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10 Top South African Comedians

10 Top South African Comedians

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In the past decade, South Africa has seen many fresh, talented young comedians appearing on the scene, often using humor for social and political commentary. Comedy events such as the annual Nando’s Jozi Comedy Festival and comedy clubs throughout major cities have made it possible for South African comics to make a name for themselves. Here are 10 top South African comedians who are making waves. Sources:  ArtLink.co.za, Comedians-South-Africa.co.za, Gidilounge.co.za, TrevorNoah.com, Drum.co.za

huffingtonpost.com
huffingtonpost.com

1. Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah is by far the best-known name in comedy in South Africa right now. He got his start as an actor and radio show host but gave them up to pursue comedy. His jokes often focus on racism, such as in his special, “That’s Racist” and his one-man show, “The Racist.” Noah has the distinguished honor of being the first South African comedian to appear on “The Tonight Show” and has made many other international appearances.

examiner.com
examiner.com

2. Barry Hilton

Barry Hilton is loud, goofy, unapologetic, and downright hilarious. He has been making people laugh for more than 30 years and nothing is off limits in his acts. Drawing material from family life, the political state of Africa and everything in between, Hilton has been incredibly influential in shaping the South African comedy scene.

iol.co.za
iol.co.za

3. Celeste Ntuli

It isn’t easy for women to break into comedy, but Celeste Ntuli has done it – and she’s done it in a big way. Known as the “Queen of Zulu comedy,” she isn’t afraid to laugh at the tough subjects in life, taking on topics such as her personal insecurities, polygamy, or sexism.

artlink.co.za
artlink.co.za

4. Nik Rabinowitz

Nik Rabinowitz represents the unique cultural diversity that is South Africa. As a trilingual Jewish man raised on a farm near Cape Town,and  speaking Xhosa, he can poke fun at a lot of different groups. By laughing at everyone (especially himself and his roots), Rabinowitz is able to use comedy to bring people together.

Loyiso Gola
Loyiso Gola

5. Loyiso Gola

Loyiso Gola took South Africa by storm and hasn’t stopped. For the past four years, he’s been breaking taboos and drawing attention to the political state of the country in his satirical show, “Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola.” He also has an impressive list of awards for his uninhibited style of comedy.

comedians-south-africa.co.za
comedians-south-africa.co.za

6. David Kau

David Kau’s story is one of an underdog who came out on top. He is known for being the first black stand-up comedian in the 1998 Smirnoff Comedy Festival in Cape Town. He won, despite never even having seen a comedy festival, much less participating in one. Over the years, Kau has won numerous comedy awards, produced the “Blacks Only Comedy Show,” and started the “Pure Monate Show.”

thenewage.co.za/Mzansi Magic
thenewage.co.za/Mzansi Magic

7. Tumi Morake

Tumi Morake is a force to be reckoned with. She began her comedy career in 2006 and has since performed alongside the biggest names in South African comedy, worked as a theater director, and written for TV – all while being a wife and mother of three.

artlink.co.za
artlink.co.za

8. Deep Fried Man

Before he studied comedy, Daniel Friedman (aka Deep Fried Man) studied journalism and social media and also played folk music. Realizing the power of laughter, Friedman translated his knowledge into a unique style of musical comedy. Deep Fried Man will pick up his guitar and sing deeply funny satirical songs with titles such as “If I Was a Gupta” and “White Boy Blues.”

iol.co.za
iol.co.za

9. Nina Hastie

Nina Hastie has been named one of the funniest women in South Africa. She is known for her edgy, smart style of comedy. Hastie has a knack for making observations about everyday situations and the state of current affairs that otherwise get overlooked, and then breaking them down and laughing at them. From the moment she takes the stage, audiences are captivated by Hastie and her intelligence and originality.

cnn.com
cnn.com

10. Riaad Moosa

As an Indian-born Muslim who grew up in South Africa, Riaad Moosa has no shortage of material. Along with his unique cultural background, Moosa is a doctor who diverted his medical career to pursue comedy and acting. Most of Moosa’s acts revolve around themes of Islamaphobia, such as his one-man shows, “Strictly Halaal” and “For the Baracka.” He uses his experience as a doctor to make witty cracks about health. Moosa’s shows are family friendly, so people take their kids to see him perform.