‘You don’t need filth’ - Leighton Smith champions clean comedy

Veteran comedian Leighton Smith is calling on Jamaica's emerging comics to "stay away from dirty materials" as they carve their paths in the world of comedy. For Smith, clean humour is just as powerful and lasting as any bawdy joke.

"There's plenty of clean material to joke about. You could talk about something as simple as the empty perfume bottle on a dresser. People will wonder, 'What will he come up with next year?' You don't need filth to leave an impression," Smith explained.

Smith, who wears many hats as a comedian, actor, schoolteacher, and pastor, is confident about the industry's growth. He said that based on his observation, he is confident that Jamaican comedy is thriving, and urged emerging talents to elevate their craft.

"Comedy is alive and well in Jamaica. Reason number one, comedians don't normally ask people to book them; people call them. I did over 100 performances last year," Smith shared.

"People love comedy, but it's something you have to love to know it's ongoing, because comedy events aren't heavily advertised."

And he is confident about the industry's growth.

"There's a fresh wave of talent coming up. I have four young comedians in mind, but they haven't reached out to me for guidance yet. To them, I'd say: don't let comedy turn into slackness. People shouldn't think they have to be lewd to make audiences laugh. Even churches book comedians! After you step off stage, your name stays with people, so make it count."

The House of Prayer Church leader has big plans for 2025, including a monthly online skit series aimed at tackling social issues with humour.

"I want to tell stories that address social abnormalities in a dramatic way. Jamaicans often speak aggressively, and if you respond the same way, violence will follow. My goal is to help us communicate better -- whether young or old," he said.

Smith added humorously, "Imagine calling a nice human being a dog. When they respond violently, people will ask, 'Why are you behaving so?' But who called them a dog? And what do dogs do? Bite!"

Smith is gearing up to showcase his talent internationally at the Barbados Comedy Fest in May and the Johnny's Comedy Bar Tour this summer. With a mission to redefine Jamaican comedy, Smith is poised to keep audiences laughing and thinking.