The Sunday News
Peter Matika, Senior Life Reporter
UNITED States-based Zimbabwean comic Alfred Kainga is living the all American dream, as he continues to make waves across America with his uncanny but yet witty jokes.
Kainga has with no doubt come a long way in gaining recognition, from his humble beginnings in Mbare, Harare to his debut on Comedy Central, becoming the first ever Zimbabwean to appear on the network.
Kainga who ventured into the realm of comedy in 2006 at the Dallas Comedy Scene, as a first timer but turned professional in 2010, after catching the eye of club owners and managers, recently had a sold out show that featured other comics but with him as the main act.
Perhaps taking after his predecessor Kevin Hart, The Alley Cat, as he is affectionately known, last year got to spend some time with the superstar, after he was selected to take part in the filming of the comedy series Hart of the City.
Kainga is soon scheduled to make a return to Zimbabwe, for a performance of course, where he will share the stage with a number of local comedians.
The show will be hosted and organised by Xtratime Entertainment who in the past have hosted successful comedy shows that featured internationally-acclaimed stars such as Anne Kansiime, Goliaths and Goliaths, Barry Hilton, John Vlismas and Cotilda Inapo, among others.
Kainga is a product of the Prince Edward School arts and culture unit. He has shared the stage with a number of comedy legends that include Bruce Bruce, Eddie Griffin, and Tony Roberts.
Kainga has worked on major stages and elite comedy clubs such as the Improv Comedy Clubs across the US, World Famous Laugh Factory in Los Angeles and many others.
He was described by comedian Kevin Hart as having the IT factor during a Comedy Central television programme called Hart of the City.
The show particularly focused on Kainga’s life in Zimbabwe and his big move to the US.
Speaking from his US base, Kainga said in an interview once:
“I am coming back home to do a show for you, not because Trump has kicked me out, but because I would like to do a show for you my friends and relatives in Zimbabwe, my home country. New show, new jokes and special guests will be there,” he said.
Kainga will share the stage with some of his fellow Zimbabwean comics. The line-up of comics to support Kainga and venue will be announced in due course.
On his first ever comedy try out in 2014, where he was a finalist in the Shaq All Star Comedy Competition, he knew he was destined for greatness.
He also made it to the final round the same year in the Funniest Comic in Texas Competition.
Alfred also performed in Universities and Colleges across the State of Texas.
His unique style of comedy is complimented by his Zimbabwean heritage, which he constantly talks.
He also talks about his experiences since moving to the US almost 16 years ago. Alfred is a guaranteed crowd pleasure who will leave the audience asking for more.
