06 Dec 2021

 UPICtv, in connection with Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet), has launched a comedy special screening platform for local stand-up comedians.

At the launch held in Gaborone recently, comedy fanatics were treated to a night of laughter through screened performances by local stand-up comedians, including Ndiye Wally, who performs by the stage name Triccs and Umbambi Ndiwenyo alias Bambino.

Although the launch did not attract a big crowd as many seats we left unoccupied, it proved to be a good night for a sizeable audience who made their way to the event.

Triccs showed class and versatility and his comic lines describing Kasi life, left audience in stitches. His message was that living in Kasi did not mean one would only grow up to be a criminal as some would think.

“To be born and bred at Kasi has the good sides too as long as there is the right mentorship and guidance.” Triccs said his lines were in Setswana because he wanted to encourage and promote the use of the language in the entertainment circles.

On the other hand, Bambino’s performance was also a marvel to watch, talking about his life experience. He narrated how he was raised from a well off family, but some challenges drastically changed their life forcing them to relocate to his home village at Maitengwe where he went to school.

Although it was not easy for him, he coped. Through comedy he intended to inspire those faced with challenges to also embrace them.

UPICtv station manager, Bonnie Dintwa said they intended to assist in the production of local content in different entertainment sectors. He said the station was set to give local acts exposure and recognition locally and internationally.

“We have realised that most entertainers have brilliant ideas that slowly faded away due to lack of necessary resources, so through UPICtv we intend reach out to them and close the gap,” he said.

He added that the station also intended to bring production closer to people, adding it currently hosted more than 90 local licensed titles of different entities and had more than 40 per cent of international viewership.

UPICtv is a home grown subscription-based streaming service that hosts a bouquet of local and international titles with a particular focus on locally produced dramas, movies, comedies and children’s programmes. ENDS