27 Nov 2021

Comedy factory show off to a good start

Modiri Keseabetswe’s passion of making people laugh is an instinct one cannot overlook.

For Mod, as Keseabetswe is fondly known in comic circle, making people laugh comes naturally, a talent that he has been able to successfully nurture throughout the years.

He is now dreaming of spreading his wings, expand his circle and to attain more knowledge in the comedy industry.

Together with one of the pioneers of the standup comedy locally, Bobo Letsatsi affectionately known as Ribcracker, Mod has established comedy factory Botswana, an organisation that would make that dream come true.

Speaking during the first standup comedy show post COVID-19 restrictions Thursday evening, Mod said he was more than encouraged to see massive support from local comedy lovers who had come in pleasing numbers.

“It turned out good and I’m excited by the positive response from the crowd. We want to turn another chapter in local comedy. We want to perform more comedy shows in other urban centers around the country and help make a sustainable income for local guys who have talent in comedy,” he said.

Mod took a detour from his professional career and focused on making comedy his source of income.

“I want to professionalise this, it’s time we unearth talent and help other people realise their dreams of living off their talents. We encourage people to make a living out of their talents and this is possible,” he said.

Mod said they were aiming to host a number of shows in the coming weeks.

As expected Mod and Ribcracker ignited uncontrollable laughter in their first comedy appearance at the Maitisong Theatre this past Thursday night.

Celebrating 15 years of doing comedy, the duo were joined by an equally talented all-star cast; Phenyo Phaladi, Ndiye Tamba also known as Triccs, Thapelo Malane and Kago Rannoba AKA Johnny.

Malane a partially blind young comedian left the crowd in stitches making fun of his disability. He joked that he became blind after watching Btv programme The Eye.

Phaladi whose stage name is Phenyo the master was also in his element making fun of subcultures such as ma-rock, ma-cat and ma-rasta. Phaladi threw the crowd into fits of laughter when he perfectly impersonated politicians such as Mr Themba Joina and local radio stations avid listener Rre Kolo.

Ribcracker, who was the last act of the day, related in a funny way how the pandemic had impacted the comedy industry. Coming from Mochudi himself Ribcracker threw in a few tribal jokes about Bakgatla. ENDS