Ugandan comedian and events promoter Alex Muhangi believes the country’s comedy scene has lost some of its edge, pointing to weaker writing and a lack of consistently fresh material among some performers.
Muhangi defended his decision to feature musicians alongside comedians at his shows, arguing that the entertainment industry has evolved and that performers must adapt to changing audience expectations.
Reflecting on the earlier days of comedy, he said comedians were expected to produce new jokes regularly and could not rely on material they had already performed.
“Back then we couldn’t repeat jokes, and we would write new content every week. Today’s comedians are working hard, but more needs to be done. They get too comfortable, and this has led to the level of comedy dropping,” Muhangi said.
His comments highlight what he sees as a gap between the demands placed on comedians in the past and the standards some performers maintain today. In his view, consistent writing and the development of original material remain essential to keeping audiences entertained.
Muhangi did acknowledge that today’s comedians are working hard, but argued that greater effort is needed to sustain the quality of performances.
The promoter also addressed criticism of his approach to organising shows that feature both comedians and musicians. He explained that the decision is influenced not only by entertainment value but also by the financial realities of running events.
Although comedy is his profession, Muhangi said he also operates as a businessman who must attract customers, sell tickets and make a profit.
Featuring musicians alongside comedians, he explained, gives audiences more reasons to attend and can help broaden the appeal of an event.
“When people see the artworks, they come to see different people, and then I decide their stage time,” he said, describing how he manages the performers featured on his shows.
His explanation underscores the balancing act involved in live entertainment: promoters must create an enjoyable experience while ensuring that events remain commercially viable.
For Muhangi, bringing musicians and comedians together is part of that strategy. However, his criticism of comedy writing suggests he also believes performers must continue improving their craft if the industry is to maintain audience interest.
His remarks are likely to renew discussion about the standards of Ugandan comedy, the pressure to produce original material and the role business decisions play in shaping live entertainment.