Caught up with this growing powerhouse in Uganda , Ms Cotilda Inapo. Here is what she had to say !
Coming from Uganda where women in comedy is growing , and you being a comedian yourself tell us why,when and how did you get into comedy ?
I used to be a comedy fan right after the Standup Uganda competition out of which a few of the former participants led by Patrick Idringi Salvado had started a weekly Comedy show. They had a slot in the show where they would ask anyone from the audience to make people laugh. I got up, did well a couple of times and I was asked to stay on and try standup full time which I did.
Have you ever had a bad experience on stage or should we say have you ever died on stage if so where did you find the motivation to continue ?
Of course , I don't think there is an established comedian on earth who has never died, actually if you find them I would love to meet them. In my case the motivation to go on was the fact that I had already made up my mind that there is no turning back. I didn't want to run away leaving a bad record to my career so I kept at it!
Amongst your many talents we love the fact that you work alongside Ms Anne Kansiime as her Creative Director , what does that entail ?
I head a team of 4 other comedians with whom we write the skits that have become popular on YouTube and I work with her to prepare her standup comedy material, giving direction and editing among other things. The list is endless and telling you some of the work would be giving away TMI(too much info) hahaha.
You are a part of starting an all female comedy festival in Uganda called Queens of Comedy , How many female comics are there in Uganda ? How have female comedians been recieved in Uganda ?
We now have atleast 11 established and recognised female comedians some on a larger scale than others ofcourse. The reception to female comedians especially the new ones has been a bit slow but it is all positive and we trust God that it is only a matter of time.
What is the thing you enjoy most about being a standup comedian?
The joy of being on stage and seeing people bursting into laughter in the audience.
Why do you think there are not enough women in stand up comedy ?
Probably the fear of bring judged. It also requires alot of courage and some talented ladies are simply too afraid. It is such a pity though.
Being a woman do you find you are restricted in what you can and cannot say in your comedy sets ?
I used to feel restricted when I was starting out because I cared too much about what people think about a lady saying certain things but now I know better. Comedy has to go where the rest fear to go in order to get the best out of every situation so I simply set my own boundaries as to where I don't want my content to go and everything else is game!
What advice would you give women who want to become stand up comedians ?
First you are a human being before you are female so don't hold onto the fact that you are female to wallow in self pity and limit yourself. Be prepared to compete at any level and be good at it. Passion is what you need. Passion for the art will drive you to be better, believe in yourself and keep going even during the hard days because trust me they will be there. Finally ensure that you connect with God and align your destiny with him that way you never go astray even when you make it big...wherever you are, I am rooting for you! Stay focused!