Comedians are the new rock stars. Think John Vlismas and his crazy punk image. Think Trevor Noah and his sex appeal. Think Marc Lottering with his wild hair and smooth dress code (that's when he's not dressing up as one his tannies from the Cape Flats.)
In the old days, stand-up comedians were the reserve of the theatre and boring old theatre types. Now their audiences are young, trendy people, many of whom have never bothered to enter a theatre in their lives.
Comedians like David Kau, Chris Forrest and Eugene Khoza are packing out live music venues, appearing on hip hop CDs and hosting the South African Music Awards. Heck, some even have hot groupies.
It all changed in the nineties when comedians like Lottering successfully broke the dominance of white male stand-ups and helped forge a path for younger comedians who were ready to take on the new South Africa with all its political correctness and political incorrectness.
This Capetonian recently finished a successful run at the Baxter Theatre. Called Three Wiser Men it was directed by David Kramer and featured Riaad Moosa and Nik Rabinowitz.
This year sees him participating in festivals instead of the one-man shows which he has done for the last decade. Lottering will be performing at the Blacks Only shows as well as a festival called Bafunny Bafunny, planned in time for the World Cup. There is also talk of a 46664 comedy show which is planned for Joburg and London.Then there are the tours to Australia to perform in front of the expats, as well as co-writing a musical comedy with Kramer.
On January 12 he married his partner of 10 years, Anwar McKay, and returned from honeymoon in Zanzibar a week ago. But that is not the only reason he is in a good mood. "I just received comps to Eddie Izzard," he said, grinning his famously sweet grin.
What I like most about South Africa... The diversity, especially for comedians. We can use words like whities and darkies in our deliveries and no one blinks an eyelid. Yet in other countries people are uptight about that sort of thing.
What drives me mad about this country... The current Selebi trial because it's just going on and on for so long that we've forgotten why he's there. We've become so used to reading ridiculous stories like the Minister of State Security's wife being arrested for drug trafficking.
My favourite part of South Africa... Of course I'm going to say Cape Town. Johannesburg has the energy and is sheer rock 'n' roll but Cape Town is a sexy city to live in. You can exist without lots of money because there are so many beautiful places.
I think politics... Used to be interesting for comedians because they wrote our scripts for us but now it's not funny any more.
The house I grew up in... Was in Retreat on the Cape Flats. It was great because it was free-standing, which was important on the Flats, and we spoke English so we were already set up in the community.
My primary school... I was a non-event, a real nerd at school.
All I ever wanted to be... Was a backing singer for Whitney Houston
What I don't like about me is... My small toes. They look like they have struggle credentials because they stand out all the time.
What I see when I look in the mirror... God had a good day when he created me.
My favourite item of clothing ... My old white Converse takkies because I wear them all the time.
My nightmare... Being a wedding planner for President Zuma.
The happiest day of my life... I get thrilled on a regular basis.
I drive... A blue car.
The CD playing in my car is... Whitney Houston because I saw her interview on Oprah and I got all nostalgic.
A movie I have watched repeatedly is... The Lion King.
My house is... Not paid off yet.
I am currently reading... I read two terrible books on my honeymoon in Zanzibar. Invisible by Paul Auster and Three Weeks to Say Goodbye by CJ Box. I eventually went on to a You magazine, which I totally adored reading on the beach.
The person who really makes me laugh... I was reminded again this weekend how funny Mark Banks is off stage. I was crying with laughter as he told us this story about how someone moered someone else in a supermarket.
In three years... I really, really would like to be able to say I've seen someone perform my work. I am keen to write my words for other funny people.
I live for... A peaceful existence in my life and in my head. No more drama. No more chaos.
My life in three words... Eventful. Rewarding. Meaningful.
What keeps me awake at night is... My neighbour called Daniel. He doesn't remove his shoes when he walks around his bedroom.
As a global citizen I think... South Africa should become serious about dividing rubbish into the correct eco-friendly bins.