Breaking stand-up comedy barriers

When you think stand-up comedy in Malawi, the name Daliso Chaponda comes up and further south, Trevor Noah is the big name.

However, the country has, aside Chaponda, its own set of stand-up comedians who have been keeping the comedy industry alive and thriving.

Diana ‘Dee’ Satha is an American-born Malawian writer, poet, actor and comedian based in Lilongwe who is creating great new comedy.

She started performing as a stand-up comedian early this year, but is slowly establishing herself.

Those who attended the Annie Kansiime comedy show three weeks ago will attest to this as Satha was one of the opening acts for the great night and did not disappoint.

She took the patrons into the world of football and politics by using irony and joked about how former Manchester United coach David Moyes would have been delivered of his demons at Nigeria’s famous cleric, TB Joshua.

“I have been in the creative industry since 2008, by then I was with Rising Choreos Theatre company. I started stand-up comedy earlier this year at Living Room’s poetry sessions done every Wednesday and lucky enough, the organisers of the Anne Kansiime show spotted me and asked me to perform,” Satha tells On the Arts.

The reaction from patrons following her performance was so resounding that it has spurred her to do more.

“I have had an overwhelming response from people about my performance. I can confidently say there is more for them and I am here to stay,” says the artist.

An energetic and compelling master of audience interaction, Satha’s spontaneous performances see her creating a perversely endearing air of comedic chaos.

Yet she says her education did not point her to a career in the arts.

“I didn’t study arts, I studied motor vehicle engineering, but ever since I was young, I have always wanted to entertain people. I do poetry, write short stories some of which have won consolation prizes at MAWU/FMB short story competition, I act both on stage and film,” explains the 29-year-old.

Her jokes revolve around her life and current affairs.

She shared an insight: “I joke about my love for food and sex and the fact that I love the latter more. I usually make fun of myself because it’s easier that way. I sometimes mimic popular people in society such as former president Joyce Banda.”

Despite her gender disadvantage, Satha may find solace in the fact that stand-up comedy continues to gain ground Malawi and Africa at large.

Looking at how neighbouring countries such as Zambia are doing in the industry, Satha is optimistic of the future.

“Stand-up comedy in Malawi is slowly growing, of course everyone has their own style. What is important is to give the audience a good dosage of what you can offer. Moving forward, I have talked to a few people about having comedy shows on television, I am just waiting for that to happen.

“Otherwise, I want to be the kind of person that brings joy and laughter in someone’s life. Laughter is the best medicine and I am the doctor! Kevin Hart inspires me. He’s short and he makes fun of himself before anyone else does,” she muses.

So, next time you are in Lilongwe, make a date with Satha at the Living Room Cafe where she cracks up jokes every Wednesday evening.