Comedian Goliath brings laughs to Komani and EL
FUNNYMAN Jason Goliath believes upcoming comics should write material that tickles their funny bones first before trying to please crowds.
The larger-than-life comic will be in Komani and East London this week for performances of the show, Comedy Night.
He will be joined on stage by Nicholas and Donovan Goliath.
The shows in Komani and East London have been organised by East London-based entertainment company, Splakavellis, founded by Sheree O’Brien.
The Komani show takes place tomorrow night at Hadleys Sports Bar, while the East London show will be held at Wiseguys Bar and Grill on Wednesday night.
Goliath said the last time he was in East London was during performances of the show 99% Xhosa Comedy.
“It was an exciting time for me. I’ve done some corporate gigs since then and I was in Queenstown [now Komani] in 2016. I am looking forward to the two shows,” he said.
While Goliath has captured the hearts of South Africans through his comedy, when he was younger he had not thought he would be able to make a living from it.
“It was only when I was 30 that I started comedy. I worked in the business sector in my 20s but I used to MC gigs. A friend of mine said ‘dude you are funny, you should try out stand-up comedy’, and I did,” he said.
When he started out as a comic, Goliath said it was never about turning it into a career. But since his debut performance he has appeared in corporate gigs and featured in television shows such as Taxi Ride, SABC 1’s Ses’ Top La and the Bantu Hour.
Goliath said becoming a comedian had been a blessing in his life. “Someone recently asked me how I stay young, and I told them it’s because for the past couple of years it feels like I haven’t worked a day, because I am doing what I love,” he said, adding that the business came with its own challenges.
Together with his sister Kate Goliath, cousin Nicholas Goliath and close friend Donovan Goliath, he opened the Goliath and Goliath Comedy Club in Johannesburg last year.
Goliath said when starting out in the industry it was important to use original material.
“You can’t do things that you read on Facebook or in some magazine.
“Your content must be something that you find funny.
“Don’t focus on what you think the crowd wants to hear, have fun and enjoy yourself while at it,” he said.
Goliath said people should expect to hear material from his debut oneman show, among many others.
“I will also be observing the crowd and make sure everyone feels special.
“We like to go all-in and give it our all, and have fun with the people. We are all looking forward to the comedy nights,” he said.
Tickets for both shows cost R120 and are available from quicket.co.za You can also contact 072107-0554 for bookings. —