Dibakwane gambles on comedy
Comedian gave up studies for a laugh
For upcoming comedian Ebenhaezer Dibakwane, comedy is a serious business.
The Mpumalanga-born lad has so much faith in his future in comedy that he dropped out of his studies in education in 2014 to make a name for himself in the funny business.
“I was not really feeling the course. I felt like I just had to do it because of my church background and I sort of felt like it was expected of me.
“For me, when I go back to school later on, it will be for something that is truly close to my heart. I love comedy and I am focusing on that full-time for now,” he said.
Dibakwane, 23, said he knew he was meant to be a comedian from an early age but only had the guts to pursue his passion when he moved to Johannesburg.
“I was born in Bushbuckridge and grew up in Nelspruit before moving to Johannesburg. It was during this time in varsity that I got my first paying gig as a comedian. I think I was paid R800 for a gig and [as] it was my first pay ever, it looked like a lot of money,” Dibakwane said.
This was followed by other milestones for the comedian, which included a residency at restaurant Kitchener’s in Joburg every Tuesday night.
Dibakwane was crowned a Savanna best newcomer of the year at the sixth annual Comics’ Choice Awards.
“I was lost for words when I looked around and I saw my favourite comedians in the industry, like Loyiso Gola, stand up and clap for me.”
Other highlights included being billed on David Kau’s Blacks Only comedy show and Comedy Central’s International Comedy Festival with Trevor Noah and Jeff Ross.