City Buzz Exclusive: Daliso Chaponda interview
JOBURG – Find out what makes him tick.
The son of a Malawian politician, Daliso Chaponda came third in Britain’s Got Talent in 2017.
He began his comedy career in Canada in 2001, later moving to South Africa and then to the UK where he established himself on the club circuit and appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe.
The comedian is slated to perform at this weekend’s Blacks Only comedy celebration at the Ticketpro Dome.
What inspires your jokes?
Big emotions inspire me. So anger, sadness, delight. If a news story pisses me off, I write jokes about it. If I argue with my girlfriend, I write jokes about it.
Who are your biggest comic influences?
Joan Rivers. Roald Dahl. Eddie Murphy.
As a black comic, do you feel compelled to talk about black issues in your material?
I talk about everything. Black issues often come up because of the world we live in. When there is no more racism, discrimination or inequality I may stop talking about black issues… Ahh… In that case, I may be talking about them forever.
What are your views on comedy in Africa, as a continent?
Comedy in Africa is growing. When I started it was fledgeling, now it’s a huge industry vomiting out world-class comedians. Great things are to come.
Advice for upcoming comedians?
Write jokes every day. Every day. Every day.
