Gunter serves a bellyful of laughs
For almost 10 years, Rohan Gunter has kept fans in South Florida laughing with a distinct brand of Caribbean humour. He has also helped promote Jamaican culture in the region which has a massive West Indian population.
Gunter is one of the nominees for South Florida Entertainer of The Year at the October 2 International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA). Last year, the organisation selected him as its Comedian Of The Year.
From Franklin Town in East Kingston, Gunter said the Caribbean comedy scene has picked up in South Florida during the last five years.
“Stand-up comedy is growing in South Florida with the help of some local talents such as Pastor St Hope, Ray J and Marley who are performers and promoters from the islands pushing the laughter. I have hosted four events since migrating and helping to push it also,” he told the Jamaica Observer.
Through his production company, Projex Mygreat, Gunter produced two new shows — Dinner And Laffs and Gigglez — The Laugh Continues — this year in West Palm Beach and Miramar, respectively.
The audience attending his productions are largely Caribbean immigrants, but Gunter said his base has become more diverse as topics transcend West Indian issues.
“They are still growing with the help of the plays which have been crossing culture lines. It’s a mixed audience and I am focused on crossing over, so I have been paying attention to the wider market while still representing my Jamaican culture,” he explained.
The popular themes are mainly Jamaican. Some involve the country’s most famous sportsman.
“A company decided to make gold condoms in honour of Usain Bolt’s victories in Rio. The sales were very weak and they even had to discontinue the production. They were curious why this was so. They sent a reporter to do research on the matter and the Jamaicans would complain that although they love Bolt with all their heart, when they use the Bolt Gold condoms they always come first and in less than 10 seconds. They are seeking Justin Gatlin now.”
The IRAWMAs will be held at the Coral Springs Center For The Arts.
— Howard Campbell
