Who Is Loyiso Madinga? New Details On The Comic From 'Comedians Of The World' On Netflix
He grew up in rural South Africa.
Since Comedians of the World on Netflix premiered, viewers have been given the chance to see what life is like for comics in different areas of the globe. The series features comedians who hail from India, the Middle East, Mexico, France, and everywhere in between. And for comics from non-English-speaking countries, Netflix has even added subtitles for your viewing pleasure.
One comedian who has skyrocketed to the top is Loyiso Madinga. He got his start in the last few years, but has already made a name for himself. From stand-up tours to performances on the stage, Madinga is now a correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. But in the meantime, we’re sure you’d like to learn more about him.
Just who is Loyiso Madinga? Here are five details to know about how he got his start, his newfound success, and his hopes for the future.
1. He’s from South Africa.
Madinga is from a rural community, a small village in the Eastern Cape.
When asked what it was like growing up, Madinga said, “My dad was very strict and a very academic person, being a doctor. We had livestock — chickens, sheep — and fields to take care of. When my brother and I were not working, we enjoyed reading... I had a simple life. I fetched water from a tank and bathed in a waskom [washing bowl]. It’s so quiet you can hear a conversation from about a kilometer away.”
2. His father had other plans for him.
His dad wanted him to be an engineer or doctor, but Madinga had something else in mind. “I’m a comic. What is he going to say? My dad enjoys a good laugh but doesn’t even like comedy. He doesn’t like the idea of people trying to make him laugh,” he recalls.
3. Luckily, Madinga has always had a knack for comedy.
“I have always enjoyed making people laugh. I almost got expelled in [12th grade]. I wasn’t a bad kid. I was a bit chatty. I want to go back to school and apologize to all my teachers but one. When I found comedy, I immediately knew that this was I what I wanted. I just wanted to throw myself into it and become really good at it and do it until the day I die. I can do this even at 90 and in a wheelchair.”
4. He’s had a short but successful career so far.
He began doing comedy in 2012 when he spent a week at the Teatro doing performances. He’s since traveled around South Africa and the world, doing stand-up at the Montreux Comedy Festival in Switzerland, the Busan Comedy Festival in Korea, and even performed at a Live LOL Recording at the Montreal Comedy Festival.
His credits include writing and performing for the Late Nite News show with Loyiso Gola, and performing on Bantu Hour. He also had his debut, one-man show, Born Free-ish, which sold out. In 2014, he won Newcomer of the Year at the Comic’s Choice Awards.
5. He joined The Daily Show.
Since early 2018, he’s worked as an international correspondent for The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, a fellow South African. But he’s much more than a correspondent; Madinga wants to make a name for himself. But he’s extremely humble, showing excitement for the opportunities this will create for other South African comedians.
“I was a comedian before The Daily Show and I am one apart from The Daily Show. Trevor is a very big name but what has really helped me is that in stand-up it is all about your uniqueness. It is about the work not the names you are associated with; it can only get you so far... I can only create content. That is the only thing I have control over. Hopefully that opens more doors for me but I am just focused on doing my best,” he said.
Samantha Maffucci is an associate editor for YourTango who focuses on writing trending news and entertainment pieces. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.