Legendary American stand-up comedian Dave Chappelle is set to electrify Nairobi with his performance at the Louis Leakey Auditorium on Wednesday, May 29th. The anticipation is palpable, with tickets selling out just two hours after the Punchline Comedy Club announced the event. Priced at Sh7,000 each, these tickets vanished quickly, reflecting Chappelle’s immense popularity and the excitement surrounding his visit.
For those fortunate enough to have secured tickets, there’s an important detail to note: the event is a no cellphones zone. This might seem strict, but there’s a good reason for it.
Dave Chappelle has long enforced a no cellphones policy at his shows. This rule was implemented in the US about a year and a half before the COVID-19 lockdown, as confirmed by Naomi Dworman from the renowned Comedy Cellar in Greenwich Village.
Chappelle’s commitment to this rule was evident when he walked off stage at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, after catching someone recording his performance.
In an interview with Jimmy Kimmel a few years ago, Chappelle explained his stance. He said, “It became a thing when I walk on stage I see a sea of cellphones, so I knew that anything I said in the room I was saying to everybody whether they were in the room or not.” He emphasized that comedians need the element of surprise. If someone shares his jokes before he gets to the next city, he has to create new material quickly, which can be challenging.
By keeping cellphones out of the venue, Chappelle ensures that each audience enjoys a unique, fresh, and exclusive experience. This way, his jokes and stories remain a surprise and are savored in the moment, just as comedy should be.
So, when you head to the Louis Leakey Auditorium, remember to leave your phone behind or keep it switched off and stashed away. Get ready to enjoy an evening of laughter and brilliance from one of the world’s top comedians, without any distractions. It’s a rare opportunity to be fully present and experience Chappelle’s comedy the way it was meant to be – live and in the moment.
