US based Zim comedian to record DVD titled ‘Funny from A to Z’

United States based Zimbabwean comedian Alfred Kainga is going to be recording a DVD Special this coming weekend. Formerly known as Alfred The AlleyCat, Kainga spoke to journalist Lance Guma.

Lance Guma: So tell us about this show, how did it come about?

Alfred Kainga: Well I’ve been doing comedy for quiet a while now and we felt it was time to film a DvD Special that would also be able to reach all my fans who are across the globe and haven’t had a chance to see me perform live on stage.

Guma: How is a Zimbabwean comedian managing to pull it off in the United States. How have you managed the cultural differences?

Kainga: I get that a lot. But you know funny is funny. As long as you are able to relate with the audience its easy. The American culture is very similar in many ways to ours. Issues like raising kids, working, finances anyone can relate to those things so for me its been really easy.

Guma: What inspired you to take up comedy?

Kainga: I’ve always enjoyed making people laugh and just to see someone’s face change from seriousness to joy has always brought me a sense of satisfaction. So when I came here I realized I could actually make this a career and said why not.

Guma: Who are your role models in the comedy industry?

Kainga: Its amazing how one day I was back in Zimbabwe watching these guys on TV to now where I’ve actually shared the stage with some of my role models. People like Steve Harvey and Cedric The Entertainer are some of my biggest role models in the industry today.

But having worked with internationally recognized names such as Capone the Gangsta of Comedy, Mark Curry and Rob Stapleton and Rudy Rush still trips me out.

Guma: Give us an insight into some of the challenges you have faced?

Kainga: Oh there has been a few challenges and am sure there are still more to face. When you first start out its always hard to get stage time. You don’t just wake up and say “hey I’m a comedian” and you get booked lol.

Its a building process and sometimes I would wait till 1 am to get on stage during an open mic just to get my name out there. On any night you could have a list of 30 comics wanting stage time. That was in the beginning.

Guma: How is it now, give us a sense of how you have progressed now?

Kainga: Well now I work under the Improv Comedy Club umbrella and a whole host of other major comedy promoters, which means I’m always working on stage. I get calls for shows some I cant even do due to tight schedules so in a sense it has paid off.

Guma: Finally back to your DVD special, what can fans expect?

Kainga: Oh my goodness Lance its ‘Funny from A to Z’ is the name of the title and thats exactly what its going to be. Fans can expect quality stand up comedy no gimmicks just joke for joke pound for pound.