Over the years, we have seen some of our local comedians’ careers evolving and turning them into household names in TV, radio and even cinema. Below is a list of some of those whose paths have been forged by comedy.
Skhumba Hlophe: Proved that talent and being a jack of all trades can get you further in the industry. After bursting on to the scene in 2010 after his first appearance at the Soweto Comedy Festival, his career soared with his appearance in SABC1 sitcom Thandeka’s Diary, hosting a reality show Change Down alongside Boity Thulo, and now hosting the Kaya FM Friday morning slot. Skhumba has been on productions such as 100% Zulu and hosted #JustForKontrol at the Boardwalk earlier this year. He didn’t win at this year’s Savanna awards.
Mpho “Popps” Modikoane: His debut appearance was on SABC1’s So You Think You’re Funny but has since appeared on various comedy shows such as Blacks Only, Late Night with Kgomotso and Comedy Central Presents... Live @ Parkers. He landed a major role on Mzansi Magic’s Ayeye, appeared in The Bantu Hour, and scooped presenting gigs throughout his career. He also hosted this year’s 24th South African Music Awards alongside Somizi and Dineo Ranaka.
Tumi Morake
Tumi Morake: She has single-handedly dominated the industry through laughs, making a big name for herself on stage, TV, radio, scriptwriting and MC gigs. She gained fame on one of Mzanzi’s most-loved TV shows, Our Perfect Wedding. Morake also co-hosted a breakfast show on Jacaranda FM, which lasted for eight months. On the acting front, she had a role in the international award-winning film Gangster’s Paradise: Jerusalema, and appeared in Mzansi Magic’s The Queen, as Dolly.
Kagiso Lediga: He can be referred to by many titles such as stand-up comedian, actor, producer, writer and TV presenter. Starting his career in 1998 on the comedy circuit, Lediga went on to perform on various comedy stages such as Laugh Out Loud, Comedy Blackout and Carolines on Broadway. He shone in The Pure Monate Show and had a hand in the production of Catching Feelings as the director as well as portraying the character Max Maxsane, alongside Pearl Thusi and Akin Omotoso. He appeared in Bunny Chow (2006), which won an award at the Toronto Film Festival, and Big Fellas.