In October last year, US-based Zimbabwean comedian Alfred Kainga made his debut on Comedy Central television channel in the programme, Hart of the City, hosted by fellow comedian Kevin Hart — a feat many comedians dare to dream of.
By Moses Mugugunyeki
Kainga was the first Zimbabwean comedian to appear on such a platform. Although relatively unknown in Zimbabwe, the 37-year-old Mbare-born comic has carved a niche for himself on the global entertainment scene.
In September he heads to Zimbabwe where he will stage a stand-up comedy skit on home soil for the first time since he relocated to America 16 years ago.
The show is coming courtesy of Xtratime Entertainment who hosted successful comedy shows that featured internationally-acclaimed stars such as Anne Kansiime, Goliaths and Goliaths, Barry Hilton, John Vlismas and Cotilda Inapo, among others.
Kainga’s sense of humour is out of this world and last week he told The Standard Style that being a joker was just a natural gift.
“I was always the funny one in the family and at school. Making people laugh came naturally to me and I enjoyed it even at an early age. But when I came to the US, I realised I could actually do it on a larger scale and the journey began,” he said.
He said it was such an amazing 11-year journey in the world of comedy although he had to shrug off obstacles here and there.
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“I started my comedy journey in 2006. In the US, it takes a long time before you even get to perform on big shows. So, you spend a lot of time doing open mics and slowly, but surely, honing the craft while building a fan base as well,” he said.
“Competition is tough because there are so many funny guys out there, so one has to really work hard to separate themselves from the pack.”
Kainga has shared the stage with a number of comedy legends that include Bruce Bruce, Eddie Griffin, Tony Roberts and in April he went on tour with New York’s king of comedy Capone.
Fondly known as Alleycat, Kainga has worked on major stages and elite comedy clubs such as the Improv Comedy Clubs across the US, World Famous Laugh Factory in Los Angeles and many others, but he singles out his appearance on Hart of the City as one of his greatest achievements.
He was described by Hart as having the IT factor during the show which features on Comedy Central television.
“I would say the highlight of my career, thus far, was appearing on the major television network Comedy Central performing on Hart of the City. It was an incredible feeling to have one of the biggest names in comedy Kevin Hart right now to say, ‘Hey you are funny, we want to let the world see you do your thing’. I am truly grateful for that,” he said.
“Being Zimbabwean and sharing the stage with some of the world’s greatest comedians is truly amazing; they teach and I learn. To be the best, you have to be in the company of the best, so I soak it all in every day.”
Kainga said being on the big stage doesn’t matter where one comes from.
“If you have a dream and you truly believe in that dream you can achieve it and more,” he said.
He said his ghetto background had worked in his favour ever since he relocated to the US.
“Growing up in Mbare was probably one of the best things that could have happened to me. Like most people who grow up in the ghetto, I developed skills that I use till today. In Mbare, you either had to know how to fight all the time or learn how to joke your way out of situations. I, however, decided to develop my ability to joke which is now my career,” he said.
Kainga said the ability to be quick and staying on your toes was what Mbare gave him and he still cherished that.
The Alleycat was born in Mbare and raised by her mother and grandparents. He went to Chitsere Primary School in the same suburb before he moved to Prince Edward School for his secondary education. He moved to the US at the age of 20.
“My journey is not unique from most Zimbabweans. I had a normal childhood, growing up in the ghetto and I loved every minute of it. My mother, however, later moved us to Cranborne when I was 15 years old,” he said.
Kainga said his forthcoming show in Harare will him reconnect him with his roots.
“I’m bringing my style of comedy back home. I want the people to experience my funny from A to Z from the moment the show starts till the end. I have been away from Zimbabwe for a long time, so I’m ready to tell my story and have a good time with everyone who comes out,” he said.
“Zimbabwe is home. I miss home, period. I miss Zimbabwe, so I am excited to come back for this.”
Apart from Zimbabwe, Kainga will also do shows in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa in September.
