugh, Doc Vikela said he was dedicated to providing objective and fair content.
“I consciously avoid taking sides, but instead I present multiple perspectives enabling my audience to form their own opinions and make assessments,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Doc Vikela revealed his plans to take the Sellout Comedy Show on a nationwide tour creating a national discourse through comedy visiting cities such as Bulawayo, Masvingo, Mutare, Kwekwe, Kadoma and Karoi.
“The show is not just about jokes, but it rather aims to provide Zimbabweans with a humorous yet thought-provoking analysis of their collective identity,” he noted.
Doc Vikela offered advice to aspiring comedians, urging them to continue learning and to respect those who paved the way before them.
At the show, Doc Vikela shared the stage with fellow comedian, Gladmore Tinashe Masipani also known as Gladmore the Comedian who expressed excitement for performing at the show as an opening act.
“I feel honoured and thank Doc Vikela for providing me with an opportunity to showcase my talent and network with the audience,” he said.
To the audience, the show brought a sigh of relief as noted by Blessing Mumbengegwi.
“It was a refreshingly different show that brought laughter, effectively reducing stress.”
Farirai Clarence Borerwe, a theatre practitioner and comedy enthusiast said: “While comedy served as the medium, Doc Vikela skilfully raised awareness about the effects of cholera, shedding light on an issue that authorities tend to downplay.
“As I watched the show, I found myself laughing and feeling a sense of relief that the issues impacting us were being addressed, providing a much-needed sense of comfort.”
