Rwanda’s first ever comedy night was held on October 24, 2010 at Ishyo Art Centre in Kaciru. Only 25 people turned up for the show. Some in the entertainment industry argued that Rwanda was yet to open up to comedy.

However, the latest comedy Rooftop being shown at Kigali City Towers proved the cynics wrong as more than 2,000 people turned up to see the Comedy Knights group perform.

Comedy is steadily winning the hearts and minds of Rwandans courtesy of Comedy Knights whose other name is “Soldiers of England.”

Comedian Arthur Nkusi together with Jerome Mugisha and Michael Sengazi came together to form the group Comedy Knights. Their comedic talent has seen them go from strength to strength.

The three were inspired to form their group after watching Umuvunyi, a show directed by Carole Karemera, the artistic director of Ishyo Arts Centre. With Ms Karemera’s help the group has successfully made it on stage.

Comedy Knights plans to hold shows in different entertainment spots in Kigali, every last Friday of the month, together with other local artists.

“Our goal is to make comedy topple other forms of entertainment in Rwanda,” said Nkusi.

Nkusi says one of the most challenging part about the industry is that comedy is still young.

“We haven’t reached a place where we can crack jokes about politicians because people are not yet well versed with the industry. You may crack a joke about a politician and find the audience unreceptive,” said Nkusi.

That is the reason why many jokes in Rwanda are more about real life experiences rather than about politicians.

Comedy Knights is planning to post their videos on YouTube, Facebook and on television.