Zim comedian to feature on Kevin Hart’s show

Mbare-born comedian Alfred the Alleycat has been selected to feature on Kevin Hart’s show on Comedy Central called “Funny is Funny.”

The former Prince Edward student, who has been performing in comedy circles in Dallas, Texas for the past decade, will participate in the “Funny is Funny” show on Wednesday night in Houston.

Alfred the Alleycat, who was born Alfred Kainga, confirmed his slot on Hart’s new show via his Facebook page.

“Was not trying to post this (Funny is Funny poster) yet but someone let the cat out of the bag early… History in the making for me my family and my nation of Zimbabwe ….got picked to film on Kevin Hart’s new show on Comedy Central. God is good… I can’t wait…,” the rising comedian wrote.

Several Zimbabwean artistes have congratulated Kainga for attracting the attention of celebrated American actor, comedian, writer, and producer.

South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) winner Leroy Gopal, who is based in Johannesburg, was among those who applauded Kainga.

“Alfred Kainga we salute you sir. Can’t wait to be in the audience one day and sit right in front,” the former Yellow Card actor wrote on Facebook.

Highly rated Zimbabwean comedian Q The Boss, who performed alongside Alfred the Alleycat in America last year, could not hide his admiration.

“Alfred Kainga words cannot express how proud of you I am… I salute you, respect you and your hustle and I am so happy for you… ?#‎Wow,” wrote Q The Boss, whose real name is Nqobizitha Dube Siziba.

In an interview with the Daily News last year, Kainga singled out the old Harare suburb of Mbare for shaping his competitive character.

“I was born in Mbare and raised by my mother with the help of my maternal grandparents. My mother later moved us to Cranborne when I was 14 years old. Even though my mother was doing it alone she worked really hard to provide for us and we never lacked for anything,” he said then.

Kainga, who has been in America for the past 16 years, also heaped praise on Prince Edward School.

“My Prince Edward (PE) School days were epic to say the least. I love that school because it moulded many who came through there and helped us discover who we were and what we wanted to do as young men.

“I was an alright student in class. I also played soccer, but playing with guys like Tostao Kwashi and Quincy Antipas who went on to be professional soccer stars. I knew that wasn’t going to be me. They were too good at it.

“But entertaining people was a passion of mine, and it didn’t matter if I was doing it through a song, war cry or telling a joke; I knew I was going to be an entertainer,” he told the Daily News.