Philomaine Nanema, also Philo (born 10 April 1982) is a Burkinabe comedian and actress. She is the recipient of the 2020 ECOWAS prize for best young comedian. In 2022, she co-presented Hello Doc, a series intended to encourage COVID-19 immunisation in Africa.
Biography
Nanema was born on 10 April 1982 in Côte d'Ivoire.[1] Her career initially began as a radio host.[2] In 2006, Nanema made her theatrical debut in Ouagadougou, where her mentor was Gérard Ouédraogo.[3][2] Nanema also performed in Cellule 512 by the late Missa Hébié [fr].[3] In 2015, she participated in the Parliament of Laughter by the Nigerian comedian Mamane, which was broadcast on Canal+.[2] During the Humorous Festival in 2015, she performed as the satirical leader of a fictitious republic to support the presidential and legislative elections of that year.[4]
In 2019, Nanema organized her first one woman show, entitled I salute you Marie, which discussed issues around marriage.[5][6] This was followed by a subsequent show entitled Marry Me which address marriage, as well as issues such as violence against women.[7] In her shows, she denounces violence against women; she also encourages women to become involved in comedy and theatre.[2][3]
In 2022, she co-hosted with Frank Donga a comedy show entitled Hello Doc aimed at promoting COVID-19 immunisation programmes in Africa.[8][9]