By Our Reporter
2017 has been a great year. It was also a year that saw many big comedians get unseated by their younger counterparts. With MC Kapale launching a big debate about Uganda’s best comedians, we decided to solve this puzzle for now. In the MC Kapale Speak, these are the Ugandan comedians with ‘work.’ Those missing on this list don’t have work.
10. MC Kapale
Truth be told, MC Kapale still has commendable work. He’s the guy who will chatter joke after joke. You can throw him any topic and he will crack a joke around it. He describes himself as the grandfather of Stand-up comedy in Uganda. He has attacked almost every other comedian in Uganda going ahead to claim that MC Mariachi stole from his pockets as a father. Yes, he matches his talk with actions.
9. Swengere Family
This has been a year for Busoga Kingdom, they have influenced Uganda in every possible way. This family started off jokingly sharing the awesome clips on Facebook. Before long these were spreading like a wild fire on WhatsApp groups. There’s the great Kalibaala who goes out of his way to exhibit the comical side to being dense. They recently filled Theatre La Bonita to capacity. Some people had to be denied entry because of lack of space.
8. MC Vex
An amazing young man. He is the guy who you would gladly bring to any corporate event and he would still spice it up. He’s currently unchallenged when it comes to English stand-up comedy. He’s creative, he has branded himself and is ever smart. Are you looking for the guy who can do everything and still have a serious face to it, then think no further than MC Vex.
7. Idringi Salvado
Once again, he organised his one-man show proving everyone wrong. When a famous Ugandan female artiste’s bedroom video leaked, Salvado pulled off a mighty parody. He sent the whole Uganda into stitches. He is currently Uganda’s best export to the African continent having upstaged Anne Kansiime who’s spent the year dealing with her separation from Ojok instead of sharing jokes.
6. Dr. T-amale
It takes brains to mimic another man and still maintain popularity. Yet Dr. T-amale has consistently perfected the persona of Tamale Mirundi. He keeps getting better everyday. It has gotten to a point where it’s almost difficult to draw a line between the two. He takes the sixth slot on this list.
5. Prof Joel aka Mendo Ssegujja
He’s played the part of a teacher. He’s asked us; “what went wrong?” He’s represented at the Churchill show. He’s played Prof. Joel as President Yoweri Museveni. He’s been consistent. And he definitely deserves this position.
4. Madrat and Chikko
This comical duo has stayed together through thick and thin. They have this chemistry, and they are proof that opposites indeed attract. One is tall and fat, the other is short and medium-sized. They have enjoyed each other’s company on stages and this has transferred to their audiences. They are the Radio and Weasel of the comedy industry.
3. Amooti
He is the guy who will make you laugh without saying a word. Every thing that comes out of Amooti’s mouth is a joke. He is one of the few natural comedians in Uganda. He doesn’t struggle at this craft. He’s super talented, making it all seem too easy. He’s definitely the number 3 in Uganda.
2. Taata Sam aka Katusekemu
Is there anyone who doesn’t know the Taata Sam family? If you don’t then you are the most ignorant reader we have had in a long while. This Taata Sam is evidence of the power of social media. He has made a brand as the guy who loves food more than anything. Maama Sam has suffered at his hands. More interesting is that these two are actually a couple in real life. One can only imagine what happens in this family with their kid, Sam. Recently Katusekemu also released a new series of Taata Sam playing as Gadimba, the guy who has overstayed in primary school.
1. MC Mariachi
No Doubt, this has been MC Mariachi’s year. It was an easy decision to make and hand over the top position to MC Mariachi. He’s hard-working. But he also takes time to study his audience and customise his jokes to the audience. MC Mariachi has been consistent. At first many said he was another MC Kapale but he found his own authentic voice. We congratulate him upon his achievement as Uganda’s number one comedian.
Bonus: Tumu Siime
One of the guys we thought deserves a mention on this list is Conan Tumu Siime. He started off on a low note but as the year has come to an end, he’s gone viral. He’s been the Skinny Robert Mugabe, he’s played parodies of slay queens, of Sheilah Gashumba. He’s so talented, he is the producer, script writer, actor and extra. He is super versatile. He’s surely among Uganda’s top 10 comedians.