Nigerian comic stars Aki and Popo last weekend failed to crack ribs at their highly anticipated comedy show held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.

Looking at an autopsy of last weeks’ shows both in Lusaka and Kitwe, the duo’s performance proved they are certainly better at acting, as their stand-up comedy lacked humorous punchlines.

The duo whose real names are Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme failed to live up to expectations as they poured out dry jokes on stage.

Earlier, however, before the Nigerians came on stage, local comedians Bob Nkosha, Collins, Diffikoti and Bikiloni were on point.

Diffikoti and Bikkiloni put up some interesting social commentary, although some of the comical material was familiar and somewhat recycled.

But it was Bob Nkosha and Colllins ‘The president’ also known as Bwana Njombe who saved the show.

The show gained momentum after comedian Bob Nkosha took a break and returned in his alter ego Dorika dressed in chitenge outfit and ‘her’ winter boots.

Dorika’s presence on stage brought more life to the fully parked auditorium, as fans shed tears from laughter.

After exhausting her jokes Dorika said goodbye, but ‘she’ was faced with demands of encore from the revellers who could not get enough of ‘her’.

Music sensation Izrael mesmerised the audience with olds hits that included “Teti”, “So Lucky”, “Siku Yalelo” and “Amuna Kupaka”.

Bwana Njombe with his usual mimic of police officers sent the audience into frenzy, as some of the fans were watching him live for the first time.

Bwana Njombe poked Chipolopolo star Chisamba Lungu and Green Buffaloes assistant coach Christopher Katongo, who were in the audience, with his jokes.

He mocked the recruitment of Chinese nationals in the Police reserve unit.

By the time the headline act of Aki and Popo was taking over the stage, fans had already laughed enough and only those who had reserved their laughter may have been totally disappointed with the hilarious night.

Toursim and arts minister Charles Banda urged actors in the country to thrive hard to make sure the arts industry grows and assured the celebrities present, of governments support.