Relationships are often emotional rollercoasters, and many times full of laughter – especially when observing a couple from the outside.
What’s even more funny is when the couple is the same person. Jesaya Namalemo, a young singer and actor from Swakopmund, brings to life the dynamic couple Bernice and Patrick in a series of sketch comedy videos posted to social media.
“I feel like in real life, we always find a Bernice and Patrick. Whether it’s in the townships, bars or shebeens,” Namalemo said, adding that he finds inspiration in real life characters, what they say and how they speak. “I hear the words they speak and I use them in my scripts.”
When the first video hit Facebook about five months ago, it introduced the good-for-nothing, tooth-missing, stuttering and dependent Patrick who only has enough money for GoTV. Then there’s Bernice, or as Patrick would say “Bereniece” – the breadwinner in the relationship with a ‘vatik*kkie’ attitude who certainly has no more patience for Patrick than the audience.
The introductory video clip takes place in the back of a taxi on its way to Greenwell, when we quickly find out the power dynamics of this couple as Patrick asks his beloved what their next meal will be, as the polony is finished.
Frustrated, Bernice refuses to pay his cab fare, but succumbs to her boyfriend’s pleas.
This clip has since garnered 191 000 views on Facebook, 3 400 shares and almost 2 000 likes.
The second clip shows a different side of Patrick. As Bernice does her ‘Baywatch’ run on the beach, Patrick sits and ponders their picnic meal and longs for a KFC Streetwise 2. Mustering up a bit of courage, he tells this to Bernice and lets her know that this “Drink-O-Pop story” must come to an end.
“I’ve been overwhelmed,” the actor said in reaction to his social media popularity. “This is not what I expected. I didn’t know people would love my videos so much. I’m glad it makes them happy, but I also do it for myself, because it makes me happy.”
Patrick seems to grow in confidence in the third clip when he manages to pay the GoTV subscription just in time for Bernice to catch up on her telenovelas.
This Afrikaans series, complete with typical Namibian phrases, comedy and spirit, has garnered tremendous popularity on Facebook – and rightfully so.
Namalemo puts a comedic twist to what can sometimes be a frustrating relationship under harsh circumstances. The actor creates comedy from the simplest of situations from a cab ride to a walk on the beach and getting home in time to watch some television.
There’s no slowing Namalemo down. In fact, he’s planning a movie or mini-series.
“All characters will be involved, all cultures will be represented. It will be truly Namibian,” he concluded.
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