Ayanda Mzozwane
Tumi Osei-Tutu traditionally known as Tumi Morake, is on an ever rising high. Just a month ago, her Instagram page was coloured by a beautiful Ghanaian wedding, which took place at her husband’s home in Accra, Ghana; her Jaguar endorsement and throughout all of this, her glorious career. She is now part of the Jacaranda FM family and is not letting her comedy career take the back seat.
Last night, I was honoured to be one of the audience members at the Tumi and Friends (one night only) stand-up comedy show. I was seated in one of the best seats in the house and missed none of the action. At eight fifteen, a deep Broadway-sounding voice introduced Tumi, who would be the host of the night, and the stage lit up. As excitement filled the room, Tumi’s humorous but soulful personality did the same.
The show had a line-up of diverse characters that represented the versatility of South African culture. These were: Alan Committie, Sfiso Nene, Ndumiso Lindi, Mpho Popps, Angel Campey, Lihle Msimang, Tracey-lee Oliver and Glen-Biderman Pam.
Although most of the acts expressed different points, all of them seemed to have a central theme: racism and the issue of South African land ownership. They all had a unique and of course humorous take on the matters. All of the comedians shared their personal life experiences and cushioned every awkward situation with sincerity- especially the racial matters.
It was obvious that the comedians were spreading a message of unity and the multiracial/multicultural audience received it with tears of laughter.
The comedians as well as Tumi, made a special mention of women because of women’s month. I could not help but feel extra special.
It was disappointing, however, to hear a repeat of a couple of jokes from previous shows. The show also seemed to have taken a faster tempo towards the end. This could either be an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on the individual’s schedule for the night.
All in all, the Tumi and Friends show was amazing. A beautiful take on our country and a wonderful projection of what the future could be if we could all, “deal with our idiots”- Tumi Morake
I give this show four out of five EAGLE WINGS. I eagerly await the next show.
Here is what the audience had to say after the show:
The show was wonderful, I enjoyed it thoroughly. It was a great evening and the jokes were hilarious. I had a great time. –Stefan
It’s great that they are talking about race. We need to deal with that situation, be open to it and make fun of the bad. –Bianca
Well it was very informative, I’m sure a lot of people who are sort of like not enlightened about how to handle different cultures and race, you should come here and look at it in a comedic way. The way they explain it gives you a better perspective of race and everything.- Jacky
Through comedy, they painted a different picture of race- that it doesn’t have to be negative all the time, because that is what we read in the newspapers these days. It was just hilarious. I enjoyed it. – Louise
