Durban based comedian and businessman, Jem Atkins started his comedy career in 2009 at different comedy circuits in Kwazulu Natal, KZN. It wasn’t smooth sailing for Jem to penetrate the comedy market, he says he did 6 gigs in a year and took any gig he came across with as part of his strategy to build his brand recognition and credibility in the comedy industry.
In the beginning getting paid was not Jem’s ambition as some of the gigs he did he wasn’t getting any cent but building his name. Due to lack of bookings, Jem started On Fire Comedy as a job creation for himself and other comedians. Four years later, his establishment OnFireComedy has grown into one of the biggest comedy platform in Durban and South Africa.
Mr Atkins draw inspiration from Joe Parker of Parkers Comedy, Monte Casino and Joburg based Goalith & Goliath Brothers. Currently his company, Onfirecomedy produce, promote touring comedians and corporate events. “My end goal is to own a fully fleshed comedy club, where we will do comedy every day and make a lots of money and pay comedians a decent money says Jem. At the moment its been tough running the business because I fund the project from my own pocket, hopefully as times goes sponsors will come on board to partner with us”.
By Rethabile Mohlala
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