Jesters ride social media wave
SOCIAL media has over the years created a perfect platform for artistes to showcase their talents to a much wider audience.
The development has specifically been welcomed by scores of comedians, who have traditionally relied on television and the streets to spread their work.
Comic Pastor, Mai TT, Madam Boss, Passion Java, Mr Ridhikurasi are some of the names that quickly come to mind when one talks about the power of social media in boosting fame.
Unlike in the past, popularity is now a click away for many.
The likes of Kapfupi, Marabha, aPhiri, Mai Ngaa and crew, who were part of the Magariro street theatre crew, can attest how difficult a breakthrough was before the advent of technology.
Fortunes changed for them and others when access to platforms like YouTube and Facebook became easy.
Even some men of the cloth are benefiting from technological advancements — talk of the likes of evangelist Trymore Muparinga, who rose to fame with his humorous style of ministry on Harare’s First Street.
With a simple click of a button and access to the internet, artistes like comedians can now reach millions and become stars overnight.
Many are surviving and thriving mainly from the spoils of their craft.
These artistes enjoy royalties from monetised accounts on social media platforms (YouTube and Facebook), with a lion’s share of revenue coming from advertisers who
seek out the most popular comedians with a considerable following on social media.
Also, comedians who rise via social media platforms to become celebrities can charge appearance fees for various corporate events, weddings or even political rallies.
Comic Pastor, who recently relocated to the United Kingdom, had become a regular feature at weddings and corporate events. His rise to fame started a few years back with short skits that went viral on social media platforms.
It is not surprising that many young comedians have taken to creating content for YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to make a living.
Allen Skits is one of the most successful among the new crop. His iconic voice raising and anger over trivial issues will be sure to leave one gasping for air with laughter.
The talented lad has only been in the spotlight for less than two years but he has already amassed millions of views on social media.
“We have benefitted a lot from monetising our accounts on Facebook and YouTube. It is not that grand, but at least we can manage to make a living out of our work,” said Allen Skits.
Comic Elder, another popular fast-rising comedian on social media networks, remarked: “There are many talented
comedians who came before the social media era but they gave up or even died before they could get a chance to get their work out.
“These days, all one needs is a good smartphone and internet bundles and they can reach millions. However, one just has to create really good content in order to be appreciated and followed.”
Data bundles for internet connection are now the only obstacle to success for many.
Conversely, mobile network and broadband service providers are smiling all the way to the bank as millions of subscribers deplete their data bundles albeit in stitches, as they consume social media content.