When David Kau steps onto a stage, laughter follows naturally. But beyond the punchlines and applause, the celebrated South African comedian carries with him the quieter stories of family, fatherhood, and everyday life that continue to shape his career.
Newsday caught up with Kau on the sidelines of the Spring Jump Off Comedy Show at Victory Hall in Maseru, where he headlined alongside fellow South African heavyweight Chris Mampane and Lesotho’s own top comedians Leotoana, Masapo, and Skaftin. The atmosphere was electric, a blend of anticipation, joy, and regional pride as talents from both sides of the border shared one stage.
For Kau, comedy is more than a profession; it’s a calling. “It is a talent that’s God-given, something no one can take away from me,” he said with quiet confidence.
His material, he explained, starts from within. “I start with myself and my own life. When I began, I was single, no kids, just a guy from a small town. Today I am a husband and a father of three. Every day, there is something new to talk about before I even look at politics or the country. My wife, my kids, my friends, even playing golf, life itself keeps me inspired,” said Kau.
In his early years, comedy defined his path. Today, Kau admits that his priorities have shifted. “My career used to come first. Now, my family comes before my career. As much as I have my family because of my career, everything I have today is because I became a comedian. But my wife and kids are the ones pushing me to be better than before. They are my fuel,” he said.
That perspective has deepened his approach to both life and comedy, grounding him in values that resonate beyond the stage.
In recent years, the entertainment industry has been shaken by the tragic loss of several comedians to suicide. One of them is an award-winning South African stand-up comedian, Ebenhaezer Dibakwane. Kau addressed this issue with honesty and empathy.
“Being a comedian comes with a price. People think you are always laughing, but life still happens. You can come off stage from a high and find yourself alone with your thoughts. That is why I always say: people must be kind. A simple ‘Hey, you had a great show’ can change someone’s life. You don’t know what someone is going through,” Kau said.
His message is a sobering reminder that behind every punchline is a person carrying their own struggles.
With the rise of content creators and viral comedians on social media, one might assume traditional stand-up is under threat. But Kau is unbothered.
“No comedian is my competition. I compete with alcohol, taverns, nightlife; that is my competition. Going to a comedy show takes effort. You buy a ticket, sit down, and order food and drinks. But there’s room for everyone. Social media comedians have their own audience, and we have ours.”
With over 1.2 million followers of his own, Kau embraces both worlds. “It’s not like I don’t know social media. I still get jobs from it. It’s just another platform. They must keep doing what they’re doing, and it must make a living for them too,” he affirmed.
Beyond his own success, Kau has been instrumental in nurturing South Africa’s comedy scene, founding platforms that introduced new talent to audiences. His advice to aspiring comedians is simple but powerful.
“Be original. Don’t steal material. Write your own jokes, perform your own material. Keep doing it. Keep asking for gigs, even if you don’t get paid at first. Your time will come,” he said.
As David Kau marks 21 years of making Africa laugh, he shows no signs of slowing down. His comedy has matured with his life, but his mission remains constant: to make people laugh, to connect, and to inspire.
In his own words, “You’re only as good as your last show. I always aim to be better than before.”
With laughter as his tool, kindness as his message, and family as his foundation, David Kau continues to prove why he remains one of Africa’s most enduring comedic voices.
Summary
- Newsday caught up with Kau on the sidelines of the Spring Jump Off Comedy Show at Victory Hall in Maseru, where he headlined alongside fellow South African heavyweight Chris Mampane and Lesotho’s own top comedians Leotoana, Masapo, and Skaftin.
- When I began, I was single, no kids, just a guy from a small town.
- As much as I have my family because of my career, everything I have today is because I became a comedian.
A Professional Communications practitioner with a wealth of expertise in marketing, public speaking, communication and media relations. I believe in learning everyday and improving one’s personal and professional capabilities.
* A former journalist and radio host who is passionate about media and it’s impact on society.
