2Mbili recalls his US comedy performance where only 8 people showed up
Comedian 2Mbili has opened up about one of the most absurd and disappointing experiences of his past US tour, a performance where only eight people showed up in a venue built for 1,500.
Speaking during an interview on Thursday, February 19, 2026, he recalled that during the early days of his career, few people believed in his talent, which contributed to the unusually small turnout.
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“By the way, nilikua na show US na ilikua na watu wanane wasee hawakukua wananiaminia sana,” he said.
He said that only his friend attended, along with his wife and two children. He noted that the other attendees were two event organisers, a hotel renter, a server, and a random person.
“Kwa hao wasee wanane, my friend Faruk alikuja na bibi yake na watoto wake wawili, so watu wanne already walikua wa Faruk. Alafu wawili walikua event organisers, alafu hao wengine kuna mmoja alikuwa ameturentisha hio hoteli, alafu huyo mwingine sikuwa namjua, na mtu mwingine alikuwa anaserve hapo haha,” 2Mbili recounted.
2Mbili laughed off the situation, noting that the real comedy wasn’t just on stage but in the chaos of trying to organise a full show with so few attendees.
“A 1,500-capacity venue, imagine kujaribu kupanga watu wanane kwa hio place! But it was amazing performing in the US. It was a great experience,” he said.
He emphasised that the mismatch between the huge venue and the tiny audience created a surreal and unforgettable energy.
He also shared that the low turnout was partly linked to the limited online media presence at the time. He said that promoting shows internationally was far more difficult, and that the same situation would likely play out differently today with social media.
“If this happened today, the show would probably be fully booked, even the President would know about it,” he noted,
Despite the small crowd, 2Mbili emphasised that performing in the US was an incredible experience.
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William Muthama
William Muthama is a digital journalist with a focus on entertainment, human interest, and current affairs. Share stories: [email protected]/ [email protected]
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