By Neo Kolane
When the name ‘Sir Matee’ is mentioned, what comes to the mind of those familiar with it is comedy and bouts of laughter.
But theirs is more to Sir Matee: he is also a teacher, a master of ceremonies and owner of a school known simply as Millicent Academy.
Born Keneuoe Matee in the district of Leribe, Sir Matee is furthering his studies in education at Botho University.
He says that while in Standard 7, he began selling ice guava as his family was not so well-off. He was encouraged by his mother to device means for a living in order to survive harsh conditions in the future.
In an interview with theReporter Sir Matee explained that he loved telling tales while growing up, a practice that plunged him into building interest in comedy.
He said it was only when he was in Form 5 that he realised he had a talent to showcase his craft. He began going to shops and churches in 2018 to display his art as a stand-up comedian.
“My first tough stage was where I met up with other comedians was during a comedy night event at Roma, in 2019; here I am four years later.
“Comedy is recognised a lot in the country, mostly by Basotho, and this is demonstrated when comedians are invited to events to entertain audiences. Government officials usually invite me to their events,” Sir Matee said.
The 34-year old funny-man said in order to have a continuous supply of relevant content, he taps into the communication skills he was taught. Apart from that he studied psychology and public speaking, and these stand him in good stead. He gains his creativity from the array of events he attends.
He further described comedy as a business which is built by being creating and posting some content on social media. Therefore, he is perturbed by the fact that some people do not regard comedy as a serious trade.
In addition to being a comedian, he has established a school. This, according to him, is realisation of yet another dream.
“The aim was for the school to be a success. What made it possible was the comedy I am involved in. I saved funds and in August 2021 I acquired a site on which I started building the school the following month. The facility was completed in December and it opened its doors for learners in January this year.
“As a comedian, there is a time where content will shift but the next generation will not be like us. So I was looking for something to keep me going while still a comedian,” he said.
Millicent Academy is a unique early childhood and primary school in which pupils also do e-learning.
His is so ambitious that he wants to grow his school into a high school and eventually into a college.
Currently, on Facebook, Sir Matee has 200 000 followers on his page and more than 3 000 on the Sir Matee group.
