Learnmore Jonasi captivated audiences at the Shoko Festival’s Comedy Night in Harare Gardens, marking his first stand-up performance since finishing fifth on **America’s Got Talent**. Despite expectations that he might hold back for a wealthier American crowd, Jonasi delivered a series of uproarious jokes, leaving attendees, including US Ambassador Pamela Tremont, in stitches.
Jonasi’s performance provided a much-needed escape for those grappling with everyday pressures. “I’m just like a doctor,” he remarked earlier, emphasizing the therapeutic power of laughter. “For 40 minutes to an hour, they forget their problems and just laugh.”
The comedian, who previously performed under the name Long John, also took time to reconnect with old friends and fans. His humor was sharp and relatable, as he playfully referenced ongoing news about Sean Combs, known as P Diddy, who is facing serious legal troubles. “I never met P Diddy,” he quipped, eliciting laughter from the crowd, particularly when discussing the differing cultural perceptions of “witches” back home in Chimanimani.
Jonasi shared his thoughts on his fifth-place finish in **AGT**, joking about the witches in his village who, he feared, would be waiting for his triumph. His blend of Shona and English made his set resonate deeply with the audience, embodying the essence of this year’s festival theme, “Both Sides of Samora.”
Festival director Sam Farai Monroe, known as Cde Fatso, expressed his pride in Jonasi’s achievements. “We are celebrating one of our own, who left as an ordinary villager but came back a star,” he said, highlighting the significance of Jonasi’s return.
This year’s Shoko Festival, the longest-running arts festival in Zimbabwe, has showcased local talent and culminates on Saturday with a vibrant party featuring contemporary artists like Master H in Chitungwiza. As Jonasi continues to rise in prominence, his performance at the festival serves as a reminder of his roots and the power of comedy to unite and uplift.
In other news – Kwaito legend General GTZ passes away
The South African music scene is mourning the loss of Siphiwe General GTZ Sibisi, the last existing member of the iconic Kwaito group Chiskop. Several sources have confirmed his passing, with reports indicating he had been battling serious health complications following a botched operation in 2022.
General GTZ’s health struggles intensified after he was diagnosed with stomach cancer, a condition that arose from complications during surgery. In a previous interview, he shared the distressing news that doctors had mistakenly cut the wrong tubes in his gut, leading to a decline in his health. Read More
