The Victory Hall was alive with laughter last Saturday as the Home Grown Comedy Show took centre stage, celebrating Women’s Day and marking 14 years in comedy for Lesotho’s own Masapo Mpiti.
While the evening delivered strong performances from a range of acts, it was Soweto-born headliner Smowkey Nyembe who stole the spotlight, blending his trademark kasi-style humour with candid reflections on the comedy industry.
Nyembe, whose real name is Mbongiseni Nyembe, has graced major comedy stages including the Johannesburg International Comedy Festival, Tshwane Comedy Fest, Arts Alive Festival, 99% Zulu Comedy, 99% Xhosa Comedy, Soweto Comedy Festival, Ekurhuleni Comedy & Soul Experience, Platinum Comedy Special, and Soweto Music Festival.
He has also hosted events featuring some of South Africa’s top artists. His career began with a debut at Premium Comedy Nyts in 2010 and an appearance on Mzansi Magic’s Opening Guys.
Since then, his achievements have included a Savanna Comics’ Choice Award nomination (Non-English category), starring in the film S’popile, serving as resident host for Polokwane Comedy Nights and Morula Sun Comedy Nights, and closing the 2014 South African Traditional Music Awards to a standing ovation. On television, he has hosted Kasi Music TV and presented SoweTop 10 on Soweto TV.
Speaking to Newsday after his high-energy set, Nyembe described the evolving state of the comedy scene.
“There are ups and downs,” he said. “The ups are that comedy is now everywhere, corporates, weddings, gala events, people want someone to entertain and break the ice. The downside is that there are so many of us doing it now that it’s becoming cheap. When you book me, I ask for M3000, but you say no, you can get someone else for M2000. Those cheap guys are essentially destroying our artform.”
Despite such challenges, Nyembe emphasised comedy’s enduring value.
“Laughter is the best medicine. There’s no cure for the soul like laughter, and I classify myself and my colleagues as therapists, not just comedians. Some people came to this show not holding hands, now, after the show, they’re hugging. We fix relationships as well,” he said with a smile.
Nyembe also spoke openly about the mental health struggles comedians face, referencing the tragic death of award-winning South African actor and comedian Ebenhaezer Dibakwane earlier this year.
“We are dark souls, especially us stand-up comedians, because we can find the funny in dark situations while making everyone else happy. But we also need coaching and therapy ourselves, unfortunately, a doctor does not cure himself.”
On the rise of social media comedians, Nyembe took a balanced view.
“I don’t see them as competition. Once they get up on stage, it’s different, there’s no pause, record, and edit; it’s just live. There’s nothing wrong with them trying to make a living.”
For him, collaboration is central to the craft.
“It’s a brotherhood movement. We should be working together and supporting each other. That’s why I didn’t think twice about accepting the invitation to celebrate my brother Bones.”
The Home Grown Comedy Show also showcased a mix of local and regional talent, including Leotoana, Cura Bathong, Mora Mobu, Uncle Fif, El Part El, Botswana’s Roy, and musical performances by Origin Musiq. South African entertainer Rasta Eye n Eye served as MC.
Nyembe’s set left the audience roaring with laughter, and reflecting on his insights. The night proved not only comedy’s ability to entertain, but also its power to heal and connect.
Summary
- The Victory Hall was alive with laughter last Saturday as the Home Grown Comedy Show took centre stage, celebrating Women’s Day and marking 14 years in comedy for Lesotho’s own Masapo Mpiti.
- While the evening delivered strong performances from a range of acts, it was Soweto-born headliner Smowkey Nyembe who stole the spotlight, blending his trademark kasi-style humour with candid reflections on the comedy industry.
- Since then, his achievements have included a Savanna Comics’ Choice Award nomination (Non-English category), starring in the film S’popile, serving as resident host for Polokwane Comedy Nights and Morula Sun Comedy Nights, and closing the 2014 South African Traditional Music Awards to a standing ovation.
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