Sowetan

TIME HAD TO BE JUST RIGHT FOR MADINGA TO DO COMEDY

- Dimakatso Motau

“I WAITED for the right time to pursue a career in comedy, ” says Loyiso Madinga, 25, who is featuring in the

Blacks Only comedy show this month.

The lad from Mount Fletcher, in Eastern Cape, came to Johannesbu­rg to do a copywritin­g diploma at AAA School of Advertisin­g in Randburg in 2005.

He once worked with another budding comedian Donovan Goliath in advertisin­g.

This was after collaborat­ing with Tats Nkonzo with whom he used to hold small comedy shows while they were studying, which further sparked his interest in comedy.

After winning the Johannesbu­rg leg of Graca Comedy Showdown last year, things started looking up for Madinga. The annual competitio­n unearths young comedians.

Time Out finds out more about Loyiso. Question: When did you know that you wanted to be a comedian?

Answer: I never felt fulfilled as a copywriter so in February last year I decided to take the leap. I have never looked back. How do you cope with “dead” moments on stage?

I just move on if the crowd does not respond to me. What have been your ups and downs as a comedian?

I learn from my mistakes and I don’t have any regrets. Sometimes I get booked at dodgy places, but I perform to pay the bills. How does it feel to perform at the Blacks Only comedy showcase?

I had my first stint there last year and I cannot wait to perform for a full set. How did you get that scar your face?

In a car accident when I was young. Describe what you are like off stage?

The same as I am on stage. Friendly. I enjoy crowds and spending time alone reading.

Since I’m single and not looking at the moment, I can spend the whole weekend in my bedroom writing new material and doing capoeira, a Brazilian martial art.

Catch Blacks Only at the Sandton Convention Centre on July 27. motaud@sowe

tan.co.za

 ?? PHOTO: BAFANA MAHLANGU ?? FRIENDLY GUY: Loyiso Madinga
PHOTO: BAFANA MAHLANGU FRIENDLY GUY: Loyiso Madinga

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