…”My father Bishop John General never wanted me to be doing comedy, but now he is my fan”, he says.
By Francis Chipalo
Those that have watched comedian Rowan Atkinson, alias Mr Bean’s type of comedy will understand the new rising star of comedy in Zambia under the character of” Ba Matero” who has taken a different approach from the usual comedy style of using language in the form of stand up comedy and mimicking.
While others do their comedy through dancing and singing, among others, Ba Matero does his using body actions with an accompanying song ‘Nalitumpa Ine’ (I am silly) done by 4 na 5 featuring Slap Dee playing in the background, depicting petty thieving that takes place in suburbs like Matero and many others around Lusaka.
He has no doubt won so many hearts of Zambians especially youths, earning him thousands of followers and likes on social media platforms due to his unique style of comedy.
Born Francis Nundwe on 2nd April, 2000 and a 4th born child to famous Lusaka preacher man John Nundwe popularly known as Bishop John General”, Francis did most of his primary school in his home town matero and did his grade 10 and 11 at New Matero before moving to Libala Secondary school for his grade 12 in 2019.
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“I haven’t been to Matero University of thieving,” he said, jokingly in an interview about his journey through comedy.
“But I am a boxer who turned professional this year and a Gold Medalist under Exodus Boxing Academy having fought for the national team in 2018. In boxing circles I am known as Kappa!”
“I run my father’s media team at Healing Center Television where I spend most of my time when I am not doing comedy “Lumpaling” (stealing) from people in the community.
Ba Matero says comedy has always been a part of him since school days but did mention that the four months of his presence on social media have been amazing.
“I had a dream to say I will also blow one day and become famous and to be honest, I never expected this but here we are.
I go by Ba Matero because Matero is my home and the only home that I know so it means everything to me as I am able to relate to almost everything which happens around the community.
“At first, it was critical and my father never wanted me to become a comedian probably due to the kind of comedy I do which at some point got me in conflict with the law. He had even warned that he would disown me if I continued with my character but I just couldn’t stop because it was in me. It was all I could do, so it was hard for me to stop and I think he understood. Now Bishop John General is also one of my huge followers with a badge,” said a smiley Ba Matero.
Ba Matero however says he hasn’t been spared from criticism saying; “others have said I am teaching people how to steal especially young ones but on the contrary. I am not here to teach anyone how to steal. This is acting for me and I am here to entertain that is all.
I also want people to learn to be responsible and not be careless with their properties. People should be careful when walking on the streets, how they carry their phones when walking on the streets and just how they conduct themselves when in public. Let us not be careless and I can only hope that people are learning one or two positive things through my comedy,” he said.
Inspired by the likes of Mr Bean, Ba Matero says he’s not here for competition.
“I am competing with myself and not with anyone else and when people want to appreciate you, they’ll do that. I am here to entertain people. I am a huge fan of Mr Bean and the day I will meet him it will be a dream come true,” he said.
“Please do not run away when you meet me on the streets thinking I am going to steal from you because Ba Matero and Francis Nundwe are too different people and characters, so do feel free to interact with me, let’s have those selfies and interact. Ba Matero is just a character very different Francis Nundwe.
However, I am thankful to all my fans for the support and how I have been received on social media. Without your support, they can never be Ba Matero, so continue pressing that Like button and let’s continue laughing,” added, Francis who is married with one child.
