In Burundi, laughter is becoming a powerful form of expression. Far from official discourse and tightly controlled media, a new generation of comedians is turning daily life, and politics, into punchlines.

Gitega

In Burundi, young comedians are finding ways to express themselves through humor, despite the country's limited freedom of speech. The Boudja Comedy Club serves as a collaborative space where performers refine their material together, supported by cultural hubs like the Ituba Cultural Centre. 

With no formal arts schools in the country, many comedians, including women like Huguette Hirakoze (Aurore), have trained abroad and now mentor the next generation. Their efforts highlight both the challenges and the growing recognition of comedy as a legitimate profession in Burundi.

In Burundi, young humorists spark laughter… and thought

It's rehearsal day at the Boudja Comedy Club. Young comedians put their material to the test, ideas flow, feedback flies. Boudja Comedy Club is like a big family in a writing workshop, we're co-authors. I come in with a text, someone else adds their touch, and together we make it better. In a country where freedom of speech is limited, comedy has become a rare and risky space for expression. You can laugh about anything, it's just how you do it. With a bit of subtlety, it works, but if it's too crude, no. Standard performers are finding support from places like the Ituba Cultural Centre, a hub for Burundi's emerging creative scene. Our goal is really to show that youth have something to give back to society. They have so much talent, but until now it's been hidden, simply because they didn't have many places to express themselves. Burundi has no formal arts schools. But young comedians like Huguette Hirakoze, known as Aurore, trained abroad. And as a woman in comedy, her path was even more challenging. Tonight she's performing at the Meet House, and mentoring two young talents from the Boudja Comedy Club. There's a young person using their time wisely, and that makes you think. Comedy takes intelligence, so don't blame your kids or call them fools or delinquents. This really is a profession. A profession, and one with a promising next generation.

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