Racheal Alobo, aka Queen Laakeli. Her show is more like Wild ‘n Out, an American sketch comedy and battle rap improv game show TV series created and hosted by musician and comedian Nick Cannon. PHOTO/COURTESY
Racheal Alobo, aka Queen Laakeli, is the co-founder of the Wild And Witty Show, and founder of Laakeli Digital Solutions, the former being the Ugandan incarnation of Wild ‘n Out and Whose Line Is It Anyway? (sometimes shortened to Whose Line? or WLIIA). Both shows are American, leaning on improvisational humour to provide engaging content and comedic syntax. She told Philip Matogo about how she successfully curates a genuine fit between brand and business sense.
When did you get the idea for the Wild and Witty Show, and what inspired you to bring it to Uganda?
I got the idea for the Wild and Witty Show in 2022 as Dumb Questions For Cool People. It started as a concept inspired by a friend-turned-business partner at the time who envisioned a quiz show format infused with comedy.
Initially, we worked with comedians as team captains, blending trivia with humour. However, as we performed in different locations in Kampala, we received feedback that Ugandans, being naturally funny, would benefit from a space to explore their comedic side. This inspired the current format, where audience members elect their team captains to showcase wit, satire, and humour.
Being an introvert as well, I've always wanted to try out improve for my own personal growth and I'm happy to say that I've grown so much with every edition.
The show also draws from global inspirations like Nick Cannon’s Wild ’N Out, Def Jam Comedy, and Whose Line Is It Anyway? These shows celebrate improv and creativity in ways that felt relatable yet unexplored locally. In Uganda, every group has that naturally funny person, and the Wild and Witty Show gives them the stage to express themselves unapologetically.
How has the journey been, and what prompted the evolution from comedians to everyday people?
The journey has had its ups and downs. Initially, we worked with comedians and writers, but creative differences led to a shift toward everyday people as participants.
Ugandans wanted a show where they could see themselves reflected, a platform for spontaneous humour, relatable experiences, and raw creativity. This change has been transformative, with growing audiences and positive feedback.
That said, financial constraints have been a significant challenge, limiting how far we can expand the show or the collaborations we can explore. Venues were also a hurdle, but we’ve found a home at Shisa Nyama Village in Bugolobi, which allows us to host vibrant shows monthly while keeping options open to explore other locations upon request.
Our partners, 88.2 Sanyu FM and Ssese Nation, have also played a pivotal role in amplifying the Wild and Witty Show this year and we hope to leverage the relationship to build the brand, improve the experience and connect with wider audiences.
What makes a good host for the show, and how do you select them?
The lead host, Siima Kyakuhaire of 88.2 Sanyu FM, was a natural choice. With her vibrant personality, unmatched voice, and ability to command an audience, she embodies the show’s spirit.
Siima is the blueprint for a perfect host for the show—witty, energetic, and dynamic. Alongside her, we’ve had talents like Bernard Ewalu Olupot, aka Beewol and Maritza, who bring boldness, creativity, and quick comebacks to the stage. We've also had the talented comedian Daniel Omara as a judge. Future plans include training more hosts and building a community of performers who share our vision for comedy writing and entertainment.
What sets the Wild and Witty Show apart from everyday quiz formats?
Our trivia questions are uniquely tailored to everyday experiences, covering relationships, food, social dynamics, music, sports and so much more. For example, we’ve asked, “Which Michael Jackson song would sound better in Luganda?” or explored how people boldly sing wrong lyrics.
We combine nostalgia, wit, and creativity in a way that encourages participation, laughter, and connection without you having to cram facts about different opinions. Bring your creative answer, your team captain defends it and a mystery judge awards points to the most witty answer.
What other challenges have you faced, and what are your future plans?
Aside from financial constraints, building a consistent audience and navigating the complexities of improv comedy in a relatable way like local languages have been challenging. Despite this, we’ve seen immense potential and positive feedback.
Looking ahead, I hope to take the show beyond Kampala, exploring regional and international locations like Rwanda and Kenya. I also dream of starting an improv comedy academy, where everyday people can learn the art for personal growth like team building, public speaking, leadership, etc or as a career.
Background
Over the years, Laakeli, has learnt how to identify social trends which channel commercial value, turn those trends into experiential draws, and develop expertise in vast marketing terrains.
Her business savvy, eye for what’s next and singleness of purpose have transformed her from your everyday marketer to a digital marketer who harnesses the potential appeal of brands to ensure they speak to market needs.
With eight years of experience working in advertising, technology, tourism, and entertainment, Laakeli has successfully led digital marketing campaigns for notable projects like the Phygital Nyege Nyege, Pearl of Africa Star Search and inaugural edition of the Pulse Influencer awards in Uganda.
She is passionate about empowering others through digital innovation and her record plays to this strength. As a proud Rotarian, she also dedicates her time to community service and projects that create meaningful impact. Currently, this uncrowned m o n a rc h i s l ea r n i n g d a ta engineering, with the goal of merging technology and creativity to solve real-world problems.
