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Angela Sibanda, Showbiz Reporter
“Umahlekisa Roast shows are not meant to shame or embarrass artistes, but to promote their brands and help them to be confident about themselves by assisting them to own their own stories.”

Kudakwashe “Kuda” Takundwa

This was said by Umahlekisa Comedy Club director Ntando Van Moyo in an interview ahead of a show dubbed “Roast of Novuyo Seagirl” scheduled for June 24 at the Hope Centre in Bulawayo.

Just like nuts, the decorated songstress will be subjected to intense heat from the coals of her personal life issues, as she faces a panel headed by Ntando as the roast master. Other roasters will be popular showbiz faces, Qeqe, Stewie Le Savage, Thando, Zwe and Kuda Takundwa.

Ntando Van Moyo

Ntando was the first artiste to be roasted when the show first premièred with the late rapper, Cal Vin being the last to be roasted before his tragic death.

Novuyo was next in line but the event was postponed following lockdown regulations in November last year. Now that the regulations have been relaxed, the show is set to resume.

Commenting on the upcoming event, Ntando said the show, which only the brave can take up, is meant to boost artistes’ confidence and help them control their own narratives in an environment filled with rumour mongers.

“We host these kind of events because we realised that there’s a need for artistes to stand up, celebrate and own their stories.

The late rapper Cal Vin

These shows are a way of celebrating, not just artistes, but personalities such as public figures as it helps them clear the air on any controversial issues or rumours that could be associated with them. It also gives them the opportunity to own their brands,” Ntando said.

“It boosts dignity and confidence because, after the roast, no one should have anything to ask.”

The comedian said there are a few changes to the show from the one that was meant to take place last year.

Stewie Le Savage

“For this one, we’ve changed the roast panel and added a few media personalities. We’ve also added a few of her ex-lovers to be part of the panel just to make it exciting.

“We’ll also have up-and-coming comedians who’ll be curtain raisers for the main roast,” Ntando said.

Media personalities who have been added are B-Metro’s Langalakhe Mabhena and NewsDay’s Sindiso Dube.