New offering from Umalume Nomtshana
THE fifth instalment of popular Eastern Cape street performers Umalume Nomtshana Eastern Cape Comedians is set to be released this week.
Group leader Mawethu Soko said the new DVD, Iphupha Lika Malume, focuses on social issues.
In true hustlers’ fashion, the duo of Soko and his brother Landile of Komani spread their humour by travelling around the province, performing in streets for people.
“Our new show is a very nice comedy that speaks about things that are happening around the world we live in today,” Soko said.
The show will begin on November 26 and while the group will be visiting towns across the Eastern Cape. Soko has been in the industry for over a decade and has recruited eight people to join his crew.
“I started in 2005 but had a few ups and downs in the industry. Our first proper DVD came out in 2015 and that is when we started to call ourselves Umalume Nomtshana Eastern Cape Comedians,” Soko said.
Since then, the group has been touring around the province with gospel artists.
“We now go around to perform with guys such as Nobulela M, Butho Vuthela and Lutsha Yolele.”
As a result of their exposure, they have also been given a spot at East London-based community radio station Izwilethemba. “We have three minutes to entertain and make people laugh every Thursday during their breakfast show.”
He said the new show promises to be exciting, despite challenges faced leading up to its final production. “In April this year we went to perform in Mthatha and we were attacked – one of our guys was stabbed and the robbers took everything, which caused our production to come to a standstill.
“But we will continue with our shows and we hope that one day we will have our movies selected to play on national TV,” he said.
The comedians usually make money through directly selling their own DVDs, as well as donations and tips during their performances.
“We perform at weddings as well, and the response has been great. People always call us to come and perform. This is our livelihood and we thank the people of the Eastern Cape for their continuous support. I believe laughing is a medicine, so I like to see people being happy and forget their problems in life,” Soko said.