Christopher 'Johnny' Daley attributes much of the exposure of new exponents in the art of provoking thought and laughter to Si Wi Yah's Comedy Buss which, after islandwide auditions, was televised in its later stages and the public involved in the final decisions.

Running in 2006 and 2007, Comedy Buss not only exposed but also honed the talent of budding comedians with workshops.

"Comedy Buss has done a lot to enhance the comedic tool and it is one of the driving forces (of the expansion)," Daley told The Sunday Gleaner.

Now, Daley said, "people can come more regularly to comedy shows and see a good package and the word is spreading quite nicely".

Rohan Gunter won Comedy Buss in 2006 and Dwight Samuels in 2007, with Leighton Smith a popular runner-up from the Buss' first season. But Daley pointed out that "the biggest name out of Comedy Buss so far is Shebada". Keith 'Shebada' Ramsey came third in 2006.

The Si Wi Yah principals saw the need to 'buss' new comedians while Backyaad Crack-Up was being run. "Coleen and I saw the need for opening up the comedic pool, allowing us to become real producers of comedy. There were not enough comedians out there to sustain a monthly event and I thought that was ridiculous," Daley said.

The first Comedy Buss winner and now promoter as well, Gunter, told The Sunday Gleaner, "I think comedy has definitely grown and something like Comedy Buss has something to do with that. Being on TV, it has opened a lot of doors for comedians and for the art form of comedy. Although it wasn't held last year, it has made comedy popular."

Ian 'Ity' Ellis said "observing after the Bello and Blakka era, and even after the Ity and Fancy Cat era, there are a lot more players. There are comedians everywhere and they are getting better at it. There was an upsurge in 2004 when people, I guess, just wanted a break from dancehall".

With the proliferation of comedy shows, there is potential for some scheduling issues. Daley said there is a move afoot to form the Association of Comedic Entertainers to streamline a growing business. And in a move of solidarity, this month's LOL show will not be held as the focus is on Backyaad for Owen 'Blakka' Ellis' birthday celebration on Wednesday.

The event will mark Blakka's retirement from stand-up comedy.

- KH and MC