KINGSTON, Jamaica — Comedian Dufton ‘Duffy’ Shepherd believes that the unique ability of Jamaican comedians to create boundary-pushing, socially critical, comedy makes them the perfect agents of change in the society.

“The art form is growing and being a comedian is now even being seen as a form of entertainment that only the truly gifted can execute. Comedy is also great as a form of social commentary and advocating change for the better in our society,” Shepherd said.

“People often incorrectly assume that comedy – because it is funny and entertaining – is inappropriate for communicating about serious issues, or that it serves as a distraction from important problems. But comedy can create real change in attitudes, especially in our society,” the comedian added.

In recent times, international acts such as Cedric the Entertainer, Mike Epps, Shuler King, and Comedian Trixx have come to the island’s shores to perform on locally produced stand-up comedy shows. Shepherd believes that the box office power of comedy has created a new revenue stream for practitioners who ply their trade at corporate events and on online platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

“Organisations are purposefully incorporating stand-up comedy as a part of their functions to ensure their patrons are guaranteed smiles and have a good time,” Shepherd noted.

He believes that local comedy attracts a demographic which understands the value of the genre and events create a reasonable price point that the public finds attractive.

“All of these factors are attractive to potential sponsors because partnerships allow for products and services which can be exposed to an audience that they wouldn’t normally be able to access at other events,” he mused.

Shepherd asserted that the state of comedy is stronger than ever in Jamaica.

“The practitioners have not only molded their craft to elite levels, they are now inspiring new comedians to the genre. Comedians are now household names which has allowed for expansion into other roles,” he stated.

If anyone, ‘Duffy’ should know. He is the poster boy for this sort of transformational change. A graduate of Wolmer’s High School for Boys, he worked in corporate jobs for 10 years before deciding to take the plunge into comedy full time.

Fast forward over a decade later, Shepherd has become a major in-demand talent in the hosting of live events, winning brand ambassadorships, as well as producing shows on radio and TV, while balancing the demands of being a motivational speaker.  He is also a host on Daytime Live on TVJ and one of the hosts on the popular ‘Full House Fridays’ show on FAME FM.

He has over 20 years of experience in the world of entertainment.

RISE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Shepherd believes that comedy can thrive in the entertainment marketplace but also play a strategic role in efforts to call attention to generational poverty and social injustice.

He believes that content creators and TikTokers in this digital-era have been generating content with satirical news programmes, savvy sketches, hard-hitting stand-up acts, and funny documentaries which exert incredible influence through social media, and affect contemporary social justice issues.

“Today’s comedians have way more influence than ever before. Look at Dr Michael Abrahams, who writes columns and poems that address social issues. Comedy pulls people in and creates a positive emotional connection, which can, in turn, inspire engagement and action,” Shepherd pointed out.

He asserted further that the changing demographics of the comedic genre make it an attractive vocation for young people.

“Comedy is also a genre that welcomes new blood, new interests, both men and women, especially women, and age, colour, creed, economic background, social status are not restrictive factors,” Duffy said.

“Comedians are business owners, holders of graduate and post-graduate degrees, consultants,” he added.

“They are respected industry professionals that are admired by the local population. Their names and presence at events or their association to products or services are guaranteed to attract large turnouts and widespread engagement,” he continued.

Shepherd has been finetuning his comedic skills for years. He hosts a monthly comedy show, ‘Slightly Unhinged’, on the last Sunday of every month at 22 Barbican Road, St Andrew. The next edition will feature comedians Dahlia Harris, Ity Ellis and Curly Roberts.

Years later, Shepherd said that he still loves that electric one-on-one, almost psychic connection with the audience he is able to make with an audience during his set.

“Over the years, my ability to assess people in real time and interact with them where they are at has grown. Sometimes it’s a look in the eye, seeing that they want to feel included; recognising that the interaction of that moment is needed to feed their inner selves. Allowing yourself to be totally present in a moment allows you to connect with people in a real way,” he outlined.