Khanyisa Bunu has graced many comedy stages, including opening for renowned TV personality and comedian Trevor Noah. She talks to us about her journey.
1. I was born in Lady Frere in the Eastern Cape but grew up in Whittlesea, south of Queenstown. Growing up, I had no aspirations of becoming an entertainer. After matriculating, I studied education and worked as a teacher.
2. My first experience with comedy was on television. In 2008, I quit my job and moved to Johannesburg to audition for SABC 1 stand-up comedy reality competition So You Think You’re Funny. Although I was eliminated in the top 6, I started getting bookings to perform comedy. In 2015, I became the first woman to win the Audience Choice award at the Comic’s Choice Awards. This opened doors for me – I have performed in some of the country’s biggest comedy shows and also acted on a few television shows.
3. Touring with Trevor Noah was a big opportunity for me. We did three shows in Johannesburg and two in Durban. I was really nervous during the first show, but Trevor’s manager encouraged me to believe in myself.
4. I am excited about the future. The tour has given me a lot of exposure; I’m now getting many bookings. I aspire to go on my own tour in 2018.