Zavela Makwabe
TWO-time winner of the Best in Comedy award at the Eastern Cape Arts and Culture Awards, Luphelo Kodwa, hosted a sold-out comedy show at The Venue in Hemingways on Friday evening.
His fans and supporters later took to social media to rave about his comedic genius and witty charm. “It was my first time attending Luphelo’s show and I am never missing out again. He is random and original,” one fan posted.
The show featured much-loved TikTok sensation Vusi Oulik, Cape Town’s funny man Khanyiso Kenqa, and Eastern Cape comedy marvels Ndumiso Lindi, Zimvo Mpahleni, and Catsinoh.
“The show provided a much-needed break from our sombre existence. It was fun, entertaining and hilarious,” patron Buntukazi Klaas said.
“I first saw stand-up comedy on TV and I fell in love with the craft,” said Kodwa, talking to Mthatha Express. “But it was after I first saw Mbulelo ManyLaughs Msongelwa on stage that I was sold. I knew that it is what I am going to live for. It has been many years now, and I still love everything about it” he said.
“I am trying to tell my story through comedy. A story of how I grew up ezilalini (in the rural areas) in Ndevana just outside King Williams Town. Stories of how I thought the world was, and how it really is.”
He has been nominated for various national awards, going up against some of the best of the country’s comedy talent, like Skhumba Hlophe, David Kau, Kagiso KG Modiga, to name but a few, but Kodwa says the most notable recognition he got was being awarded the Best in Comedy at the Eastern Cape Arts and Culture awards two years in a row.
Kodwa said that to him the award win meant comedy in the province is finally being recognised, and that comedians from the Eastern Cape out there will now feel like part of the arts.
“The Eastern Cape now knows that we have a musician, an actor, we have a director, we have a script writer, a music compiler, we have a writer, a radio dj, we have a radio presenter, a radio producer. This award confirms that the province says: ‘we recognise that we have comedians from our province that represent us’. They know us now, and they acknowledge us. There’s nothing as important as knowing that where you come from, people are saying: ‘he represents us’.”
