As Senegal catches the comedy bug, young stand-ups seek a wider appeal

A comedian performing during a comedy show at the Institut Francais in Dakar. Photos: Guy Peterson/AFP

Stand-up comedy is taking Senegal by storm, with a crew of young comics gaining recognition well beyond the West African country’s borders.

Shows with names like Dakar fait sa comedy (Dakar does comedy), Fest’ rire (Laugh Fest), Afrique du rire (African Laugh) are springing up across the