Celebrated international comedy producer and the Founder of the world-renowned powerhouseMontreux Comedy – Grégoire Furrer was in the country over the weekend to watch local comic Justine Wanda who will be performing at the highly anticipated Johannesburg International Comedy Festival on the first of April alongside industry heavyweights Carvin Goldstone, Basketmouth, Emo Majok, Aliya Kanani and Brian Aylward.
Justine who describes herself as a stand-up comedian, comedy writer and political satirist has been able to amass an impressive resume in quite a short period of time, and even managed to open for Hollywood A-Lister Hannibal Burress in 2018, only a year into the scene! She has also appeared on Showmax’s Roast House and has a headliner special on Showmax’s Comedy Riot both created by Eugene Mbugua.
She’s sharpened her skill by performing at the critically-acclaimed Kenyan Improv show Because You Said So! and prominent stand-up comedy shows and clubs such as Spare My Ribs, Nairobi Comedy Club, Punchline Comedy Club, StandUp Collective’s Nairobi International Comedy Festival, Saturday Night Comedy and at the Karura Comedy Club.
“The experience working with Eugene Mbugua and Montreux is very exciting and the environment they’ve provided is very supportive for me as a comic. I’m sure this space they’re championing will continue to grow and shape the way we consume and share comedy on the continent and beyond.”
D&R Studio’s CEO, Eugene Mbugua who was hosting Gregoire and accompanied him to watch Justine perform over the weekend had this to say:
“We are excited to partner with Montreux as part of our growth as D&R Studios. Our agreement also involves giving some of the comedians we work with in Kenya, such as Justine Wanda slots on international stages. I cannot wait to see Justine this Saturday at Emperor’s Palace if you are in Jo’burg, come by!”
The Johannesburg International Comedy Festival is the largest independent comedy festival in Africa, showcasing the best comedy acts from Africa and across the world. This year’s edition will feature twenty comedians and seven shows over a span of three days at the famous Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.