Ugandan comedian Kapere has opened up about the challenges facing comedians, revealing that financial struggles have pushed many entertainers in the industry into difficult situations.
Speaking during a TikTok Live session, Kapere said he rarely complains about his personal struggles but reached a point where the pressure became overwhelming. He claimed that the comedy industry has lost its vibrancy, leaving many comedians without reliable income sources.
“I have so many problems. I have never lamented, but sometimes it gets too much. The industry is dead. You decide to do some other business to feed yourself, but it also fails,” Kapere said.
The comedian said he is struggling to meet basic responsibilities, including rent and school fees, due to a lack of performance opportunities. He questioned why his efforts to improve his situation keep failing, saying poverty has become a major challenge for him.
“Landlord is on my neck, school fees too, no gigs. Poverty is a lot and promoters no longer book us,” he added.
Kapere also claimed that his physical appearance affects his opportunities, alleging that some people do not give him gigs because of how he looks. He appealed to promoters to create more opportunities for comedians, singling out promoter Abitex for supporting entertainers through shows.
“I wish Abitex had a show every week at least because he gives money. If he had a show every week, we would be living a better life,” he said.
The comedian further made claims that some fellow comedians could be working against him, alleging that he has faced setbacks from within the industry.