“I started doing stand-up comedy in 2017, in Nampula. At first, it was mainly for fun and because I thought I could make money while enjoying myself. I have always liked creating new things. At the time, people in Nampula did not know this art. I gathered friends and created a group called “Juntos e Misturados”, and we started doing shows. Later, I moved to Maputo and began performing with Rico Biosse. I feel extremely fulfilled by my work, because I started almost as a joke, and now it is my profession. Laughter frees the soul.
The ideas for comedy and for my work come from everyday life, from the things I experience and observe. In reality, what makes the audience laugh at a joke or story is a situation they identify with. A joke is the sum of a truth and a little pain.
I feel extremely fulfilled by my work, because I started almost as a joke and now it is my profession. – Maira Santos
When I decided to venture into the world of comedy, I watched a video by Afonso Padilha that inspired me greatly, and I dreamed of being able to meet him in person and thank him for the incredible work he does. In March this year the opportunity arose to go to Brazil, where, besides meeting him, I opened one of his shows and, at the end of the show, was able to say a few words, thanking him directly on stage. I never imagined I could make this dream come true. Internationally, my references are Afonso Padilha and Rodrigo Marques, both Brazilian comedians. As for references from Mozambique, I like Gilberto Mendes immensely as a comedian in general.
The pandemic brought me a challenge. With everything closed and no way to do shows, the opportunity arose to take comedy from the stage to television. I was the first woman in our country to make a stand-up comedy programme. I then discovered this inclination as a television presenter. Today I consider that the techniques I learned in television help the other projects I go on to create a great deal.
Globalisation is moving towards the digital. These days, through a digital platform we can follow a comedy show by a comedian who lives in any corner of the world. With just one click, a piece of work can be promoted in record time, with three-dimensional exposure.
The biggest challenges we currently face are valuing the artist as an artist, integrating them as an effective mechanism for relations and agreements between countries, and protecting everyone who makes art. Art has a surreal impact; art characterises, highlights and adds enormous value to the country, and connects people regardless of race, ethnicity or sexual orientation.
Some of my projects for the future are already under way. I recently started a podcast called FalaCastMoz and The Comedy Club, which is the first comedy venue in Mozambique.
