Africa No Filter unveils comedy lab fund
Africa No Filter, a not-for-profit organisation working to shift stereotypical narratives within and about Africa, has set up a comedy lab fund for new, emerging and established African comedians.
The comedy lab will back comedians aged over 18 and based anywhere on the continent who use humour to tell exciting and fresh stories about Africa and avoid perpetuating stereotypes of poverty, corruption, poor leadership, conflict and disease.
Comedians should have a combined audience of 3,000 followers on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook and their comedy must offer a new take on Africa and Africans, showing a dynamic, evolving and progressive continent.
Successful applicants will be selected by a panel of professional comedians and public votes on social media and will receive a grant of up to US$3,000 to produce new content, and additional support in the form of mentorship by established professional comics.
They will also participate in a masterclass aimed at boosting their business and marketing support to amplify their work and public profiles.
In addition, the skits produced through the Africa No Filter comedy lab will also be showcased at a digital event.
Moky Makura, executive director at Africa No Filter, said: “We all know about the multiple benefits of humour and that laughter really is the best medicine. So, we’re bringing comedy into the narrative change space to shift some of those harmful narratives about Africa that still persist.
“Comedy is one of the fastest growing genres especially for content creators on the continent, and this is an opportunity for everyone and anyone who thinks they’re funny to put their talent to good use. I am really excited to launch the comedy lab and I am looking forward to shining a light on the comedians who keep us going, laughing and coping!
“African comedians are progressively leaving private spaces like parties, restaurants, hotels and weddings to take centre stage in theatres, halls and social media platforms. The industry is attracting attention for a diverse array of individual comedians, production companies, as well as millions of African audiences increasingly spending money on attending comedy shows. We want to take advantage of this dynamic by putting together a programme that will help provide career development tools to African comedians and a space to change the narrative about Africa using their art.”
François Bouda, Africa No Filter’s art programme officer, said: “We’re excited by the prospect of partnering with the next generation of top comedic talent in Africa. We don’t just want to celebrate, amplify and empower comics with the resources to take their art to the next level, we also want to ensure this opportunity is accessible by accepting submissions in English and French. We also encourage applications by women and comedians from every corner of the continent.”
Applications close on June 5 at 6pm GMT. To apply, click here.