Masters student has not-so-serious side
By POLISWA PLAATJIE
A random video clip sent to a friend has seen Seymour-born comedian, Zikhona Nongqiza Msuthu, become an instant hit on social media. With more than 7500 followers on Facebook, the 26-year-old’s video clips tackle social issues, from relationships to politics.
There are a number of your videos circulating on social media. How did it all start for you?
ANSWER: After registering for my masters I became bored because my life was all about studying.
I would make fun of people in class. I almost got depressed because of all the work, so I did a video clip and sent it to a friend of mine. He put it up on social media and I got a lot of views.
The Eastern Cape doesn’t have a lot of gigs for comedians but the views that I get on social media make me feel that comedy is still a part of me regardless of a lack of stage time.
How do you get ideas for your material?
A: I get my ideas from my life experiences. Some come from observations in public. For instance when I perform in pubs I observe what is happening and I don’t drink.
I am inspired by the township lifestyle, my life and the past.
What made you decide to utilise social media as a means of getting your work out there?
A: With the absence of any stage time, my life was slow while doing my masters. I decided to make people happy.
We live in a community where people are their own prison and it’s hard for them to talk to other people. I find as youth, we like to bottle things up.
Are there any big shows that you’ve performed in?
A: I’ve performed at the Satma awards in 2014 when they were hosted in Alice, 99% Xhosa Comedy in 2014 and last year, 99% Zulu Comedy this year, and I was also nominated for a Savanna Comic Choice award even though I didn’t win.
I also got to perform at the Soweto Theatre. It was my first time performing in Johannesburg. I believe there are still more performances coming up.
You have just graduated but are back studying at Fort Hare. What are you studying now and is it in line with comedy?
A: I have completed my degree in human resources and am now doing a masters in record management. They are not linked at all. I want to do something that is related to the arts but for now I am finishing up on my masters.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
A: I see myself working as a comedian, an educated one even, a doctor academically.
My personality doesn’t allow me to stay locked up in one place. I belong out there in the world.
I will continue working as a comedian with my qualifications. The industry has it’s challenges and I want to have something to fall back on when things don’t work out but for now my heart is set on comedy.
When did you realise that you want to make people laugh?
A: Since primary school. I hated serious space. I like laughing and even my primary school friends say I’m still the same.
This can be something that I can do to make money and send back home to my family. Even though I started comedy in primary school, professionally, I started in 2013 but it grew in 2014.
Will you ever stop doing comedy?
A: There are no former comedians. There is no retirement as a comedian. This is for life.
Do you think there’s a future for indigenous comedians?
A: There is a future for comedians, a bright one. No one has time for these kids that post nudes, people are looking for funny clips or funny posts.
As an indigenous comedian, our future is bright.
People are tired of being told things formally, they want to laugh.
Who are some of the comedians you look up to and why?
A: In the Eastern Cape, I look up to the likes of Mbu, Tsepiso Nzayo and Siya Sela – all the EC comedians are older than me. They are my brothers and have groomed me.
I respect them and I will always honour them. Every comedian nationally inspires me, I can’t say one specific one, every comedian who writes and observes the world inspires me. Even those who were exploited in the past.
How do you relax?
A: I relax with my friends and talk about everything under the sun. From my guy friends to the few girls who I have in my circle.
What’s your favourite food?
A: I like umpokoqo , I enjoy it even when it’s cold.
Anything you’d like to share with us?
A: To the youth, stop pressing replay on things that should be deleted from your life. Stop acting thirsty.
If something is not yours, let it go. Be it a boyfriend or a friend, let it go.