'Some deity somewhere is smiling in my direction' - Comedian Ebenhaezer Dibakwane talks JICF

03 October 2021 - 16:00
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Ebenhaezer Dibakwane is glad to be part of JICF 2021.
Ebenhaezer Dibakwane is glad to be part of JICF 2021.
Image: Moeletsi Mabe

As the Johannesburg International Comedy Festival (JICF) continues to serve laughs and good times this October with a mini comedy festival aptly titled Covid Relief,  TshisaLIVE caught up with comedian Ebenhaezer Dibakwane for a quick Q&A.

The popular festival is brought to comedy lovers in association with the department of arts & culture and has a star-studded line-up.

Ebenhaezer answered five quick-fire questions.

How does it feel to form part of the JICF line-up?

Mad privileged. I see SA as, at the very least, in the top four in stand-up destinations. I know many comics that equally deserved a spot. To be here does not only feel like merit but some deity somewhere smiling in my direction.

How have you been since the pandemic disrupted everybody’s lives?

Disrupted? Do you mean put our lives in turmoil!? In disarray? Sorry. To answer your question I don't remember anything before my invite to this fest.

How have you kept your spirits up?

By consuming spirits. I'm kidding man. I just began to celebrate the beauty in our people. The resilience, the responsibility and the humanity that recognises our part in keeping each other alive.

Has the pandemic given you content to work with in respect of material? 

Of course it has! Unfortunately I plan to perform the material on stage and print won't do it justice.

What were some of the lessons you learnt from the change of pace brought about by the pandemic?

The pandemic reminded me of all my failed New Year's resolutions and asked me why I thought I could learn the sax. It also reminded me of my desperation for good stand-up comedy.

The line-up for the festival includes Jason Goliath, Sifiso Nene, David Kau, Celeste Ntuli, Ndumiso Lindi, Joey Rasdien, Mpho Popps, Nina Hastie, Robby Collins, Lindy Johnson, Tsitsi Chiumya, Alfred Adriaan, Siya Seya, Tats Nkonzo, Loyiso Madinga, Lihle Msimang and more.

Covid Relief will be a premium comedy experience featuring eight entertaining shows at the new Radisson RED in Rosebank.

The line up.
The line up.
Image: Supplied

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