Jol Master’s journey from schoolyard jokes to centre stage

Tanzania's comedy scene has seen its fair share of talented stand-up comedians, but few have reached the lofty heights of their American counterparts.

Meet Juma Omary Laurent, better known as Jol Master, a multifaceted actor and comedian making waves with his comedic acting and uproarious stand-up performances.

With his lightning-fast wit and infectious energy, Jol Master effortlessly captivates audiences, leaving them rolling with laughter at his jokes.

From the moment he grabs the microphone, he has the audience eating out of the palm of his hand.

Much like a Bongo Flava star, Jol Master has garnered a large following, particularly among women, thanks to his jokes that often revolve around them.

“I have a strong female fan base, which is great because winning them over means I’ve tapped into a significant market. When women enjoy my work, they often bring their partners along to my shows,” he reveals.

His animated gestures, exaggerated facial expressions, and impeccable timing add layers of hilarity to his performances, eliciting hysterical laughter from the audience.

When it comes to honing his routines before hitting the spotlight of stand-up comedy, Jol Master reveals that he often finds himself shouting aloud and occasionally even taking a walk to rehearse his jokes.

“I reside in Makongo, so I often wear a hat that partially covers my face to avoid being recognized. I then walk from Makongo to Mlimani, where I prepare my jokes. Upon returning home, I practice them in front of the mirror to refine them,” he shares.

To further solidify his status as a comedy heavyweight, Jol Master is gearing up for his highly anticipated second stand-up comedy show in Dar es Salaam, titled 'Jol Master Comedy Special,' scheduled for tomorrow, April 27, at Mlimani City.

Building on the success of his debut show, 'My Time is Now,' in Mwanza, Jol Master aims to deliver an unforgettable evening of laughter and entertainment.

Reflecting on his journey to stardom, Jol Master traces his passion for comedy back to his school days.

He recalls that there was a time when, when he was back to school, he decided to go to the nearby bar to clack his jokes because of the inspiration he had for the Kenyan comedian Eric Omondi.

"I made people laugh, but they didn't appreciate it. From that point on, I resolved never to stop making people laugh in my life," explains Jol Master.

He further added that, after failing, he decided to start practicing by projecting himself in the mirror.

Jol Master explains that practicing in front of a mirror is crucial for developing the ability to convey all the necessary emotions required in the comedy industry.

While growing up in Mwanza, Jol Master harboured dreams of making it big in the bustling comedy scene of Dar es Salaam.

Through hard work and determination, he earned a place at Tambaza Secondary School, where he continued to pursue his passion for comedy while balancing his studies.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including financial struggles and academic setbacks, Jol Master remained steadfast in his pursuit of excellence.

“The challenges I faced made it difficult for me to focus on studying. I was also struggling to afford food at that time. My mother often blamed me because she was the one paying for my school fees,” he explains.

Around 2021, his talent eventually caught the eye of industry insiders, leading to his breakthrough role on the hit series 'Jua Kali,' where he showcased his comedic prowess to a wider audience.

"First, Lamata saw me performing at Chekatu and told me that he liked me so I could be a good fit for the Jua Kali series. But one day, while I was at home, she called me and asked me to meet her at Mbezi. When I got there, she told me that I could act in some scenes and that she would pay me one million shillings," he shares.

At that time, Jol Master says he had never received one million shillings before, "so I accepted it and started doing some work. Due to my efforts, my value started to rise, from one million shillings to even higher," he details.

Narrating about his appearance when doing his gigs, most people consider him not a smart person.

“I’ve intentionally crafted a persona that may seem unserious, but what many people don’t realize is that I’m actually very intelligent,” he explains.

Reflecting on the evolution of comedy in Tanzania, Jol Master acknowledges the influence of past comedic legends like Mzee Majuto and Kingwendu, whose pioneering work paved the way for a new generation of comedians.

He explains, “Their style of comedy paved the way for me to showcase a different type of humor for this era. Comedy doesn’t always have to be crude; it can also be intelligent and clean.”

As he prepares to take the stage in Mlimani City, Jol Master urges audiences to expect the unexpected.

"To me, it’s more than just telling jokes; it’s about crafting an experience that deeply connects with the audience." he shares.

With his upcoming show set to be his biggest yet, Jol Master hopes for widespread support from fans and well-wishers alike.

In inspiring other young comedians who dream of becoming better comedians, he mentions discipline, respect, and efforts to learn as crucial factors.

“You know, I don’t see myself as exceptionally talented. Others might view me that way, but I consider myself average, with talent making up about 20 percent of the equation. Respect and discipline are the core principles,” shares Jol Master.

He continues, “Discipline builds trust and earns you respect. It’s also about putting in effort and being open to learning new things. I always strive to learn from others.”

As he continues to chase his dreams, he remains grateful for the opportunity to share his gift of laughter with the world.

Jol Master may have never done anything as monumental as this in his life since his debut show in Mwanza, but with the spotlight firmly on him at Mlimani City, he is poised to take the comedy world by storm.

And with the unwavering support of his fans, there's no doubt that he'll succeed in making his dreams a reality.