Michael Senghazi is a young stand-up comedian from Burundi. He is also an actor, salesman, and children’s book author. In short, he is a multi-talented individual. This writer met him while he was in Addis for a stage performance and spent some time discussing African art and artists. Enjoy the reading!
How would you explain African art? Has it been given adequate space and time?
I think African art is particularly beautiful in the sense that, while I may be biased because I am also African, I believe African art is beautiful. It is a way of expressing our identity. It allows us to express ourselves in a variety of ways. When I visit Ethiopia, I see the history and art that surround its people. This Yod Abyssinia traditional restaurant, where we are now exemplifies what I said. If you look at the ceilings and how they are painted, they discuss Ethiopian history.
Because if it is in the fabrics, basically every area of art, whether it is fashion, movies, or music, are a way to tell a story and show who we are. And that is why our art is so important. And it is important to have art ambassadors, in the sense that if Ethiopia’s Ministry of Culture invests heavily in Ethiopian artists, they will be able to tell the story of Ethiopia, the story of Ethiopians, the story of everyday life, the history, the past, the future, and a glimpse into Ethiopia that most people are unaware of.
And this applies to every country, particularly Africa, because what people know about Africa comes from what they see in the news. Most of the time, they see negative news, such as hungry children and war. You might hear someone talk about the war in Ethiopia, and they are aware of it.
But do they know how rich Ethiopia is? Do they understand how wealthy the country is, not only in terms of minerals and other resources, but also in terms of people, culture, and that rich culture? The coffee is well-known, but you may not be aware that the oldest, or one of the oldest, Bibles can be found here.
You may be surprised to learn that Ethiopia is home to one of the oldest guns ever invented. You might not have known all of that. So art is a way for us to express who we are, where we’ve come from, where we’re going, and what we think.
Do you have a platform where African artists can contact each other and discuss African issues?
I don’t think there is a platform where all of us artists could come together and talk, which I believe we should, because you see this concept that was put together to talk about the culture of each and every country that we are celebrating, which we are here tonight.
It is a concept that needs to be promoted more so that countries in Africa can come together and celebrate their diversity, the beauty of our diversity. But, as you mentioned, we would most likely need a platform that would further unify us in order to discuss our issues and how we can rise higher. Because, you know, when you run alone, you can run quickly, but when you run with others, you can go further.
Being a comedian, particularly a stand-up comedian, is extremely difficult nowadays. Is that not so?
It is a concept that needs to be promoted more so that countries in Africa can come together and celebrate their diversity, the beauty of our diversity. But, as you mentioned, we would most likely need a platform that would further unify us in order to discuss our issues and how we can rise higher. Because, you know, when you run alone, you can run quickly, but when you run with others, you can go further.
Being a comedian, particularly a stand-up comedian, is extremely difficult nowadays. What is your take on this?
Yes.
So, how did you become a comedian now?
I believe that being a comedian is important because we all have different perspectives. We make people laugh, which relaxes them. Laughter is beneficial for the body, mind, and soul. There’s a reason why people say laughter is the best medicine.
However, it is also possible to use laughter to convey a message. I can come to you and make you laugh, even if there is a problem, war, or something else. For that brief moment, to promote peace and a positive message, I make you laugh while also reminding you of our similarities. You didn’t know me before tonight, but after meeting me, you believe that not only am I good at in what I do, However, you may be interested in learning more about me, my background, my country, and so on. And vice versa: if I meet an Ethiopian stand-up comedian, even if the situation is difficult for us as artists in general, he makes me laugh. I’d like to know where that idea came from. You know, because the ideas we use on stage are from real life.
So, if an Ethiopian comedian approaches me and tells me about his daily life while making me laugh, I’d like to learn more about it. I want to learn more about his daily life. I want to learn more about an Ethiopian’s daily life. I’d like to learn more about the culture and how they were raised, because we were raised in a certain way, possibly differently, in the way our parents treated us or spoke to us in a very funny way.
So I’m like, “Oh, so that’s how your parents were; that’s how Ethiopian parents are.” And then I’ll tell you about mine. So, you see, being a comedian provides a glimpse into the comedian’s daily life, the society to which he belongs, and the possibility, or opportunity, to spread a message and it is up to us as comedians, and artists in general, to spread the message of togetherness so that we can laugh while remaining together.
Who influenced you to be a comedian?
Yes, I believe my family did at some point, as did some friends who were already involved in the arts. I tried it. My success was simply out of luck.
You know, I was approached by a woman who saw me talking about a book and said, “How about you come to my cultural center and see if you like it?” And I was studying law in Rwanda, Kigali, with very few friends. So I was like, “You know what; let me go into the arts.”
It could be a way, similar to how someone might participate in sports or try something new. So I went ahead and tried it, and let’s just say I got caught up in it. I became engrossed in it, in a positive way; because it allowed me to blossom and become the person I am today.
Do you have the opportunity to travel to every African nation to promote your profession?
I’ve had the opportunity to travel to several African countries as a stand-up comedian, as well as a theater practitioner, actor, and comedian. And I’ve had the opportunity to travel to countries like Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria. I’ve traveled to Uganda, my hometown, Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and South Africa.
So I’ve had a few of them, but I still have more to go to, and I’m excited to do so, to showcase what I can do, and to spread the message of togetherness, fun, laughter, and positive vibes.
If you have any more points, please take a chance?
All I can say to each and every artist, comedian, actor, or whatever type of art they choose as a means of communicating and showcasing their talent is that we have a responsibility through the gift that we possess. Let us use it correctly, and for the right reason. And I know it is difficult because I am one of you, but by God’s grace, we will succeed and reach as far as the eyes can see, if not further.
And to those who may be able to assist artists, to those in charge of ministries of culture, to those in power, if they are listening to me, please understand that art exists for a reason. There is art to writing the word heart. It’s really hot. We are the foundation of our existence, ourselves, and our community. We’re a vector. Use us properly and assist us so that we can shine brighter in the name of our continent, countries, and communities.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
BY GIRMACHEW GASHAW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 2 MAY 2024
