MARGARET CHISANGA
Lusaka
IN today’s fast-paced world, people are now realising the importance of balancing between a workaholic mindset and fulfilling social life needs.
To balance this, stand-up comedy has become an ideal place for stress management. In Lusaka, Time to Laugh comedy has been running shows consistently since last year, every last Friday of the month at Chrisma Hotel.
Founder of Time to Laugh Comedy Kasambwe Mpulamasaka believes the Friday shows have provided a get away for revellers to relax and unwind from a month of serious activities.
“When people are happy with the quality of the service or product, they won’t remember how much they spent.
Zambians are now well exposed and informed; they know the difference between buffoon and brilliant jokes,” he asked.
Quoting Mayo Clinic in the United States of America, Mr Mpulamasaka cited some of the short-term benefits of a good laugh.
“Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles, and increases the endorphins released by your brain,” he said.
He said some of the long-term benefits include an improvement in the immune system.
“Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity.
By contrast, positive thoughts can release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more serious illnesses,” he said.
He said laughter also helps to improve one’s mood.
“Many people experience depression, sometimes due to chronic illnesses. Laughter can help lessen your stress, depression, and anxiety and may make you feel happier. It can also improve your selfesteem,” he said.
Comedy writer and actor,Derick Chalo Kondowe, known as “Dangerous Joburg”, who agrees that Stand-up in Zambia is the next big thing because it’s relatable and current.
The content touches on every aspect of life, from family, commitment and personal goals, making everything relatable for the revellers.
The comedy night stages have hosted great names such as comedian Ackim Chibale, who jokes about “carrying his C.V. to family events because it’s there one has a higher chance of meeting uncles who promise to help a relative with a job, and thereafter stop answering calls or returning messages”.
Chilangi Sims, a young and up-and-coming comedian has also had the opportunity to share the stage, where he talks about his biggest fear being falling in love: he writes on his dating profile, “Seeking someone who understands that commitment is a four-letter word called “pain”.
A lawyer and comedian writer who goes by the stage name Gabbi jokingly says that she is not a divorcee’ because she never said any vows but simply obeyed the repeat after-me instructions from the Reverand….https://www.daily-mail.co.zm/
