A comedian dressed in a Santa hat entertains the audience during a lively comedy show in Juba, showcasing the vibrant local comedy scene.
For just over one US dollar spectators gain access to the hall of laughter. Juba’s Kilkilu Ana Comedy Show is a weekly comedy night. Stand-up acts, poetry readings and music shows have no trouble drawing crowds eager for distraction and solace. Indeed, after a civil war, South Sudanese still suffered from violence fuelled by various armed groups. Comedians have also been able to push boundaries about many hot-button issues. Akau Jambo, South Sudan’s highest-profile comedian, said comedy should hold the powerful to account and he sought to pose difficult questions in a thoughtful manner. Kilkilu Ana Comedy Show is hardly the only show in town and Juba will host its 2nd international comedy festival in April.