Local comedians must be chomping at the bit to take potshots at the Sushi King Kenny Kunene in this year’s Comedy Central Roast.
Kunene’s outspoken nature, his insatiable appetite for bling and women, not to mention his recent foray into politics, should provide them with plenty of ammunition – particularly since their Roast target has appeared at such short notice.
The original roastee, local candid camera legend Leon Schuster, pulled out of the event this week. Comedy Central released a statement claiming that Schuster’s doctor had advised him to rest following an intense shooting schedule. Schuster is preparing to undergo a knee operation.
“I'm heartbroken to be missing the roast and so sorry at any disappointment caused to my fans, but unfortunately all those silly movie stunts and some old rugby injuries have finally caught up with me at the ripe old age of 62,” said Schuster
“I'm going to take some time out for a bit of R&R and I look forward to coming back fit and refreshed in a couple of months. In the meantime I look forward to putting my feet up and watching Kenny Kunene getting the roasting he well and truly deserves.”
Comedy Central channel director Evert van der Veer is “excited to welcome Kenny on board as our second Roastee”.
“We think Leon would have made a great roastee so naturally we are sorry that he can no longer participate but he has been told to rest and his health is the most important thing,” he added.
“Kenny is a brilliant alternative – a controversial and well-known media figure thanks to his colourful career. Kenny’s ability to court controversy and to polarise opinion offers lots of comedic possibilities and make him truly Roast worthy.”
Kunene himself is looking forward to the challenge.
“You can never roast sushi. Don’t even try. But bring it on Comedy Central!” he said.
The panel responsible for giving Kenny a proper roasting has yet to be decided.
The roast is scheduled to take place at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City on April 3. Comedy Central will broadcast the show on April 28 at 9PM.