THE INTERVIEW: We asked Trevor Noah what makes SA comedy special — here’s what he said

In an exclusive interview, Trevor Noah shared insights into what makes South African comedy unique. As captain of Bafunny Bafunny, he is spearheading the first-ever Festival of Comedy, a tour taking live comedy from Pretoria to Cape Town. Noah emphasized his goal of showcasing lesser-known performers to the broader audience of South Africa, stating that the festival aims to highlight talent that hasn't received much exposure before.

Noah highlighted the diversity of South African audiences as a key factor that sets their comedy apart from other audiences. In most countries he performs in, audiences typically share a common language, but in South Africa, the country's melting pot of languages, beliefs, and styles of humor creates a unique challenge for comedians. This diversity requires comedy that can adapt and cater to the varied tastes and backgrounds of the audience.

The festival also serves as a platform to rejuvenate local comedy to its pre-COVID levels, Noah explained. The event is a way to bring laughter and unity to a country in need, at a time when the world could benefit from some levity. Noah also reflected on the importance of comedy in fostering connections and a sense of unity among people from different walks of life.

Reflecting on his podcast "What Now? with Trevor Noah," Noah posed the hypothetical question: if he could rule the comedy world, what would he change? He suggested making attending diverse comedy shows a mandatory experience a couple of times a year, encouraging people to share laughs with others they might not typically interact with.

Noah believes that when we laugh together, affiliations dissolve and we all become one entity. He further proposed that everyone should attend various art forms – theatre shows, cinema, concerts, and galleries – to foster a sense of togetherness and shared enjoyment.