KOTA KINABALU: Sabah could possibly promote its funny people as another tourist attraction to the state.
And although Stand-Up Comedy is rather new in Sabah, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun is optimistic that the programme would be able to attract tourists to enjoy local humour.
“As such, I am calling all comedians to come forward and share their jokes with the people,” he said after receiving a call from the Comedy Club Borneo (CCB) at his office here yesterday.
CCB will be organising an Open Mic Stand Up Comedy Competition following the success of its comedy show held in the state on September 28 and 29.
According to the spokesperson for the event, Joel Low, the two-hour competition, which will be held on Nov 10 at the Party Play Gaya Street beginning at 8.30pm, is open to all local Sabahans. Participation is free.
The event, to be held jointly with Ingenio Industries, the pioneer in searching for local talents of all sorts in the city, will be called ‘You So Funny!’.
“The top three winners will stand a chance to battle in the finals on November 16 and 17 at Lava Resto Bar, Karamunsing Capital, and they will be joining famous stand-up comedians from Kuala Lumpur such as Andrew Netto, Papi Zak, Phoon Chi Ho and Kavin Jay.
“The champion will walk away with RM300 cash, holiday packages on Mantanani Island and Weston Wetland River Cruise for two, courtesy of Excellence Eco Tours Services Sdn Bhd,” he said.
In addition, he added with the collaboration of CCB and LOL Events, the best open mic-ers of Sabah will also get a chance to perform in Kuala Lumpur at one of the biggest stages where the Comedy Club KL would normally hold its monthly programme.
“The demand for stand-up comedians in Sabah is growing as it provides a different approach to entertainment, be it in a corporate, club or dinner shows, as it engages the crowd. What better way to release all those stresses than having a good laugh.
“In fact its lucrative income is also among the contributing factors why many are turning to becoming a stand-up comedian to earn a living. To date, we only have just a handful of talents,” he said.
For those interested to join in the You So Funny! Stand Up Open Mic Competition, tickets are sold at RM40, while a RM70 ticket (for a night pass) or RM120 (for two night passes) are offered for the International Stand Up Comedy Borneo Tour, which is scheduled on Nov 16 and 17, at Lava Resto Bar, Karamunsing Capital, beginning at 8.30pm.
For more details, contact Ana at 016-5843906, Ervina (012-8304089), Lily (016-8238835) or Low (016-8861235). The public may also visit their Facebook page at TheComedyClubBorneo.