For the longest of time, comedy has been perceived as a male sport, with the like of David Kau, Trevor Noah and Kagiso Lediga( just to name a few) leading the pack.
However, things have taken an interesting tide with women coming into the fore. These talented comedians have proven that they have just as much talent, intellect and charisma as their male counterparts.
They have worked hard to garner legions of fans respectively during the rise to the top, proving that the comedy fraternity is expanding. These female comedians are comfortably seated at the comedy table. Their success and popularity has spawned numerous opportunities for these ladies including working as actors, producers, TV hosts respectively.
Below we've selected a few comediennes who we believe are making terrific strides in the local comedy scene.
Celeste Ntuli, best known as the queen of Zulu comedy, she describes her style as authentic and bold hence tackling issues that are considered as “sacred cows”. She fills up venues and her Black Tax comedy show/tours have sure helped her cement her place both in comedy and acting circles.
Tumi Morake, it is safe to say that Tumi has indeed paved the way for most comediennes. Dubbed as the first lady of comedy, her career spans over 10 years, she truly has made her mark. Tumi often describes her brand of comedy as unpredictable, leaving the audience at the edge of their seats. One of her most prestigious accolades include being named as The Free State province’s Icons and she was honoured at the YOU Spectacular awards as the favourite comedian.
Nina Hastie, started off in radio at age 13. She has since risen to the top of the comedy ranks in South Africa. Her style of comedy is adventurous and fearless given her circus background. Nina Hastie cites Ellen de Generes as her role model in comedy, one of her biggest achievement thus far includes her solo comedy special in February this year at the Goliath Comedy Club.
Thenjiwe Moseley has often described comedy as a form of education. The Kwa Mashu born star has seen her work take her to perform all around the world including England and Scotland. Her legions of fans have come to know her as a straight talker and she tackles issues that people are too embarrassed to talk about.
Khanyisa Bulu, this former school teacher has made impeccable strides in her career as a comedienne. Her hard work dedication has seen her perform around the world including New York, Swaziland, Nigeria and Botswana. Her knack for comedy dates back to her high school years and among her friends and family.
Main image credit: Instagram/@CelesteNtuli