"Blacks Only" show in J-burg

by Brian McKim & Traci Skene on October 30th, 2007

Helen Herimbi, writing about entertainment in South Africa for Tonight, previews Wednesday nights “Blacks Only” in Johannesburg.

Blacks Only founder, David Kau, is quick to explain why his show, which happens for the last time this year on Wednesday, is titled as such.

“The whole idea is to give black comics an opportunity to perform to a black audience and should they wish to, perform in a language other than English,” says the seasoned stand-up comedian.

Arguably the first black stand-up comedian to make it big in South Africa, Kau decided to take the attention that he was given and channel it in the direction of other aspiring comedians whose hues are darker than John Vlismas.

Some American, British and Canadian comics often view themselves as bravely tackling their countries tough social and political problems onstage. Imagine doing standup in a country that’s only 13 years into democracy.

Regarding the above reference to John Vlismas: Vlismas, for those of you not intimately familiar with South African comedy scene, is probably the most successful white South African comedian, making him the caucasian counterpart to Kau.

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