Baba Tencen promises to ‘crack ribs'

South Africa-based Zimbabwean comedian Baba Tencen, who will make his maiden performance on Zimbabwean soil when he shares the stage with Ugandan comedian Anne Kansiime in Harare in August, has promised a night of rib-cracking laughter.

The show dubbed Let`s Laugh Again will be held at the Harare International Conference Centre on August 6. Kansiime who proved why she is referred to as Africa's queen of comedy at a sold-out performance at 7 Arts Theatre in Harare last year brings with her partner in comedy Cotilda Inapo. Local comedians Q The boss and Pro Beatz will chip in as supporting acts.

Baba Tencen, who became popular after using social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube to familiarise fans with his comedy skits, said he was elated to perform alongside Kansiime.

"I have been looking forward to performing in Zimbabwe, but never thought I would perform with a big personality like Kansiime," Baba Tencen said from his South Africa base.

"It is an honour for me to do my first performance at Rainbow Towers, it goes to show how much promoters appreciate my talent and I can promise fans fireworks. Many people never knew I do stand-up comedy, but this is my chance to show what I can do."

His manager Joe Tendai said the Harare show was one of the many comedy shows lined-up for Baba Tencen.

"Baba Tencen's Harare show is his first major show, but he has other upcoming performances in the United Kingdom. We have also received a lot of inquiries from Canada and Australia and very soon we will be announcing other new developments around the Kuripwa Kugara brand," Tendai said.

Born Pepukai Zvemhari, Baba Tencen made his name through online comedy and he has 66 349 followers, mainly Zimbabweans on Facebook compared to Kansiime's 1 681 276.

"Anne Kansiime is indeed the Queen of African Comedy. We kept getting requests on when she is coming back from those who attended the show last year and some who missed," said Tonderai Mwaita of Xtratime Entertainment, who are organising the event.

"Basically, we are bringing Kansiime back due to public demand. She is coming again with her princess in comedy Cotilda Inapo with some new jokes."

Mwaita said incorporating Baba Tencen would usher in a new era in Zimbabwean comedy. He said supporting acts Q The Boss and Pro Beatz would bring diversity to the comedy world.

He said advance tickets will be selling at Reflections Gift Shops in Harare by cash and through online payments.

Xtratime Entertainment has in the past hosted international comics like Goliaths and Goliaths, Barry Hilton and John Vlismas, among others.