Prime
Just Asking: Cotilda Inapo
Stand-up comedian with the Crackers
When did you join the world of comedy?
I’ve always been a comedian but I joined professional comedy last year in 2009.
You are the only female standup comedian in Uganda, how has that worked out for you?
I have developed as a person especially with the help of my group members in the Crackers. We share a lot of ideas.
Do you get intimidated by male comedians?
Actually I don’t because I think it’s good that I get to compete with them and they help me improve. The male comedians have in fact been my mentors.
Do you get called to perform on weddings and parties like other comedians?
Uhmm… yes I do weddings, shows and different parties too. I actually once had a performance with Pablo at a wedding last year.
What inspires your comedy performances?
I’m inspired by the people around me and the day to day things in life. I always look at the funny side of everything in life. That’s where I get my inspiration.
Is there any female comedian you look up to?
Yeah… I really like Ellen DeGeneres. I think she is really funny and smart too.
Do you do comedy as a hobby or career?
First, it started out as a hobby, just something I loved to do but now it a career. I’m glad that I do what I love and actually get paid for it.
Is there anything in particular that you don’t like about comedy?
Yes, even on a bad day, you can’t be sad or pissed. You always have to just suck it up and fake it because your job as a comedian is to make people laugh.
Are you in a relationship?
Hahaha… I knew that question was coming but was hoping it wouldn’t. Let’s just say I’m dating.
Do you get stalked some times?
I got a male stalker, who sometimes used to endlessly call me even at weird hours of the day. Then I also get these people who I meet like somewhere and they ask me to make them laugh.
Is there any misconception from the public about you?
Many times people think that whatever we say while performing are our experiences yet that is not true. My performances are based on what I see in day to day life not what I go through as a person.
What is that one thing in life that women need in order to thrive?
Women need to have high self esteem, determination and self drive. I also believe that we have to be a little selfish. We should learn to love our selves and in that way learn to love others.
What do you think about comedy in Uganda today?
I think comedy in Uganda has grown a lot. People do not like to think about jokes. They want you to tell a joke they can just laugh at yet the funniest jokes need thinking. Today people think about jokes so I would say that comedy has grown with time.
