Hilma Nalupe
In 2021, as Namibia slowly recovered from the economic downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, live entertainment options were limited. Amid this situation, four creatives, Vernon van Wyk, Aloys Axarob Murorua, Ndelitunga Shikongeni, and Kevin Kimaro, came together with a simple goal: to create a venue for regular stand-up performances by themselves and other comedians.
What began as a small partnership with Vinyls in Windhoek has grown into Comedy Hour, Namibia’s most consistent comedy platform, which recently celebrated its fourth anniversary. Over the past four years, this monthly event has established itself as a dependable fixture for both comedians and audiences, distinguished by its reliability and high quality.
Murorua said their beginning was humble, but their focus was always about steady growth.
“I guess I could say our existence stems from serendipity and consistency,” he said.
That consistency has enabled Comedy Hour to inspire the creation of new clubs, provide a platform for emerging comedians, and keep audiences returning month after month.
The platform’s ripple effect has extended beyond just entertainment.
By creating a regular stage, Comedy Hour has given comedians opportunities to hone their craft, provided audiences with access to diverse voices, and offered the wider industry a model of sustainability.
For the founders, success is not measured only by ticket sales but also by growth in the art form itself.
Comedy Hour’s significance also stems from how comedy serves society. Through humor, comedians address social issues, bring difficult topics into public discussion, and foster shared reflection.
A key milestone occurred when the platform partnered the Namibia Breweries Limited and Savanna Cider, rebranding as Savanna Comedy Hour. This collaboration expanded its reach and strengthened its role in Namibia’s entertainment scene.
With this backing, organisers plan to extend the event nationwide, making stand-up comedy a common feature, and eventually launching new formats like radio, TV, and digital programs.
For comedians, Comedy Hour has been equally impactful. Lifalazi Simataa, who performed during the anniversary, calls the platform a vital space for growth.
“In my opinion, it allowed for a needed injection to boost the comedy scene, giving older comics room to grow and new acts a chance to break in,” he said.
Looking ahead, both the founders and comedians see a bright future. With more young talent emerging, the Namibian comedy industry is gaining steady momentum. Over the next decade, they believe, it will lead to professional careers, one-hour specials, and expansion into new regions and media platforms.
Yet even as it expands, Comedy Hour remains committed to its original goal of creating a sustainable space for comedy in Namibia. Having celebrated its fourth anniversary, the platform is not just an event but a movement that has shaped the present and is helping define the future of Namibian comedy.
-hilmanalupe@gmail.com