Dr. Hilary Okello Calls Out Comedians Who Solicit Money on Stage
Dr. Hilary Okello has criticized comedians who ask audiences for money while performing, arguing that the practice is unprofessional and disrespectful to paying fans.
Speaking during a recent interview, the Ugandan standup comedian said performers should leave financial matters to promoters and event organizers, who are responsible for paying entertainers for their work.
As a performer, I think it is disrespectful to the audience because the person supposed to pay me is the promoter or whoever booked me for the show.
Okello explained that he has no problem accepting money voluntarily offered by audience members. However, he believes comedians cross a line when they actively solicit cash during performances.
He argued that fans attend shows to enjoy prepared material and entertainment, not to become an additional source of income for performers.
People are paid to watch you perform. Come on stage, do your jokes and make people happy.
Okello also suggested that some comedians turn to audience collections because they lack enough material to sustain a full set, relying on crowd interactions instead of preparation.
His remarks add to an ongoing debate about professionalism in Uganda’s comedy industry, where some performers regularly ask audiences for money during live shows.
