EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD Learnmore Jonasi traded the serene life of rural Chimanimani for the bustling comedy scene of Harare, a 412-kilometer gamble.
His inaugural performance in the capital, however, was a resounding flop.
"I was mercilessly booed off stage," Jonasi recalled with a mix of humour and determination.
The Book Café, a renowned comedy venue, was the unlikely setting for his comedic demise. Overwhelmed by the bright lights, an unfamiliar microphone, and a hostile audience, Jonasi's carefully crafted jokes evaporated.
"It was at Book Café where Simuka Comedy Night used to hold shows monthly, and I messaged Simba the comic to secure a five-minute slot," he explained. "I thought I would be funny, but it turned out to be overwhelming. The lights were too bright; I couldn't see anything, and the microphone feedback was deafening. I completely forgot my jokes, and people started booing me."
The experience, while devastating, became a turning point. "I realised comedy was more than just telling jokes. It's a complex interplay of psychology and performance," he said.
Leaving behind the comforts of Chimanimani was a daunting challenge. Convincing his family to support his unconventional career path was no easy feat.
"Moving to Harare was incredibly stressful. It was hard to convince my family that I wanted to pursue comedy, something no one else in the family had done. I had to rely on family members in Harare for a place to stay," he said. .
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Adjusting to Harare's fast-paced lifestyle and refining his comedy to suit a new audience were equally demanding tasks.
"What worked in Chimanimani didn't work in Harare. Humour that was well-received there fell flat in the city," Jonasi admitted. "I had to adapt my style and clean up my act to fit the city's sensibilities."
Despite the initial setbacks, Jonasi's journey from a small-town dreamer to a Harare-based comedian is testament to his resilience and unwavering passion for comedy.
Jonasi later moved to South Africa before relocating to America. He recently made history by becoming the first Zimbabwean comedian to receive the Golden Buzzer on America's Got Talent. The talented comedian wowed the judges and audience with his hilarious performance, earning him a standing ovation and a direct pass to the live shows.
Jonasi will be making a highly anticipated homecoming performance at the Shoko Festival 2024. This is a huge deal for Zimbabwean comedy as it marks Jonasi's first performance on home soil since his viral appearance on America's Got Talent. The Shoko Festival is scheduled for September 26 to 28, 2024, in Harare and Chitungwiza.
The Shoko Festival is an annual celebration of arts, culture, and technology in Zimbabwe. It's a platform for local and international artists, musicians, and performers to showcase their talents. The festival typically features a diverse lineup of music, comedy, theater, film, and digital arts.
Other headline artists include Nadia Nakai, Tammy Moyo, Master H, Kay Flow, Young Gemini, and Voltz JT, among others.
