The first episode of the XYZ Show was broadcast on the Kenyan television channel Citizen TV on Sunday, 17 May. The XYZ Show introduces Kenya to a new form of satire television, with life-sized puppets made to resemble famous persons. The XYZ Show was inspired by famous puppet satire series like the British “Spitting Image” and the French “Les Guignols de l’Info” shows. In the XYZ Show, the puppets will be commenting on news and current events from Kenya and abroad. The XYZ Show was developed and initiated by Kenyan cartoonist and Prince Claus Awardee Godfrey Mwampembwa, alias Gado.
The XYZ Show challenges famous figures from Kenyan high society and politics using humour and satire. The programme aims to become a new forum for social and political debate, one that provides room for open discussion.
Although freedom of the press is a constitutional right in Kenya, it is difficult for many journalists to practice their profession without interference. Gado and his team hope that the XYZ Show will contribute positively to strengthening freedom of the press and increasing political and social awareness among the people of Kenya. The show provides commentary on current social and political developments and aims to use humour and artistry to reinforce freedom of speech in Kenya.
Gado is one of the most popular and important cartoonists in Africa. He publishes a daily cartoon in The Nation, the largest newspaper in Kenya, and his work has been published in Le Monde (France), Washington Times (US), De Standaard (Belgium) and The Japan Times. He received the Prince Claus Award for his work in 2007. The jury praised him for his daring cartoons, in which he uses humour to expose social problems and political conflicts. The Prince Claus Award is also in recognition of his role in the battle for the right to freedom of speech.
The Prince Claus Fund supported Gado and his team in making the puppets for the XYZ Show. In part, this support has made it possible for the producers of the programme to buy materials and equipment. Major characters in the XYZ Show are Mwai Kibaki (President of Kenya), Raila Odinga (Prime Minister of Kenya) and politician Martha Karua. American President Barack Obama is also one of the characters portrayed. The producers hope that the XYZ Show can serve as an example for other African countries.
Sebas van der Sangen
Tel. + 31 (0)20 3449168 Mob. + 31 (0)6 19638346 / s.vandersangen@princeclausfund.nl
Taken from the XYZ show press release
More info: www.xyzshow.com. The trailer of the first XYZ show can be seen on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com
Press Release by the makers of the show
Innovative cultural activities and initiatives of individuals and organisations in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean are initiated and supported by the Prince Claus Fund. These creative processes lead to artistic productions in the realm of theatre, music, visual arts, architecture, audio-visual art and design.
