Last weekend, Trevor Noah popped by The Goliath Comedy Club for an impromptu set. That was as mind-blowing for the guys - Jason, Nicholas and Donovan Goliath - as it was for the audience.
Jason Goliath and the crew (pictured with Trevor Noah) at the Just for Laughs festival in Canada in July.
And Jason Goliath has been on a pretty awesome high, having just returned from the Just for Laughs festival in Canada.
By the way, he was invited to perform on Kevin Hart’s comedy special while there.
Of the experience, he enthuses, “JFL 2017 was the best week of my life, not only did I get to be part of a special filmed for Kevin Hart’s new LOL Network, but I was part of the biggest comedy festival on the planet with the best in the world. These are things I was incapable of dreaming about six years ago.”
As for getting to rub shoulders with some of the who’s who on the international comedy circuit, Goliath offers: “I got to chat to Jeff Ross (Comedy Central’s Roast Master General) who’s been to South Africa and has huge love and respect for our comedy.
“I got interviewed by Tony Rock (Chris Rock’s brother but still) saw Kevin Hart, performed with Michael Che, saw Jimmy Carr, Jim Carey, watched Nicholas Goliath shake Cedric the Entertainer’s hand and that was on Day 1. It’s the Olympics of Comedy - everyone is there!”
Jason Goliath and the crew at the Just for Laughs festival in Canada in July. He was part of the line-up at the prestigious event.
Back home, he’s preparing for his one-man show, The Live Series.
Although no stranger to sharing the stage, going solo for 75 minutes is a first for him.
He explains: “It’s time. I’ve been doing comedy for six years now and I feel like I’ve found my comedic voice.
“It’s weird, but it felt like fate when M-Net Movies approached me to film a one-man special for DStv Box Office. I can’t wait to tell my stories.” Much of the comedy is derived from things in his life and romantic relationships.
Goliath offers: “Lol I’m a situational storyteller and my comedy is generally a reflection and commentary of what’s happening in my life.
“Most of the piece is around the hilarity of my relationship, whether you’re in one, want to get out of one or don’t believe relationships are for you, you’ll relate.”
Back to the comedy industry and how he’s contributing to its growth through The Goliath Comedy Club, he says: “We are in love with comedy at Goliath & Goliath.
“We are honoured to provide platforms for other comedians to do the thing they love. Our mission is to get South Africans to watch live stand-up comedy as often as possible. We’ve been called game-changers but we’re just happy to be part of the game.”
Aside from performing at numerous festivals, he also shone on the small screen, especially with his Larger Than Life talk show on SABC3.
With success comes a few learning curves and life lessons.
In full agreement, he admits: “The biggest lesson I’ve learnt is to chase the HAPPY not the money. I failed miserably in business before I found comedy. I believe one of the reasons for this failure was doing things I thought would make me rich instead of doing things that made me happy.”
Jason Goliath.
One of the things that’s close to his heart is the camaraderie - and support from his peers.
He reflects: “Siv Ngesi told me to try stand-up, Nicholas Goliath made me try it.
“I met Donovan Goliath a week after my first gig; David Kibuuka helped fix my mind and trust my funny.
“Joey Rasdien was a great motivator, as were Chris Forrest, Loyiso Gola, David Kau, Joe Parker and so many more.
“The comedy community is amazing, always willing to help and advise.”
During his downtime he loves watching movies (with his lady), playing Fifa on PlayStation with the boys.
Back to The Live Series, he hints: “The show is funny, it’s weird for me to say that, but it’s funny.
“I plan to give everything and leave nothing.”