Comics step into the breach to fill a journalism vacuum in the face of government censorship
By Amukelani Matsilele
In Zimbabwe, government propaganda and censorship of traditional media has seen people create unconventional forms of journalism. One of these is Magamba TV, an online political satire channel established by two comics, ‘Comrade Fatso’ (Farai Monro), and ‘Outspoken’ (Tongai Makawa) in 2011, who met on the underground hip-hop scene.
Magamba TV was started as a direct response to repressive media laws in the southern African country. The platform has proven to be a breath of fresh air for Zimbabweans, with its mission to “tell it like it is” and expose the corruption in the ruling government through satire. Their target audience is mainly the youth.
This story was first published by JAMLAB, a Wits Journalism project. Please click on the following link to read the full article: Incorporating comedy: Unconventional journalism in Zimbabwe
