This Is SatAfrika a smash hit at the Johannesburg International Comedy Festival

Last night saw the inception of the Johannesburg International Comedy Festival and, to put it lightly, I feel bad for everyone who didn’t make it (especially those who wanted to come).

The Nelson Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre hosted the very first show of JICF that was appropriately named This Is SatAfrika. In true fashion of the show and its name, it started on real (Sat)African time – which I am forever grateful for.

Award themed and centred around a church named Skothani Ministries, This is SatAfrika was a theoretical comedy production that put a mirror up to the society we currently live in. It called for much-needed introspection as it packed some major South African events from early last year to as recent as right now. All very relevant, relatable, and memorable. All key funny factors.

The show featured Agrizzi, slay queens, Mmusi Maimane, and land reform just to name a few key features. Few stones were left unturned to scrutinized and deduce where you stand on these key issues in our communities.

Desmond Dube was the MVP of the night as the salesman for Skothani Ministries as he attempted to sell us a resurrection policy. In his most steller Clientèle rendition, he blew everyone away as we basked in the bitter-sweet memory of that one advert that will make you regret calling in sick at work.

Phillip Dikotla hosted us and was completely submerged in his role. Without missing a beat, this comedian seamlessly interacted with every parody and act on stage. He was the thread of the show that brought everything together and made it coherent. Truly the make or break factor and it was refreshing to have seen him being the latter.

The set was designed to resemble the Joburg streets we all have a love-hate relationship with. From the iconic Telkom tower situated in Hillbrow to the infamous dirty-strung-on-drugs car guard (played by Kagiso Lediga) who basically bully you into giving them your money for a variety of reasons honestly. Something Soweto surprised us all by coming out during a Men’s Conference skit and continued to compliment the show, with his band, and added all the right musical elements to further enhance the vibe of the night.

Refreshingly breathtaking, I appreciated the thought and effort put into this proudly South African theatre production. It is very clear that the producers have a worldy vision that is bound to exceed even the highest of expectations.

Judging from the first show, you need to go and get your ticket as it will be coupled with some additional pleasent surprises.

Here are the shows for the remainder of the festival. Be sure to get your tickets for the remainder of the JICF before it ends, be part of the conversation on Facebook,Twitter, Instagram using the #JICF #FunnyAF hashtags.