Comedian Patrick Idringi famously known as Salvador celebrated 15 years on the comedy scene as well as seven years of Africa Laughs.
It is not everyday that we get a comedian celebrating 15 years in the game. Unlike music, comedy in Uganda has gotten its frustrations. We have few joiners who can not even get to celebrate their first birthday. Patrick Idringi, who goes by the moniker Salvador, has stood the taste of time having joined the industry during a time when comedians were merely termed as ‘time wasters’ – a time when comedians would barely be paid Shs300,000 for a gig. Despite not winning the Stand Up Uganda auditions in 2009, coming shortly behind Pablo Kimuli, Salvador knew comedy was his calling and he consistently improved his craft over the years becoming arguably Uganda’s biggest comedy export to date.
Comedienne Anne Kansiime
With the connections he made over the years, Salvador started Africa Laughs, inviting a few of his other comedians across the world to share the same stage with him. Last Saturday was one of those nights. However, it was special. He was celebrating 15 years in the game and then seven years of Africa Laughs. And this all happened at Kingdom Kampala. The event, sponsored by I&M Bank Uganda, had revelers experiencing an unforgettable evening of top-tier entertainment.
The night kicked off with Moustey DJ spinning urban classics, both old and new, setting a vibrant mood as guests streamed in before Janzi Band serenaded the audience with nostalgic live renditions. The night’s host was Okello Okello who kept the energy flowing as he introduced a stellar lineup of comedians starting with MC Kash Owakabi from Gulu who opened the night’s comic acts with sharp satire reflecting on Northern Uganda’s struggles and post-war realities. He was followed by fellow Gulu act Don Andre.
More stars
Anne Kansiime’s announcement excited the crowd and she didn’t disappoint either, delving into hilarious tales about relationships. Dr Hillary Okello who is becoming a people’s favourite wowed the crowd with his signature storytelling style centred around sports heroes such as Cheptei and Kiplimo and past experiences, among others, before Madrat and Chiko came through. Fenon’s songing trio Warafiki came through for a music interlude, doing three songs Tebatufanana, Bwekati and their latest Sembera Wano. Salvado, the night’s main act, and the man behind Africa Laughs, took to the stage around 11:30 p.m. to a wave of love from fans.
The crowd during Salvador’s 15-years of Comedy
The celebrated comedian reflected on his 15-year journey in comedy and paid heartfelt tribute to the late Cedric Babu and Rajiv Ruparelia. His performance combined wit, nostalgia, and emotion. He reflected on how he was added on a WhatsApp group of the richest kids from Uganda, some of whom were in the audience but couldn’t add anything sensible to their conversations apart from offering his comedy services for free. Songstress Juliana Kanyomozi graced the stage in a dazzling performance that brought a touch of class and emotion to the night. She captivated the audience with powerful her timeless hits, including Kibaluma, Diana, Kalibatanya, Sanyu Lyange, and Sirina Mulala among others sharing light moments with the audience.
South Sudan’s Akau Jambo and Q Dube from Zimbabwe opened the international set followed by two acts from South Africa including Celeste Ntuli, a veteran comedian with two decades of experience. Her set was both commanding and authentic, blending her trademark storytelling with sharp humor and Mpoho Popps. Nigeria’s Basket Mouth, Kenya’s Eric Omondi and Uganda’s Ronnie Mcvex were unable to come through for this show while Jose Chameleone sent his apologies after being involved in an accident according to Salvador.
The duo of Madrat and Chico
Having promised that show would this time round start and end on time unlike the last Africa Laughs in 2022, still time management became the biggest issue with show starting at 10pm and ending at 2am. Some comedians had to pay for it as some of their jokes didn’t reach home because the audience was fatigued.
