Mdantsane-born comedian Siya Seya returns home next week to take part in the first multicultural combo comedy show at The Venue@Hemingways.
The show, hosted by Sifiso Nene, features comedians Mpho Pops Modikoane and Stopnosons.
Nene, who was the first winner of So You Think You're Funny back in 2009, has been hosting a number of cultural comedy shows across the country.
Seya, who has been doing comedy since 2007, said he was looking forward to returning home for the show.
“I don't remember the last time I performed in East London. It has been a while since I've been to the city.”
The comedian moved to Johannesburg two years ago with the hope of growing his brand and taking on bigger stages.
“It is hard to say you will do comedy full-time when you are based in the Eastern Cape because there aren’t many platforms. Things are different in Johannesburg. There are many comedy shows that one gets an opportunity to be part of,” he said,adding that the comedy culture was slowly starting to pick up momentum in East London.
“East London is slowly [starting] to grow in the comedy culture and people really do come out to support shows.
“I hope there will be more changes in the near future for Eastern Cape comedians.”
Seya said people needed to start celebrating and supporting local comedians.
“It's as if we must first get validation from Johannesburg before our own people start taking us seriously, and that is sad.”
Seya has performed at several big shows, such as David Kau’s Blacks Only comedy and on Skhumba’s show.
“I am fortunate to get the opportunities to perform at these big events around the city. My move here was not in vain,” he said.
The South African Traditional Music Awards-nominated comedian said people could expect to hear stories from his childhood and what was currently happening in his life.
“When I first started comedy I did current affairs a lot. There is nothing wrong with that but I've found when you share stories about yourself, people are able to relate and those stories set you apart,” he said.
Hemingways Casino marketing manager Neville Austin said: “The show guarantees side-splitting laughter so make sure you don’t miss out.”
Tickets for the event, next week Saturday, cost R150 and can be booked via Computicket or at hemingways.co.za..