A few months ago I was introduced to the hilarious work of Tiinashe Fortune, by a friend of mine (Kwanele Mswelanto). It was a short comedy monologue, that made satirical commentary on social and political issues. After one episode, I binge watched the rest of the episodes.
The show is called InTalksicated. – Here is the full Youtube Playlist
Fast forward I would later realize that this young man, Tinashe. Was also a wedding MC, and rising comedian, who had had the privilege to get tutelage of the industry from curtain raising for rising veterans like King Kandoro and Doc Vikela.
As such, at the beginning of August, when I saw his artwork for an upcoming debut show in his name. I had no doubts. So I got myself a ticket.
Let’s Just Be Friends was the name of the show. Sponsored by PrintWord.
What I saw on the night of the 30th of August was spectacular, a room filled with many of his early adopters. I would like to believe he was awe struck too.
He was not the only performer. He had a fiery line up, than included a fun master of ceremonies who introduced himself as Mayor. Keeping us captivated by tongue in cheek jokes, a cocktail of satire, dark humor, bar talk and wedding presenter type jokes.
The first person to hit the stage would be Josh the comedian. A young energetic guy who, who had the whole crowd chime in rhythm with his tag line, “That is very sensitive information”. Memorable punchlines, relatable anecdotes. – At this point I was confident that the juice had been worth the squeeze.
Then came a Norton comedian called Chipenzi. This one had a wild imagination and raw comedy which had us dropping jaws and laughing with strangers beside us, as if we had known them for 10 years. – It was a reminder to me that, when you go for these things, sit next to single people. – Pro tip 😉
At some point they had to switch it by bringing in a well suited up gentleman by the name of Ian. He looked like the lover-man type, you know those guys that will snatch your girl. Well he was no clown indeed. He said he wasn’t a comedian, though he did compile a few good ones to give his friend Tiinashe Fortune a few friendly jabs.
He would transition into melodiously singing his love songs, and he brought a single lady on stage to make her blush in front of us. – See I told you, he was them Usher types.
I look forward to actually looking for his music.
Afterwards we had a very confident performer on the mic, and guess what his name was? – Yeah Mike.
I was hanging onto every punchline like a lifeline, laughing until my sides ached and my worries vanished.
Now before the man of the show stepped on stage, Doc Vikela, a veteran comedian, would get on stage as if to ordain Tiinashe Fortune. As he started off in is normal voice, we protested that he switch to his “presidential alter-ego”. He heard the message, subbed his belly a bit, squinting his face to summon the E.D within.
Then he made a spectacular monologue, which would have easily looked like an election campaign speech. We all stood up , lighters up to invite welcome the man of the match to the stage, with applause, screams, and jubilation.
He gave us a world class performance whose elements could only be felt if you were there. It was a set filled with variation, impersonations, hooks for the crowd to chime to and joy was in the air.
If you were not there, please make sure to follow Tiinashe Fortune for future updates. Like most people he has a page and a personal profile so I will give you both below.
Facebook Profile 1: Tiinashe Thisisit
Facebook Profile 2 : Tiinashe Fortune
As for this platform. Join our growing Whatsapp Group by clicking the image below
