We chat to Zulu comedian Celeste Ntuli, who was nominated for the Savanna Comics Choice Awards in the Non-English Comic Category.
By: Fundiswa Nkwanyana
Image courtesy: Celeste IG
1.As a stand-up comedian, I am the bearer of news that is a sugar-coated in a comical way. I have the freedom to poke fun at myself and the society. I get to be myself unapologetically. I love what I do, because it’s a lot of fun.
2. The growth of non-English comedy is great. I love speaking in my own language, because some jokes get lost in translation and so tend to not be as funny as they should. The fact that we now have a category like this speaks volumes.
3. I believe that I was born funny. I have always loved making people laugh by telling jokes or making fun of situations. Comedy comes easily and freely to me, because I am a naturally funny person. I don’t spend hours practising my comedy; it’s within me. I’m always laughing and happy!
4. When I tell a joke, I am simply telling a story that somehow comes out funny. Humour is present everywhere; I just share everyday incidents with people on stage, and that translates into stand-up comedy.
5. South African comedy is growing. We have the Savanna Comics Choice Awards, and the Savanna Pan African Comic Awards were recently launched. They display tremendous growth for the industry. Comedy is growing at a fast pace, and I am excited to be part of it. I love the challenges that comedy presents, because I get an opportunity to grow and explore.
6. As a comedian, I get annoyed when people ask me to tell a joke randomly. They forget that I get paid to tell jokes, and just expect me to make them laugh because they are bored.
7. My motto is: Live, love and laugh. My life is filled with laughter and love.
