As Cape Town gears up for the dazzling Festive Lights Switch-On event this Sunday, three would-be comedians are preparing to deliver their funniest material yet in front of an audience of 80,000 - the largest crowd of their lives.
The winners of the inaugural Festive Lights Comedy Competition, Prince M’baya, Milton Gengaya, and Rafique Ismail, will show that laughter truly is the best gift of the season.
The competition’s grand prize winner, Prince M’baya, walked away with R10,000 and a heart full of gratitude. Chatting to him on Monday, Prince who is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo and now lives in Woodstock, shared that he’s still cuddling the larger-than-life cheque he took home with him at the competition finals this past weekend.
A graphic designer, voice-over artist, actor and budding comedian, M’baya reflected on his journey, telling IOL that he also holds a degree in electrical engineering from CPUT, he says: “Switching from engineering to comedy was mind-blowing for everyone. No one saw it coming not even me! Winning this competition has been life-changing already.”
Prince, who celebrates a birthday on Sunday 1st December - the same day as the Festive Lights Switch-On - is embracing his new beginning. “Thank you to everyone, and even to the people who didn’t believe in me - you made me work harder,” he said. Prince is also grateful to the City of Cape Town for creating a platform that highlights comedic talent.
“Comedy is a difficult craft; you can’t take other people’s jokes and make them your own, you have to be original and also the audience can be tougher on us would-be comedians than on musicians.
“This competition and the event is giving hopeful comedians like me a chance to shine. Everyone, please come down on Sunday, come and laugh with us and if you feel like it, sing happy birthday to me!”
Originally from Durban and now based in Kraaifontein, Milton Gengaya who was second, entered the competition on a whim.
“I saw the ad on Instagram and thought it sounded cool, especially because I have always been a fan of festive lights and can’t wait to share this experience with my kids now that I’m in Cape Town. I submitted my entry last-minute, and to my surprise, made it to the top 10!”
Milton’s self-deprecating, clean, and family-friendly comedy style resonates with audiences. “Comedy is a lonely craft, but when you get it right, it’s the most rewarding experience ever. This will be the biggest gig of my life, and I’m ready for it.”
Taking third place, father of two daughters who double as his toughest critics, was Rafique Ismail. By day, Rafique works in the insurance industry, but by night, he’s a storyteller who draws on his childhood and family life for material.
Rafique started his comedy journey during an open mic night in 2020 and has been hooked ever since. “Performing is my drug - the high you feel when people laugh is incredible. This Sunday’s crowd of 80,000? Yoh! My biggest audience so far was 1,000 rowdy school kids, so this will be something else entirely. I’m nervous but so excited.”
All the winners encouraged other aspiring comedians to take the leap. Just do it they said, once you’re on stage, you’ll know whether it’s for you or not they echoed.
"I want to congratulate all the contestants," said judge at the Festive Lights Switch-On Comedy Competition Stuart Taylor. "We know that there are only three winners here today however the success of this competition doesn’t end here. The success of this competition is when we see these comedians on the Comedy Circuit, this is just another step in their journey. Thank you to the City of Cape Town for making it all possible."
Join the Festive Fun!
The Festive Lights Switch-On takes place this Sunday, December 1, 2024 at the Grand Parade.
In addition to these comedic stars, the event features performances by Mafikizolo, Mörda, Dr. Victor & the Rasta Rebels, Three Tons of Fun and many more.
Comedians Alan Committie and Lunga Tshuka will keep the crowd entertained as hosts.
Come down to sing “Happy Birthday” to Prince, laugh with these rising comedic stars, and enjoy the start of the festive season in style. It’s an evening for the entire family and you don’t want to miss it!
Event: Festive Lights Switch-On Adderley Street
Time: 4 PM onward
Location: Grand Parade, Adderley Street, Cape Town
IOL