American comedian Ian Lara in Nairobi to tickle his Kenyan fans
By Sylvia MuiaThe Kenyan standup comedy scene has exponentially grown over the last two years now attracting international acts from countries like the USA and South Africa to grace its stage.
American comedian Ian Lara, known for his standalone HBO special ‘Romantic Comedy’, will be performing at Punchline Comedy Club’s standup comedy event dubbed Distant Relatives on May 6 and 7.
He is listed as one of the hottest rising comics in New York City after he found internet success because of his performances on Comedy Central then later made an appearance on one of the most popular late shows, the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
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“I don’t think I had a recipe to get to where I am. I had this dream to do comedy and I worked hard at it. I write jokes, people have taken a liking to and I appreciate it,” Lara said.
Lara’s stop in Nairobi is a detour from his tour that has had him perform in Canada and several states in the USA.
Eliciting laughter may vary in different countries as this is his first performance in front of a Kenyan audience. However, Lara is confident that even if people come from different countries and backgrounds, they may share similar experiences.
“As long as you understand the language, you should be able to understand my observations and the way I see things. I am not too worried about it. I am more excited to get in front of the Kenyan audience who I have never performed for before,” Lara said.
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The American comedian will be joined on stage by South African standup comedians Tumi Morake and Ndumiso Lindi and Tanzanian comedians Evans Bukuku and Deo Gratius.
Local acts Ty Ngachira, Ciru Mwangi, John Ribia, Shazz Nderitu and Marcus Douglas will also be on the lineup to crack up their Kenyan fanbase that has grown rapidly.
Punchline Comedy Club’s founder Eric Lu Savali said the club’s expectation is to showcase Kenyan comedians who can go toe-to-toe with international comedians.
“This is also an opportunity for us to learn from each other and understand that comedy is a beautiful language that brings very different people together,” Savali said.
The two-day event will be held at the Nairobi Museum Louis Leakey Auditorium.
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smuia@ke.nationmedia.com