Dave Chappelle to perform in Kenya, show sold out in minutes

The celebrated American comedian Dave Chappelle is set to perform in Kenya this week, with a show lined up for Wednesday May 29.

The details of the event have been uploaded on the social media pages of Stand-Up comedy collective Punchline Nairobi, with the tickets selling out in minutes.

Chappelle’s show will take place at the Louis Leakey Auditorium, National Museum of Kenya. The gates open at 7pm, while the show begins at 8pm.

Tickets for the highly anticipated performance were going for Sh 7000, and notably, no phones will be allowed during the show, in a strict policy by organisers.

“Upon arrival, all phones and smart watches will be secured in Yondr pouches that will be unlocked at the end of the show. Guests maintain possession of their phones throughout the night, and if needed, may access their phones at designated Yondr unlocking stations in the lobby,” Punchline Comedy Club notes in a caption of the show’s poster.

It adds: “Anyone caught with a cellphone in the venue will be immediately ejected. We appreciate your cooperation in creating a phone-free viewing experience.”

Chappelle is known for having a no-phone policy during his shows, with multiple reports indicating that this is to protect the comedian’s work and ensure that the material is not recorded and distributed without permission.

Forbes Magazine reports on the reason for such regulations: “In the world of live performances, cell phones open the door to extreme distraction, copyright violations, and misuse and misinterpretation of content. Phone-free events mean fewer intellectual property challenges, improved performances and experiences, and enhanced comedy development.”

The celebrated comedian began performing stand-up comedy at just 14 years old, moving to New York City after high school to pursue comedy full time, as reported by Britannica.

He has had acting roles on TV, but that stand-up stage is where he shines brightest, and he is known for not holding back in his amusing descriptions of every day life.

“The stand-up stage was where Chappelle first made a significant impact on the cultural landscape. His material often included no-holds-barred takes on race and society,” the report notes.