Recommended for you

Start writing a post

4 Must-Watch South African Female Comedians

Yes, Trevor Noah is great, but here are some hilarious women who deserve more attention.

Jan 21, 2019

George Washington University

1419

4 Must-Watch South African Female Comedians

https://unsplash.com/photos/LRUY6t8yRk4

Ever since the end of apartheid in 1994, the South African comedy scene has exploded with many emerging comedic stars. Just look at the popularity of Trevor Noah, a comedian from Johannesburg whose humor has garnered an international following. However, there is much more to South Africa's comedic culture than the spunky Xhosa-Swiss-German stand-up comedian turned television host. Over the past semester, I researched and explored the influence of South African female comedians on the politics of the region and discovered some badass women who have made a name for themselves in this space, which has a nasty history of upholding patriarchal norms.

During apartheid, newspapers used forms of dark comedy to help actors cope with discrimination, often publishing narratives which personified the white power structure. Literary comedy was often underlined with tragedy as it followed the black commoner's narrative of struggle against racial discrimination. However, even within these narratives, the majority of characters were male. Even after the end of apartheid, South African women suffered similar prejudices as Western women, facing critics who believe that femininity is inherently unhumorous. They were often excluded from stand-up performances which were held in bars, where female presence was seen as taboo. Despite this, women have paved their way in South African comedy, often adapting and innovating to overcome unique challenges. This environment has strengthened the talents of a diverse group of women whom I believe deserve more widespread recognition.

Listed below are some of my personal favorite South African female comedians.

1. Tumi Morake

Tumi Morake has appeared in popular South African movies and TV shows displaying her infectious energy and candidly discussing her struggles with body-issues and facing racial stereotyping. Her most popular television and film appearances are in Kota Life Crisis, Our Perfect Wedding, Red Cake - Not the Cooking Show, Skin, and Point of Order.

2. Celeste Ntuli

While writing my paper on this topic, Celeste Ntuli was one of my personal favorite comedians to watch. Plus, many of her stand-up shows are available on Youtube for easy access. Something uncommon about Ntuli's style is her brutal authenticity. Instead of creating characters like many other comedians, she performs by following her own rules which often includes performing in a blend of her vernacular. She is undeniably proud of her Zulu heritage and even uses it as comedic material complaining about her difficulty finding a man, listing her supposed required abilities: cleaning, cooking, dancing, speaking English and smiling.

3. Nina Hastie

Nina Hastie is well-known for her role on The Bantu Hour and The Late Nite News. She is hilarious and has a following inside and outside of South Africa. Outside of her comedy, she is candid about her struggles with depression and experience recovering from drug addiction.

4. Jailoshini Naidoo

I discovered Jailoshini Naidoo through her role as the protagonist in Keeping up with the Kandasamys, a movie following the lives of two families living in the South African Indian township, Chatsworth. The movie is best described as a rollercoaster, centered around a fairly predictable plotline which, despite its simplicity, warmed my heart. After the success of Keeping up with the Kandasamys, Naidoo premiered a new series entitles "Imbewu: The Seed." I have not yet seen it, but am confident that Naidoo will perform with similar conviction complemented by her clever sense of comedic timing.

So, next time you're wondering which show to watch on Netflix, consider branching out and exploring the world of South African comedy beyond Trevor Noah. These are only a few favorites of the countless talented women flourishing within South African comedy, and I hope to see more and more people supporting their success in the near future.

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

89574

college students waiting in a long line in the hallway

StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society

152015

a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

61561

loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets

StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Facebook Comments