Mufaro Mbudzi is a stand-up comedian and fashion designer who recently took part in the Just For Laughs Vancouver Festival 2023. We caught up with him to find out more about his influences and style.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Raw, intuitive and intelligent. Usually talking about race dynamics, sex and dating, or culture and politics.
Who are some of your influences?
Richard Pryor (THE GOAT), Dave Chappelle, Martin Lawrence, Chris Rock, Bill Bellamy.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Hmm, I was watching Last Comic Standing. I’d say Alonzo Bodden/Corey Holcomb were my first influences. Then Trevor Noah. We knew him before he became worldwide. His specials from South Africa are crazy.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
ME lol … jk I’d say still Richard Pryor (may his soul rest in peace).
What is your pre-show ritual?
SOBRIETY. Absolute sobriety. And making sure I wear an outfit that I LOVE. I tend to like putting together like a list of jokes I like then choosing how they would fit together. But I freestyle a lot especially when I like my outfit.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
HMM. What a question. The Comedy Mix on Burrard was pretty amazing before it shut down! A legit comedy club and atmosphere. I LOVE a good basement. Yup, “The Mix” … I always felt like I had made it there.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I think it’s about racism on Vancouver Island being more advanced than on the mainland because a homeless person in Victoria asked me if they could “practice their ebonics (Black English) on me, and then he called me a racial slur. The joke is about how his delivery was so educated that I couldn’t be mad. “I figured he was just working on his craft.”
I love that joke. I mean, it’s based on a true story, and I actually respected him for behaving like a scholar.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
I’d have to say mostly Instagram at this point.
Tell us a joke about your city.
HAHA. I love Vancouver because people here hate Australians more than they hate black people.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
Yes. My brand is called Scheduled Meditation. It’s a comedy and fashion brand and we also host guided meditations. Also, I released my first clothing collection at Vancouver Fashion week in October and that will be available soon.
Where can we follow you?
Personal Instagram | Brand Instagram
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Sheesh, I gotta say one of my favourites is a guy called Randy Jernidier. He moved here from Kelowna. He’s popular and very likeable. He is so himself that he connects with people instantly. And it feels like he is not even trying. His Instagram here.
