Manyika’s latest show hilarious, thought provoking

SEASONED and well-travelled comic Andrew Manyika returned to the stage bringing with him another session packed with suave storytelling.

His recent show titled Mind Your Language hosted at Reps Theatre in Belgravia on May 4, was a crowd-pleaser and was well-received by a diverse audience comprising fans of comedy and poetry.

The show featured brilliant female comedian Munya Guramatunhu and hip-hop artist R Wiz as opening acts.

The world-class poet took a different creative direction from his previous sets incorporating well-choreographed dance moves as an opener and then seamlessly weaving poetry in between his clean stand-up comedy sets.

His ability to mimic the tones of Zulu, Afrikaans, and Russian phrases added humour and depth to the family-friendly show.

During the appearance, Manyika took the audience through relatable conversations like the bliss of marriage, decision-making, the place of language in the face of xenophobic stereotyping, hip-hop feuds and all the endless effort put into them.

Manyika’s talent extends beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. He has graced stages across the globe, from South Africa and Egypt to America.

His work has resonated with both local and international organisations, which has seen him serving as an adjudicator for prestigious poetry competitions like the World Poetry Slam Organisation, the nationwide talent show The Chase (produced in partnership with the Swedish embassy in Zimbabwe), and the Poetry Africa Slam Jam Competition.

With Mind Your Language Manyika continues to push boundaries and offer an exceptional blend of humour and poetry.

In an interview with Standard Style reporter Khumbulani Muleya (KM), Manyika (AM) hinted at launching a new initiative to offer public speaking coaching.

Below is an excerpt from the interview.

KM: How did the idea of using dance moves as an opener for "Mind Your Language" come about? I think it played a role in setting the tone for the show. Was this the intention?

AM: Oh absolutely. You know what they say, no growth happens in your comfort zone, so I looked for something that would make a unique impression whilst also entertaining the crowd. And I'm glad to say, it was a gamble that paid off (laughing).

KM: Your ability to switch between languages and accents was impressive. How did you develop your talent for vocal impersonations, particularly for languages like Zulu, Afrikaans, and Russian have you done this before?

AM: Thank you, now that you're asking me all these questions, I'm realising just how many risks I took with this show. I inherited my mother’s ear for languages and I spent quite a bit of time in South Africa where I picked up on some Zulu and Afrikaans; so when I was building this show I thought to draw on those skills to create a unique experience for people.

KM: You weaved in some serious topics like xenophobia. Can you talk about the importance of balancing humour with social commentary in your work?

KM: I don't go out of my way to make social commentary, but I am a keen observer of people and circumstances; and when I bring those observations to the stage, they touch on the light and the heavy sides of everyday life. But I make it a point that people leave my show feeling good and happy.

KM: You mentioned hints about new shows. Can you share any specifics about what fans can expect in the future?

AM: This year we'll have more frequently held shows, both in and outside Harare; and the shooting of a comedy special. I have tons of material that I've developed over time and I really can't wait to share it with the growing number of people that are joining me on this journey of laughter.

KM: What made you decide to offer public speaking coaching? Do you think the skills you've developed as a comedian can translate to helping others become more confident public speakers?

AM: Most definitely, look, standup comedy is like the "extreme sport" of public speaking. And if someone like me - who is not a natural public speaker - can figure out how to make a career out of the thing I was once so uncomfortable with, then I know I can help other people overcome their fear of public speaking too.

KM: The title of your show,

is quite intriguing, especially considering the blend of humour and social commentary it presents but also the multilingual aspects of the performance. What inspired you to choose that particular title?

AM: In all my shows, I am always inspired to find a family-friendly angle on the things we have in common. And what's more universal than language?