In the bid to change the narrative about the African continent, a grant-giving organisation, Africa No Filter, has announced a new fund aimed at boosting the careers of emerging African comedians.

According to the body, the Africa No Filter Comedy Lab will fund comedians who use humour to tell exciting and fresh stories of Africa — away from storytelling that perpetuates stereotypes of poverty, corruption, poor leadership, conflict, and disease.

Successful applicants will get a grant of up to $3, 000 to produce new content, as well as additional support in the form of mentorship by established professional comics, a masterclass aimed at boosting their business and marketing support to amplify their work and public profiles. The skits produced through the organisation will also be showcased at a digital event later in the year.

Executive Director at Africa No Filter, Moky Makura, 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!”

Makura added: “African comedians are progressively leaving private spaces like parties, restaurants, hotels, weddings to take center stage in theatres, halls and social media platforms. The industry is attracting increasing 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 program that will help provide career development tools to African comedians and a space to change the narrative about Africa using their art.”

The grant is open to African comedians – new, emerging and established – who are aged over 18, and based anywhere on the continent. They need to have a combined audience of 3,000 followers on Tik Tok, Instagram and Facebook.

Most importantly, their comedy must offer a fresh take on Africa and Africans; one that uses comedy to show a dynamic, evolving and progressive continent.

Recipients will be selected by a panel of professional comedians and public votes on social media.

Applications close on June 5, 2023 at 6:00 pm GMT.

the international publication huge commendation for its diligence to encourage excellent works,” he said.

It would be recalled that X3M Ideas, clinched a total of 16 awards in the last year’s Pitchers Creativity award. Beyond bringing Nigeria into global reckoning, X3M Ideas is also fast giving foreign creative firms a run for their money. (The Guardian)