The nearly undisputed common denominator in the jokes comedians make is their use of an accent. It is often about portraying, in a humorous way, the stereotypes and comparisons that send people laughing until their lungs hurt.
It is rare to find a comedy routine by a popular comedian that never at some point features some of these accents:
Luo accent
'Luopean', as brothers and sisters from the lakeside may insist, is an accent that is associated with opulence and pomposity. Tweaking one situation and another, a comedian will surely earn a few laughs if he/she incorporates the accent synonymous with the lakeside people.
Kalenjin accent
Nobody has ever told comedians that Kalenjins are more than just the police, as often portrayed in their police jokes. Then there’s that famous jacket or chaget that often ensures that the Kalenjin accent slays on platforms where jokes are served.
Kikuyu accent
As the most populous tribe in Kenya, the Kikuyu accent surely has to be ‘butt of jokes’ sometimes or every time. You rarely find a comedy show that does not feature a Kikuyu accent.
Nigerian accent
The Nigerian accent was solely imported by the afro cinema movies we watch, and their music too. As a result, it is rare not to find a comedian trying out the accent to crack a rib or two. In fact, Dr Ofweneke does his comedy completely in a Nigerian accent despite being an ordinary from somewhere in Western Kenya.
Luhya accent
When all has been said and done, Luhyas will crucify all comedians for making their accent synonymous with food. That is if it bothers them though.
Well, one can argue that jokes made by comedians are tribal and stuff, or even stereotypical. It is true but comedy stems from our own lived experiences.
For those refusing to laugh at jokes at their own expense, then they probably need some other form of medication, for laughter won’t work for them. That’s why accents rule the comedy scene, here and across the world.
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