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Redefining gospel entertainment
Revellers having fun during the last edition of Church Laughs. The next edition is slated for this Sunday. PHOTOS/PATRICK SSENTONGO
What you need to know:
- Church Laughs is carving out its own niche and the concept is about creating safe spaces where families and individuals can enjoy comedy without compromising their values.
Church Laughs is carving out its own niche and the concept is about creating safe spaces where families and individuals can enjoy comedy without compromising their values.
For years, gospel music was the dominant form of Christian-inspired entertainment, with artistes such as Judith Babirye, Joseph Ngoma, Fr Anthony Musaala, Pr Wilson Bugembe, Exodus and Levixone, among others setting the tone for faith-driven creativity. The big question that remained was; where were the other creatives in the world of gospel? With time, however, a new wave of gospel artistry blossomed and is breaking the mold and redefining what it means to entertain through faith. This artistry has expanded to include comedians, dancers and poets, among others whose work remains rooted in faith while resonating with broader audiences.
At the heart of this shift is Church Laughs, a unique platform dedicated to Christian creatives. The initiative was founded to fill a gap in the entertainment industry, giving gospel-inspired comedians, dancers, and poets the stage they deserve.
The initiative’s mission goes beyond the spotlight. According to the team behind the concept, Church Laughs is committed to building a vibrant Christian creative community. Through flagship projects such as the Ultimate Dance Shield for dancers and 1000 Spoken Words for poets, the organisation empowers artists to share their God-given talents while remaining true to their faith.
Its signature offering, however, is the Church Laughs comedy show, which has grown into a phenomenon. By featuring top-tier comedians and emerging talent, the show attracts both devout and secular audiences, fostering inclusivity while keeping its foundation rooted in faith.
Gospel singer Levixone performing during a Church Laughs edition.
A spotlight on comedy
The rise of gospel comedy reflects a larger trend within the entertainment world, where audiences are hungry for fresh, authentic voices. Christian comedians bring a unique flavour to the scene, offering humour that is not only relatable but also infused with hope and light.
Events such as Church Laughs also challenge stereotypes, proving that faith-based entertainment does not have to be stiff or predictable. By embracing creativity and diversity, these performers are expanding the possibilities of what gospel entertainment can achieve.
With this year’s edition happening this Sunday at MOTIV in Kampala, the initiative is out to prove that Gospel comedy, in particular, is carving out its own niche. Enter the world of “Christian comedians” - performers who bring clean humour to audiences while intertwining their sets with messages of hope, community, and joy.
This shift, as per Church Laughs team lead, Joseph Elshaddai, is not just about entertainment – it is about creating safe spaces where families and individuals can enjoy comedy without compromising their values. “We promise to be the highlight of the gospel entertainment calendar. But the event is more than just laughs – it is a movement changing the face of Christian entertainment,” he notes.
He adds that this is not just a standalone event – it is the culmination of years of intentional work to merge entertainment and ministry. Now in its third edition, the show this Sunday promises to deliver a night of laughter, inspiration, and community like no other.
At the shows, revelers can expect clean humour about everyday life to sketches reflecting the quirks of church culture, the performers take comedy to a whole new level, creating moments of joy that leave audiences both entertained and spiritually uplifted.
Tr Sulphur, one of the comedians set to perform, said: “It is incredible to see audiences laughing freely while also reflecting on messages of hope and faith. Comedy has the power to connect people, and it is a gift we are using to glorify God.”
More than a show
The Church Laughs Initiative envisions a future that goes beyond organising events — it strives to establish a sustainable ecosystem where Christian creatives can flourish. This vision is rooted in empowering individuals with talents in comedy, music, drama, and other creative arts to use their gifts effectively, not just to entertain but to uplift and inspire within the context of Christian values.
A key part of this future is creating platforms for discovery, growth, and mentorship. The initiative plans to nurture young and upcoming talent by providing training and opportunities for them to showcase their skills to wider audiences. By organising workshops, networking events, and collaborations, Church Laughs aims to foster a community where creatives support one another, building a strong foundation for sustainable careers.
Additionally, the initiative seeks to create pathways for creatives to monetise their skills responsibly and ethically. By establishing partnerships with churches, media houses, and organisations, it hopes to provide avenues for income generation while aligning with the mission to glorify God. This involves equipping creatives with business and marketing skills, ensuring their talents become viable livelihoods.
Another significant aspect of this vision is its impact on the kingdom of God. Through its activities, Church Laughs seeks to share the Gospel in innovative and relatable ways, using creativity as a bridge to reach diverse audiences. By encouraging Christian creatives to address real-life challenges with humour and hope, the initiative contributes to the spiritual and emotional well-being of communities.
