Siv Ngesi is a South African Comedian who has been making all the right noises in the industry. He won the Golden Ovation Award for Comedy at the National Arts Festival in 2010 and has since seen his career grow from strength to strength. We caught up with the comic for a quick QnA so we can figure out more about why he is one to watch.

Hi Siv, welcome to ZAlebs! For those who don't know, please tell us who Siv Ngesi is?

Siv Ngesi is an actor comedian and motivational speaker.

Your name in full is Sivuyile, what made you change your name to “Siv”?

Yes I haven’t changed it,  it’s still Sivuyille Ngezi. However, people call me “Siv” because its short, and I suppose as a result of that it's become a bit of a nick name. But I also don't mind my full name.

How did career start?

I’ve been acting since the age of nine and there was a woman who wanted a black kid that could swim for a commercial. I fitted that description, and I got the chance to do the commercial the following day. A week later I was travelling the world and that was my career taking off!

How has it been growing up in Gugulethu?

I enjoyed it a lot hey! I was able to play in the streets with all of my friends. 

Which of your shows have you enjoyed performing the most?

I think Race Card is the most epic that I’ve done.

I know you're quite into action films, what would you say is your favorite action movie?

Yes I do love action movies. I'd have to say  my favourite action film is World War Z.

Apart from being an actor, would you consider being a singer or exploring any other arts?

Um…I do musical theatre so if I wasn’t a comedian I would do musical theatre.

Do you find being a radio personality easier than being a stand-up comedian?

Much, much easier! I'm sorry to all the radio guys out there [Laughs] It’s much easier hey, because as a stand up comedian you have to do a lot more preparation and there challenges and dynamics are so much more different to those of radio.

Can you please tell us more about your non-profit organisation, SGB?

Yes, actually SGB means “Siv Gives Back,” it’s just me trying to give back a lot of money that I’ve made. I donate as much money and time as I came in order to give back as much as possible, because lets be honest, everything starts with you. 

What inspires Siv?

What inspires me ? I want to do everything I can so that my mother never has to walk again, because I'd have bough her a car and a house. I want is that  all I want do is that I want my mother to never walk again in life I want to buy a car and buy her a house, just for her to never have troubles again that’s what inspires me.

We're very thankful to Siv Ngesi for taking the time to talk to us and we definitely recommend everybody checks out his work!

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and to find us on Facebook!