Last month American jester Amy Schumer broke ranks by becoming the first female to make the top 10 cut on Forbes’s highest-paid comedians list of 2016.
By Kennedy Nyavaya
Although it is a massive first for women in the arts, the Emmy award-winning Schumer said her mission was not yet complete as she sought to decimate boundaries dictating that females play second fiddle to their male counterparts in the “funny business”.
Women like Schumer and Africa’s very own Anne Kansiime never had it easy in the comic industry as they literally needed to be above par to impress audiences. That reality now confronts Zimbabwe’s very own Samantha “Gonyeti” Kureya.
Like many comedians, Gonyeti did not know that she was destined to crack ribs with laughter when she started pursuing acting in 2008.
The 30-year-old Mufakose-bred comedian told The Standard Style how she doubted her first attempt in the art when she joined P O Box TV, which has since rebranded to Busstop TV.
“I never thought that one day I would be a comedian. I only realised it when I was part of P O Box TV, but still I doubted kuti vanhu vangatoseke [that people would actually laugh],” she said.
“You know how it is when one is coming from doing films and has no idea about comedy.”
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Today, her name needs no introduction to social media video skits, but she is gunning for the live performances and her talent appears adequate for a hostile takeover in the male-dominated game.
Stand-up comedy is, however, not a stroll in the park, Gonyeti confirmed. She finds solace in her talent, which gives her the much-needed confidence on stage.
“Comedy skits are easier because we discuss first before we shoot, but stand-up is tough. Even when you rehearse your set over and over, you will still be nervous, but as soon as I’m on stage the fear disappears,” she said.
There is no doubt that Gonyeti is a beacon of light for upcoming, insecure female artists in comedy who are being held back by low self-esteem and she recommends that they rise and shine.
“To all the female comedians out there, you only need to be strong. Don’t be discouraged by where you come from or how you look but just be principled, follow your dreams and you will reach your goals,” she said.
Ironically, Gonyeti draws her inspirations from a male comedian, Doc Vikela, whom she praised for a strict work ethic and talent.
“He has a professional way of handling things and he always encourages me,” she said.
With most of her jokes drawn from societal issues, life has completely changed for the professional hairdresser who is currently working on a couple of projects, including a movie, a comedy sitcom and a local drama.
“A lot has changed because I am being recognised everywhere I go as I am now performing or being invited to big events, something I never thought would happen in my life, although I miss the old me and the freedom to do what I want without attention from the newspapers,” she said.
Gonyeti also maintained that apart from the support she gets from her producer Lucky Aaron, the secret to her success so far lies in humility, determination to her craft and guidance from God.
Those who have watched her on stage can confirm that indeed the heavily-built joker is a “heavy machine” ordained to move mountains if she remains steadfast.
“I am aiming to reach the international level like Anne Kansiime,” she said.
