Comedy Store Eyes Expanding Talent Program after Charity Show Headlined by Diamond Platnumz

Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz will entertain revelers at a charity show organised by Comedy Store Uganda in Kampala on July 14.

The proceeds from the event, which will be held at Kololo Airstrip, will be injected into different projects including nurturing promising talent. The will be done through the Comedy Store Foundation, which was roled out in April 2022.

Comedy Store Uganda Chief Executive Officer Alex Muhangi said the Foundation runs the Comedy Auditions Programs through which they’ve nurtured over 300 budding comedians, including a household name like Maulana & Reign. The duo participated in the first audition that was held in Bukoto, according to Muhangi who was speaking to the media on Monday at UMA Multipurpose Mall in Kampala.

Daniel Kalela, who heads the auditions and co-hosts Comedy Store shows, said auditions are held a day before the show. Those chosen from the auditions are usually invited to curtain raise shows and they are also rewarded through gifts from sponsored or paid in cash, said Kalela. Through the charity show, the Comedy Store Foundation eyes using part of the funds raise to boost this initiative so they can reach a wider pool of talent. Aside from comedians, Muhangi said, they are also looking to train other entertainers.

Other comedians that have emerged from Comedy Auditions Program include Merry Hearts, Sammy & Shawa, Comental & Pui Pui, Black & White and M.C. Raj Kabejja. The Foundation also runs a program that focuses on mentoring young students in critical life skills. Through the Youth Training & Mentorship Program, they trained over 80 Makerere University Law Pre-entry students in analytical writing skills, effective communication and general knowledge among others. The Comedy Store Foundation also operates the annual Home of Hope Charity football match where proceeds support vulnerable communities. For instance, the latest, which was held in December 2022, brought together celebrities and over 100 vulnerable children at Katalemwa Chesire Home benefited.

Diamond Platunmz will share the stage with entertainers from Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, namely: Nameless, King Saha, Spice Diana, Zex Bilangilangi, Winnie Nwagi, Karole Kasita, Dady Andre, Abeeka Band, Ray G, Alien Skin, Naava Grey, Brude Melode, Teacher Mpamire, Eezzy, Fico West, Titus Vybz and Sammy & Shawa.