South African comedy is rising

South African comedians are now performing on a daily basis, at various comedy clubs and theaters. They have become a lot more open minded to entertainment, through the use of stand-up comedy.

                               

From left: Donavan Goliath, LoyisoMadinga, Karmen Naidoo, Rachel M. Neary, Zakkiya, and Snooze

For many years, the county’s most popular form of comedic humour was the Leon Schuster movies.With just over 20 years of the new South Africa, comedy has witnessed a new era. Since one of the county's most talented comedians, Trevor Noah has joined Comedy Central's The Daily Show, the stand up comedy scene has blown up- Now having a country that is more open and accepting to humour.

Comedy has become a big industry, with some of the best shows taking place at even the smallest of venues. There are a number of well known, talented South African comedians like; Trevor Noah, Loyiso Gola, David Kau and MphoPopps. The country is yet to be blown away with up and coming comedians like MbeuKambuwa, who goes by the name of Snooze and EbenhaezerDibakwane.  All these comedians have their own unique personality and style, which captures their audiences.

 With a country that is so diverse with its people and their different cultures, along with our fascinating history, it is no surprise as to how these comedians come up with their remarkably entertaining material. Each comedian prepares their acts with different stories that they gather from various factors, such as our country's dramatic political dilemmas, celebrities who make unpredictable decisions or the crazy family member who everyone can relate to. Each act allows for the comedian to express themselves in their own distinctive style.

In order for one to have their own South African comedy experience, they can find acts being performed at various comedy clubs, restaurants, bars and theaters.

                                        

Ebenhaezer is a very energetic, abstract and quirky comedian. Starting to entertain at an early age sparked an interest as to what may evoke emotion from comedy. When he performs, one of he’s main concerns is the way his audience perceives him.

Ebenhaezer sees the future of comedy as a more open and accepting form of entertainment, with having a wider crowd. “In 10 years, I imagine performing at six different gigs on the same night… We’ll have a comedic channel and comedy will be a real industry in our country”, says Ebenhaezer.

Trevor Noah has opened many doors for comedians in the country, since he has little less experience than other international stars, like Kevin Hart and Katt Williams. This has given comedians motivation to continue.

                                        

Ebenhaezer can be found performing at Kitcheners on Tuesdays at 19h30, at Parker's Comedy and Jive on the 21^st May at 20h00, and at Poppy’s on the 7^th June.

When it comes to comic delivery, Snooze is one of the new, up and coming comedians who has grabbed majority of the audiences' votes. He's clear, interesting, confident, and funny. He knows how to tell a good story, through the use of his Malawian heritage.

Realising he's talent from entertaining friends and family, Snoozegets his motivation through the laughter and acknowledgement from he's audience. He finds it motivating to encourage he's audience and states, “what you believe in is real, and everyone has dreams. So when they see you do your thing, they then tell themselves 'I can go out and do this and that' without doubtin their minds". The confidence, humour and wardrobe in he's performances, grabs the audience's attentionand keeps them wanting more. Snooze provided a link to one of he’s performances, at Parkers Comedy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pffe4AO18Dg

As much as the audience gets a thrill out of each performance, the comedians themselves have goals to achieve and memories from each experience. 

                                           

Comedians portray a lot of self confidence when they go up on stage and perform. When going to a good comedy show, with talented comedians, it is rare to find one that lacks confidence in their performance.  Snooze states that "one needs to have a dialogue within themselves in order to not give in to fear". In order to be one of the best comedians it is essential to put aside your fears and focus on your actual goal.  "Some of the best comics I know, are not the most confident people, but when they plan their material and tell themselves they going to do something, they the ones that have that drive to get up on stage and say 'I'll see this thing through'and they the ones that blaze".

As he grabs pen to paper to create exciting new material, Snooze can be found performing at Kitcheners on Tuesdays at 19h30, News Cafe Northriding on the 28th May at 19h30, and the Savanna Comics Choice Awards on the 30th May.

Thanks to the country's historical past and integrated present, comedy in South Africa is yet to take over, and rise to an international level, with its amazingly talented performers.