Anne Kansiime treated Kampala to its very first Comedy Grill on May 9, at Kampala Sheraton hotel, and audience expectations were met.
The show, organised for just a limited number of people, kicked off at 8:30pm, with an opening monologue by Daniel Omara. As usual, it took a lot of concentration for the crowd to tap into his ‘elite’ sense of humour, but he did a good job opening up for what later became a heated stage.
The hosts were Richard Tuwangye and Deedan Muyira, who ably kept the fire burning. Rapper GNL Zamba kicked off the grill, and boy had he prepared for every other roaster on the panel! His first victim was Omara, whom he accused of playing Acholi women, instead of getting married.
Comic duo Madrat and Chico also got a few burns from Zamba, with Chico’s size becoming meat on Zamba’s skewers.
“Chico looks like he just ate Madrat and used Sheila Gashumba as the toothpick,” Zamba tore up Chico, sending the crowd roaring with laughter.
Filmmaker Nana Kagga followed Zamba, and after the LugaFlo rapper’s stellar performance, Kagga struggled to keep the crowd as entertained. Veteran politician Miria Matembe, unaware of what a roast is all about, bullied her way through the entire roast, dissing everyone her eyes could come across.
Her first victim was radio personality Gaetano Kagwa, bashing him for starting moral degeneration in Uganda during the 2003 Big Brother Africa show.
“I gave this one a wife, but I doubt they are still together,” sending the crowd into more laughter. You may not know, but Gaetano married Enid Keishamaza Rukikaire in 2009. Another highlight of the night was Kansiime’s baby-daddy and ex, Skylanta.
Scared that he may spill bucket loads of secrets, Kansiime was visibly on tension when her ex took the mic. Skylanta indeed had Kansiime and the rest of the roasters for dinner. He did not hold back.
Produced by Aly Allibhai’s Talent Africa, the stage aesthetics, lighting and sound production were on point. Clad in a billowing lilac gown, the steak of the night, Kansiime, took the microphone to respond to the dirt, banter and disses thrown at her by the panel.
She didn’t hold back, returning diss for diss as the audience lapped it all up. For an hour, she delivered a mix of witty jabs and heartfelt words of gratitude to the guests, roast masters, sponsors, and everyone who supported her on the journey leading to the unforgettable night.
As the show drew to a close, the atmosphere was packed with excitement after savouring the first taste of a bold, new flavour to Uganda’s comedy scene. Only a talent like Kansiime could deliver that.
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