Award-winning poet turns to comedy
NAMA award-winning poet, Obert Dube has added a new feather to his hat by venturing into stand-up comedy.
Dube, who recently graduated with a Diploma in Human Resources Management seems to have joined the bandwagon of a string of artistes who have extended their presence into other art forms. The Victoria Fallsbased poet said comedy was his first interest. However, it was poetry that he used to open doors having kickstarted his comedy crusade late last year.
“Comedy came first but poetry opened doors for me. I was doing comedy just for the fun of it. I would compose jokes and post them on different platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp. People loved them and one friend of mine advised me to take the initiative seriously. Before long people started engaging me to present at various events that included weddings, parties and conferences. I’m happy that I have two poems that went viral but it was the comedy side that has helped me to reunite with my poetry fans locally, regionally and internationally,” said Dube.
“I’m from a Zionist church that is believed to be of uneducated people, actually there is large section of society that thinks that artistes are uneducated and venture into art out of desperation. However, I would like to disagree with that mindset. I’m a testimony that we have what it takes in terms of education just like any other professionals,” he said.
Dube said as a master at ceremonies the transition from poetry to stand-up comedy wasn’t difficulty as the two complement one another.
“I have not abandoned poetry as some would conclude, it is actually growing stronger by the day. The two go hand in glove. I always do both, they complement each other.”
The pint-sized, energetic poet popularly known by his legions of fans as Isibani sami says he is working on producing a series of video clips after securing sponsorship from one of his fans.
“I have gone commercial and so far so good. I have managed to court the attention of a well-wisher who has offered to sponsor the production of a video clips, more like what you see with the likes of Ghanaian comedian, Kansiime. I hope to continue boosting my ratings by becoming more visible as my jokes are being followed in many Southern African countries, Europe, Ghana and Nigeria amongst others.”
Dube, who has represented the country at regional festivals, said he is looking forward to a busy year as he had tours lined up in Europe, Swaziland for an annual festival and is recording his fourth album.
Dube who is from Lupane broke the record when he landed the Most Outstanding poet in 2014 for his album We are one, a non-racial and tribal offering that sought to unify the diverse cultures found in the country and Africa.
He has produced three albums and two videos which have increased his visibility and talent, enabling him to participate at regional showcases. He has featured as National Aids Council (NAC) ambassador on awareness campaigns in the region.