EYANI: A female comic taking over comedy from every direction
WeekendLife
For the longest stretch now, comedy has been known to be subjugated by males; not knowing that at one point in life, female’s will to rule this industry. The world has no shortage of jesters, but it’s the funny women taking over the camera and silly but hilarious thoughts they have that are most worth your attention. Some dominate social media with their humorous videos, and found fame, subsequently becoming social media influencers.
Some are comedians you already love, yet maybe you had no idea they actually got their start in comedy on a lonely stage with a mic, on a self-shot video that was uploaded on social media and earned millions of views, shares and reactions. Locally, the comedy industry is dominated by men, but you could still be part of the wave of fans that take female comics to the next level of fame. These talented women comedians, or comediennes if you fancy, are just as funny as any male comedians, if not funnier. Plus, they get to tell female-friendly jokes that most men wouldn’t touch. Young females in Botswana have found it fit to gibe into comedy, and they are doing pretty well as they simply provide the best hilariously inappropriate jokes on failed relationships, celebrity roasts and whatever that is trending at that particular time.
Eyani Masesane is a young comic taking over the comedy industry by tempest; she is already taking her followers on wild rides. She is an aitysker, a vivacious character that has a natural prosperity for joke writing. At the age of 22 and born in a rural area of Tutume, this funny character was inspired by the satisfaction of making someone smile and laugh even if it’s for a few moments. ‘’Seeing a lot of people continue to support and enjoy my craft has been my muse. I started this journey early last year and it has been amazing and more than I ever imagined, of course there are days when things aren’t going the way I want them to or at a pace I want but I haven’t regretted a day since I started’’ she said in an exclusive interview with Weekend Life. Is she actually a funny person out of camera, perhaps she is. ‘’I think I am funny at all times, I stand to be corrected but I think I am a funny person because I come up with my own material and talented in that the though process and implementation thereof is effortless’’.
As an actress, Masesane has developed a reputation for portraying the hilarious woman taking on parts for which she actually seems suited. She comes up with content that would make her plausible, relatable and relevant. Plus, she is an anxious over thinker using her caustic sarcasm as a weapon against both her own insecurities and flakes. She revealed that a decent wit has the ability to know audience and tailor craft accordingly but still maintain authenticity. ‘’I would say a great comedian should know their audience and prepare material accordingly. Just as small business owners must define their target market and develop strategies to reach those consumers, comedians know exactly who they’re trying to reach and tailor presentations accordingly. It is also imperative for comedians to stay up-to-date in news, tech, social media and pop culture. Some of the funniest material is based off recent news a headline, which is for you to put humorous spins on your story line. Your comedy should be hilarious, relevant, fresh and current’’.
Comedians can’t escape work; it is a blessing and a curse, because they are expected to be funny at all times. Masesane stressed that for some, being funny comes naturally and the deadpans and puns roll off the tongue, adding that for many a break would be nice. Like it or not, they are constantly branding themselves. ‘’Also, the ability to think quickly on my feet is a huge asset to me as a comedian. We have witty comebacks and we are ready to respond to unexpected comments or questions. We gauge the audience and adjust our performance as necessary. If we do not get the laughs we hope on a certain subject, we steer the show in another direction. We more like small business owners, they need to make a quick but well-informed decisions on the fly, we educate ourselves so we’re ready to respond appropriately’’ she highlighted. With lot of misapprehensions surrounding comedy Masesane accentuated that jesting is more than just making people laugh. ‘’Comedy is more than the finished product you watch or listen to, it is a thought process that needs to be implemented and sometimes 1+1 isn’t always 2, because writers block is real.
There are days when your brain decides it’s taking a break from creativity and there is nothing you can do but wait on that inspiration to kick back in’’. With strength of mind, persistence and get-up-and-go, one would do anything to perfect his or her dexterity, so does Masesane. She records, oversees and uploads her amusing videos on social media that have since gathered her lot of followers. ‘’This is something my sister and friends are not happy about because they have to hold the camera for me at no charge, but I am very much open to working with videographers though, don’t be shy’’. She whispered that she is very gratified of her push, adding that it has since gained international recognition. ‘’I am very proud of the video I once made with very little effort that went viral here and in South Africa getting over a million views. Another thing that caught me by surprise is being approached to create videos advertising events or items for a reasonable fee because when I first started, it was just for fun and I wouldn’t think I could get paid for doing what I love most’’.
‘’My desire is acting so my goal is to one day have the opportunity to showcase my acting capabilities while incorporating my sense of humour. And I would share with fledgling folks like me that they are worth every single dream they have and they will get wherever they want to go, it doesn’t not matter how long it takes. They shouldn’t seek approval from anyone, be you, do you and watch everything fall into place’’
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BOTSWANA TO HOST MISS WORLD 2026
Even though Botswana has over the years been performing extremely poorly at the Miss World competition, the country has confirmed that it will be hosting the beauty festival in 2026. Initially, the country was to host Miss World next year, something it failed to confirm before deadline. Director at Miss Botswana, Benjamin Raletsatsi, says Botswana will be ready then to host all participants. Miss Botswana Top 25 finalists left the boot camp yesterday. Quite shocking though, Miss Botswana team is still failing basics as responding to media inquiries on time yet it is dangerously hoping to host an event of high status
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DJ Sway ‘saved’ the YAMAs
DJ Sway, the daring and ambitious on-air presenter of Yarona FM, played a crucial role in saving the radio station’s music awards, known as the YAMAs. The event was initially dry and disorganized, but DJ Sway, who co-hosted with Pearl Thusi, injected life into the show. However, things took a turn for the worse when Pearl Thusi abruptly left the stage, leaving DJ Sway to carry on alone. Despite the unexpected setback, DJ Sway rose to the occasion and captivated the audience, effectively putting an end to the drama caused by Pearl Thusi.
In an exclusive interview after the YAMAs, DJ Sway revealed the behind-the-scenes chaos that unfolded during the event. He acknowledged the script editors, Phalana and Hope, who worked tirelessly to reedit the script and adapt it to a one-host format. Despite the last-minute changes, DJ Sway remained composed and focused, thanks to the support of his colleagues, such as Owen Rampha, Katlego Rakola, Tshepang Motsisi (DJ Easy), and LB.
When asked about his initial reaction to the unexpected turn of events, DJ Sway admitted to feeling saddened by how things ended. However, he credited Pearl Thusi for giving him a much-needed confidence boost during his moment of doubt. She reminded him that he was destined for greatness and that he didn’t need big stars to succeed. With her words of encouragement, DJ Sway regained his composure and approached the rest of the show with the same professionalism and charisma he displays on the radio.
To overcome the challenges he faced, DJ Sway relied on his radio skills and calm personality. He engaged with the audience as if he were speaking to a single person, pointing out individuals in the crowd to create a more intimate connection. He also expressed gratitude for his backstage team, who provided support and ensured the smooth running of the show.
DJ Sway expressed satisfaction in being seen as the saving grace of the YAMAs. He believed that he fulfilled his role as a host and brought joy to the Yarona FM board, his family, and his fans. Despite his success, DJ Sway’s journey has not been without hardships. He has experienced the loss of his mother and sister, which has left a lasting impact on him. While he continues to grieve, he seeks solace in therapy sessions and relies on his father for emotional support.
DJ Sway’s dedication to his craft and ability to overcome adversity make him a remarkable figure in the radio industry. His vibrant personality and deep knowledge of music have made him a perfect fit for Yarona FM. Despite the challenges he has faced, DJ Sway remains determined to make a positive impact and bring joy to his listeners. With his talent and resilience, there is no doubt that DJ Sway will continue to thrive in his career and leave a lasting legacy in the world of radio.
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Chef Gustos walk of shame
Chef Gustos, the renowned hitmaker, recently experienced what can only be described as a walk of shame at the 8th edition of the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs). Despite being nominated a whopping seven times, he failed to secure a single win. Ouch!
The night was filled with surprises, drama, and controversy, but the biggest winner of the evening was Han C, who walked away with three awards, including Best Pop and Best Male Single for his hit song, “Sebinki.” Han C graciously announced that he would be donating P10,000 from his winnings to his fellow nominees, promoting a spirit of togetherness among artists. What a noble gesture!
Meanwhile, Chef Gustos found himself on the losing end of several categories, including People’s Choice Artist of the Year, which he had won in the past. He seemed unfazed by the loss, stating, “People know that ‘Away’ was big, but they won’t stop me.” It’s clear that Chef Gustos is determined to continue making music, regardless of the awards he receives.
However, he did express his frustration with the outcome, suggesting that the awards may be corrupt. He declined to comment further, citing the need to protect his brand and maintain good relationships with corporate clients. It’s understandable that he wants to avoid any potential damage to his future prospects.
In fact, Chef Gustos went so far as to request that Yarona FM not nominate him for future YAMAs. It seems he wants to distance himself from the disappointment and focus on his music without the pressure of awards. Perhaps this decision will allow him to create freely and without the burden of expectations.
While Chef Gustos may have experienced a walk of shame at the YAMAs, it’s important to remember that awards do not define an artist’s talent or success. His fans still appreciate his music, and he continues to have gigs with corporate clients. So, despite the disappointment, Chef Gustos remains optimistic about his future in the industry.
In the end, the YAMAs may have been a letdown for Chef Gustos, but he’s determined to keep moving forward. He won’t let a lack of awards dampen his spirits or hinder his creativity. And who knows, maybe next time he’ll come back stronger and prove that he’s deserving of recognition. After all, the true measure of an artist’s success lies in the hearts of their fans, not in shiny trophies.