The TRUE AFRICA 100 is our list of innovators, opinion-formers, game-changers, pioneers, dreamers and mavericks who we feel are shaping the Africa of today.
Anne Kansiime is a Ugandan international comedian and actress. She began her career posting sketches on YouTube, where she amassed a loyal following and now has over 50 million views on her videos. She is the creator and host of comedy show Don’t Mess with Kansiime which airs on Maisha Magic Channel 161. Kansiime has won many awards for her work including the Airtel Woman of Substance Award 2014, Rising Star’s Comedian of the Year 2015 and best actress at Lagos International Festival 2013.
Do you think women comedians are being taken more seriously with the rise of big characters like yourself?
I would like to think that my few achievements in the comedy industry have simply given all women hope to venture in previously unknown or feared professions… and not just comedy.
How important has online platforms like YouTube been for your career and stand-up comedy in general?
I’m positive I would not have this opportunity to be interviewed by TRUE Africa if I didn’t have my content on YouTube.
YouTube has been my very best billboard.
What am trying to say really is, say, no matter how good a dancer you are, if no one ever gets a chance to see you dance then you can never say you’re one. There are very many fantastic comedians out there but if you don’t put your work online for people to see then you are bound to remain right where you are professionally. For me, YouTube has been my very best billboard.
Who’s your African of the year?
Right now I’m in Zimbabwe and I just had a chance to meet and chat with Zimbabwean musician and human rights activist Dr Mtukudzi, the legend. I now know that we truly have angels living among us. He is my African of the year.
Follow Anne on Twitter @kansiime256
Check out more at kansiimeanne.ug
Come back tomorrow for the next TRUE Africa 100 and keep up to date using the hashtag #TRUEAfrica