In Brazzaville, laughter took over the stage of the French Institute of Congo. For three days, from October 23rd to 25th, the international Tuseo festival made the capital vibrate to the rhythm of African and Caribbean humor. For its 18th edition, this now essential event brought together a host of comedians from several continents: from Congo to the Caribbean, including Mali, Gabon, and Guinea.
The comedy duo Rigo Star and Papa Lidamé literally set the audience at the French Institute of Congo on fire. It was their first time participating in the International Comedy Gathering of Brazzaville, better known as the Tuseo festival, a Lari word meaning ‘laughter’ in French.
This is our first performance or participation. The festival is top-tier. So, we loved it. Thanks to the madam, really, well organized. So, everything was great, truly. And well, really, really, really.
For this opening night, laughter erupted thanks to the performances of several artists from diverse backgrounds: Juste Parfait and L’Honorable from the Republic of Congo, and also Nenette, a comedian who came straight from French Guiana. For these artists, Tuseo has become an essential event over the years, a genuine space for expression and sharing centered around African humor.
In Congo, there aren’t two or three comedy festivals. There are comedy nights, there are comedy clubs, there are comedy galas, but there is no comedy festival apart from this one, it’s top-tier. And for me, personally, it’s the first festival I’ve participated in during my career. In any case, that’s why whenever you need me, I always answer the call.
Created in 2004, the Tuseo festival has managed to stand the test of time, running eighteen editions despite difficulties. This success is due to the perseverance of its promoter, who is determined to make laughter a tool for cohesion and a springboard for young Congolese and African talents.