Comedians from throughout French-speaking Africa are in Abidjan this weekend for the ninth Competition of Laughter – an occasion that goals to advertise stand-up comedy on the continent, with a hearty dose of self-mockery.
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The Competition of Laughter is organised and hosted by Nigerien-born comic Mamane, who amongst his many skills hosts a satirical radio present “The Very, Very Democratic Republic of Gondwana” on RFI.
The pageant is each a approach of celebrating African humour and creating comedy as a profession path on the continent.
Right now’s spotlight on the Palais de la Tradition is the so-called “Battle of Ethnic Teams”. Far much less violent than the title suggests, it invitations comedians of various origins to go head-to-head to determine which ethnic group is the funniest.
Contestants from throughout West and Central Africa – Congolese, Cameroonians, Togolese, Burkinabé and, after all, Ivorians, compete in improvised sketches, directed by Mamane himself.
“We advise a theme and put a sketch collectively rapidly, in full view of everybody,” says Kaboré l’Intellectuel, from the comedy duo Les Zinzins de l’artwork – winners of the 2018 RFI prize for stand-up comedy (Abilities du rire).
Themes corresponding to heartbreak or what’s referred to as “goumin”.
“How does every ethnic group specific itself when confronted with “goumin”? I am Burkinabé and “goumin” is a taboo topic for us, it hardly exists. [But] the Ivorians, they cry lots, a bit just like the French,” he advised RFI’s Marine Jeannin.
Daring to offend, laughing collectively
As a part of the battle, contestants are invited to make enjoyable of their group says Cameroonian comic Sylvanie Njeng. Even when it might trigger offence.
“There’ll at all times be somebody, someplace, who will take offence,” she advised RFI.
“However what’s fascinating is the self-mockery. Your ethnicity is a part of you and then you definitely come alongside, speak about it and what characterises it.
“It is typically mentioned that it is the preconceived concepts that trigger offence. As soon as we have developed that, performed it out altogether, you see that no person needs to set one ethnic group apart and make enjoyable of it.”
She insists the goal “actually is to snigger collectively, to not poke enjoyable”. And says its does everybody good to see completely different ethnic teams on stage.
“I, for instance, am Boulou from the south. I am certain that after this version, I will be the star of the village!”