Activist Michael Amushelelo says the Namibian comedy industry is ‘a joke’ because of its severe lack of funding and support.
Amushelelo says the true potential of comedy in Namibia is hindered by a general lack of appreciation for the art form.
“In this country, we simply do not take the creative industries such as comedy seriously. Comedians can’t make an honest, genuine living from their craft. We, as Namibians, either don’t appreciate comedy, or we simply don’t understand it,” he said.
Despite these challenges, he noted that the recent comedy he attended showcased some amazing talent. However, the attendance was shockingly low, illustrating just how much the industry suffers from a lack of public support.
“There was this comedian, Cara, and it was amazing to see a woman showcasing her talent in the industry. All the comedians were outstanding. The jokes were relatable, and I haven’t laughed so richly in a long time,” he said.
Amushelelo emphasised that the poor turnout at such events signals a larger problem and a deeply rooted lack of appreciation for the creative arts.
“We need to build a serious culture of supporting our own. This culture should start with the youth, so that as they grow older, they will have a deep, patriotic love for supporting Namibian talent,” he noted.
He also touched on the way arts and culture are viewed in Namibia, comparing it to how it’s valued in other parts of the world. “In many countries, comedians are better paid than politicians,” he said. “Yet, here in Namibia, politicians are the ones who take home the bigger salaries, while our creative industries remain underfunded and underappreciated.”
He further said it’s time Namibia shifts its perspective on the arts. Comedy, like all forms of creative expression, should be viewed not just as a hobby but as a viable career path. With proper investment, it can provide thousands of job opportunities, enriching the economy and cultural landscape.
Mitch Gaoseb, better known as Big Mitch, one of the most hilarious comedians in the country, said Namibian comedy is growing, albeit slowly, and there is way more recognition now than there was a few years ago.
“New platforms are emerging, audiences are expanding, and there’s hunger for local, relatable content. What we are seeing now is the beginning of a comedy culture renaissance.”
Nico’s Grill and Laughter Hour isn’t just a comedy show, it’s a comedy bonfire. We’ve created a space where every Namibian feels seen, heard and celebrated. What sets us apart is our focus on inclusivity, variety and corporate appeal. We don’t recycle the same acts repeatedly, but we nurture fresh talent, give stage time to rising voices, and explore every genre of comedy, from stand-up to sketch, satire, improve, and even musical comedy,” he said.
He told VIBEZ! that comedy is a powerful cultural tool, and he treats it that way. Nico’s Grill and Laughter Hour is a platform that brings together corporates, creatives and ordinary Namibians, under one roof, laughing together.