Moroke Sekoboto
RENOWNED comedian, Tšepo Mpiti, popularly known as Masapo, has reaffirmed his commitment to revitalising the stand-up comedy genre in Lesotho.
Speaking to the Lesotho Times this week, Masapo outlined his vision to establish a thriving comedy platform by hosting three major shows this year, with a particular focus on nurturing emerging talent.
In February, he kicked off the initiative with the Lovers and Friends Extravaganza.
His next show, Home-grown Comedy, is scheduled for 9 August at Victory Hall in Maseru. The event will not only mark his 14-year milestone in the industry but also serve as a tribute to women.
The show will be hosted by veteran comedian Cura and will feature performances by Masapo himself, Letooana, Smowkey Nyembe from South Africa, Roy from Botswana, Origin Musiq, and South African Rasta Eye.
Masapo described Lesotho’s comedy industry as “virtually non-existent” and said his aim is to create sustainable opportunities for local comedians, especially women, who often hesitate to pursue careers in the field.
“We will also host an international event in November called the Lesotho International Comedy Festival (LICO Fest) to accelerate the growth of stand-up comedy and ensure comedians can make a living from their craft,” Masapo said.
He also said his plan to host three or four large-scale comedy events in 2025 is part of a broader strategy to revive the struggling industry.
“In February, we successfully hosted the Lovers and Friends Extravaganza, and we are building on that momentum.”
Masapo said the upcoming LICO Fest will feature comedians from across the SADC region to enhance the quality and appeal of local performances. Having performed in countries like Zambia, Botswana, eSwatini, and South Africa, he believes he has the experience to lead a transformative shift in Lesotho’s comedy culture.
“We want to be functional and consistent. With my 14 years of experience in the field, I believe I can bring energy and direction to our shows and help build a vibrant comedy scene here in Lesotho.”
He also lamented the lack of support from the government, pointing out that in countries like South Africa, comedians can earn a decent living, something that remains out of reach for most in Lesotho.
“The government doesn’t contribute to the growth of the arts industry. There’s an urgent need for it to facilitate dialogue among artists and help generate ideas to grow the sector.”
Masapo also emphasised the need to educate the public on the value and potential of comedy as a profession.
“People don’t understand or take comedy seriously. But through my experiences, I’ve seen how stand-up comedy can be a viable and lucrative career. That’s why I want to establish Lesotho’s footprint in the comedy world, It’s my passion.”
