Blacks Only - now with token white guy

SOUTH African comedy giant David Kau brings his hit comedy brand Blacks Only for one night to Durban next week.

With a line-up that boasts Kau (as MC), Durban’s Sifiso Nene and Mondli Mzizi, and comedy heavyweights Donovan David Goliath, Skhumbuzo Hlophe, Chris Mapane and Thapelo Seemise – as well as Chris Forrest in the role of “honorary” black comedian for the night – this is surely going to be one you’ll not want to miss.

Tonight spoke to Mzizi about his journey in comedy and what can be expected of him at the show.

After stumbling in to comedy during his ’varsity years, Mzizi found the art to be life-changing – literally.

“We had an artist society at ’varsity that used to invite me to MC their functions because at the time I was known for my jokes. At one event some comedians from outside campus saw me and liked me. We kept in contact and, after a while, I started doing comedy gigs. After that I changed my course from a BComm to drama because I knew where my passion lay,” he explained.

Smart move on the part of the former Ixopo citizen-turned-Durbanite, who today boasts a growing reputation in the industry and, of course, a coveted South African Traditional Music Awards (Satma) (Best Indigenous Comedian, 2010)

Mzizi said the audience could expect to hear some of his newest material about current issues – including SA’s new police commissioner.

Kau needs little introduction as the man behind a host of comedy talent, founder of the hit reality TV show So You Think You’re Funny and more.

Having been at the forefront of SA’s comedy scene for close to 10 years, Forrest’s dry sense of humour has made him one of the country’s most popular comedians.

In a press statement Kau gave a breakdown of what the audience can expect from the comedians on the bill:

lGoliath, from Mthatha, includes in his act a lot of storytelling and simple insights using various characters and impersonations to get his message across.

lHlophe’s larger-than-life comedy has thrilled audiences and critics alike. He loves telling people that he is an international comedian because he has performed in Witbank.

lMapane is regarded as one of the most energetic comedians on stage. His observant nature and ability to stay current with his topics have made him an audience favourite.

lNene is the winner of the first season of So You Think You’re Funny. His style is a daring blend of casual observation of South African life and current affairs.

• Seemise, otherwise known as Tips (Thru Inspiration People Succeed), started doing comedy when he made it to the Top 6 of So You Think You’re Funny and worked his way to big shows like Blacks Only and the Tshwane Comedy Fest to being a regular at Parker’s.

House DJ Franky will be spinning the decks during the show and interacting with Kau.

Blacks Only stages at the Playhouse Opera on July 14. It takes place in KZN for only the second time.

• Tickets are available at Computicket and are priced between R120 and R150, excluding their service fee. The show starts at 9pm and runs for two- and-a-half hours with an intermission.

• WIN! WIN! WIN!

Five sets of double tickets to see Blacks Only in Durban are up for grabs. To stand a chance of winning, SMS BLACKS ONLY DN to 33963 by 9am tomorrow. SMSes cost R1.50 each.

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