Kenyan artists engage in a heated discussion on the art of stand-up comedy
In a surprising turn of events, renowned Kenyan genge star Jua Cali has taken aim at popular comedian Njugush, questioning his stand-up comedy abilities.
“Njugush ni boy wangu but hakuna comedian hapo, not funny at all,” Jua Cali said on Twitter.
Jua Cali expressed his opinion on Twitter, stating that Njugush is more of a skit maker than a stand-up comedian, claiming that he falls short in delivering humor on stage.
The comments from Jua Cali came shortly after Njugush and his wife, Wakavinye, successfully hosted a sold-out show in Australia, garnering mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. A video of Njugush struggling to engage a seemingly unresponsive audience surfaced online, igniting the ongoing debate.
Jua Cali argued that stand-up comedy is a distinct art form that requires in-depth study, wit, creativity, and extensive practice to master.
“Stand up ni art form you need to study it fully before ujirushe ndani ni art form moja very clever very witty si ya kila mtu,” added the veteran Kenyan musician
He emphasised the importance of understanding the nuances of the craft, citing notable American comedians such as Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, and the Kings of Comedy as prime examples of excellence on the stand-up stage.
“Let’s come together StandUp ni artform inataka patience na a lot of resources kama tu music industry but done right hapo kuna doe kuruka!!! If we put our heads together tutatoboa.” read the social media update in part
However, Jua Cali’s remarks received a significant backlash from fans and followers, who accused him of undermining Njugush’s talent and trying to bring down a fellow artist. One prominent figure who defended Njugush was Bien of the popular music group Sauti Sol who responded to Jua Cali’s post where he expressed his respect for Njugush and his wife, highlighting the importance of leaving a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
Another big deal Kenyan celebrity also offered his two cents on his social media handles. Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga responded to musician Jua Cali’s recent comment targeting comedian Njugush. Olunga joined the chorus of criticism, calling Jua Cali’s comment an ‘outright low’ and accusing him of trying to undermine a fellow artist’s success. This criticism comes after Jua Cali previously made an unfavorable comment about Olunga’s performance in a soccer match. The verbal sparring continues between the two personalities, keeping fans engaged in the ongoing drama.
Recognising the uproar caused by his comments, Jua Cali issued an apology, clarifying that he is a fan of stand-up comedy as an art form.
“Fans wa Njugush na Njugush poleni sana kama hio tweet ilicome out harsh hio haikua intention napenda Skits za Njugush 🔥🔥🔥 ni vile tu StandUp ni ballgame ingine noma but polepole with practice NJUGUSH will become one of the Greats, let’s come together StandUp ni artform inataka patience na a lot of resources kama tu music industry but done right hapo kuna doe kuruka!!! If we put our heads together tutatoboa.
Have a good day watu wangu 🙏🏿🙏🏿,” read Jua Cali’s tweet in part
The rapper further stated that he has been a fan of standup comedy for a long time.
“Nimekua a huge Fan of StandUp comedy as an art form ever since nione the great Richard Pryor kwa ma Video tapes hii ni kitambo. Then Eddie Murphy came along killed it on the standUp stage. Kuna similarities mob but now the difference between Musicians na StandUp comedians ni sisi wanamziki we create the content mara moja and we can perform it on stage hundreds of times but with comedians you have to be constantly creating coz ukirudia joke mara mbili si joke tena. Standup comedian has to have a huge team of dope writers ndio special ikue na structure, examples of dope writers wale nawajua ni YY na Butita(Iam the one who encouraged @eddiebutita to do 1hr specials when we were on a flight to Dubai a few yrs back). Jua Cali explained
He emphasised that his intention was not to offend Njugush or his fans but to highlight the distinct nature of stand-up comedy and the skills required to excel in the field. Jua Cali acknowledged Njugush’s potential for growth and success with dedication and practice, suggesting that he could become one of the greats in the industry.
“Kucreate content ya 1hr constantly si rahisi lazima ukue na team noma karibu. Standup comedian should be very clever,witty and think jokes on the fly to engage the crowd and also have a certain swagger kwa stage, kujirusha kwa hii art form you should study the greats kama The Kings of Comedy kwanza Bernie Mac, Steve Harvey, Martin Lawrence,Jamie Foxx na Dave Chappelle wale ni ma Beast kwa stage!!! StandUp comedians should always tell story za mtaani hizo stories will forever remain King!!! Na msiogope kutumia curse words hio ndio RAHA ya standUp sasa. Wacha nisibonge mob I will bigup all the comedians pushing the artform e.g the @comedyriots,” added the Calif Records legendary musician, Jua Cali
The controversy surrounding Jua Cali’s remarks has ignited a broader discussion about the art of stand-up comedy in Kenya. While some people agreed with Jua Cali’s assessment, others defended Njugush, praising his comedic talent and potential for growth. The debate has shed light on the differing opinions within the entertainment industry and the challenges faced by comedians in perfecting their craft.
The incident has also drawn attention to the need for comedians to constantly create fresh and engaging content. Jua Cali emphasized the importance of having a skilled team of writers to support a stand-up comedian’s material and ensure its freshness and structure. He encouraged comedians to study the greats in the field, learn from their techniques, and develop their unique style.
As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen whether Njugush will rise to the challenge and further develop his skills as a stand-up comedian. The incident serves as a reminder that comedy, like any other art form, requires continuous practice, dedication, and a deep understanding of the audience’s preferences and dynamics. With perseverance and support from the comedy community, Njugush has the potential to establish himself as one of Kenya’s standout comedians.
In the end, the clash of opinions between Jua Cali and Njugush has sparked a necessary conversation about the intricacies and demands of stand-up comedy. It highlights the importance of fostering an environment where artists can express their views while encouraging growth and improvement within the industry.