Teacher-turned-comedienne/actress, Khanyisa Bunu, was the first woman to win the audience choice award at the Comics’ Choice Awards and joins the gaggle of comics at The Kings & Queens of Comedy takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre this Friday.
What made you decided to take a risk and leave teaching?
Khanyisa:
“I was mostly propelled by my desire to leave Eastern Cape. I just needed to be in a new environment.”
Why was it such a huge coup for you to be the first woman to win the audience choice award at the Comics’ Choice Awards & why has it taken so long for women comediennes in this country to emerge successfully?
Khanyisa:
“It was quite a big deal because I honestly never expected it. Being first is also special because no matter how many women win after me, I will always be the first. I made history. I think it took long for such a milestone to be reached because there are very few women in the industry, and perhaps we also need to support each other more.”
What is it about your routine that you think people connect with, and sets you apart from other comics?
Khanyisa:
“I do clean and intelligent humour, even if I say so myself. Lol…on a serious note, I don’t swear and I force the audience to be on its toes and think.”
Why are there still not enough stand up women – or am I wrong, and what needs to happen to change this?
Khanyisa:
“I think women are incredibly funny but they don’t know that. I think we as women learn to follow our instincts more, we are scared of taking risks. Like I said earlier we also need to be there for each other more.”
Advice to new and emerging comics?
Khanyisa:
“Work hard, practice a lot and don’t try to please everybody because that will never happen. Be your own person and believe.”
Are you excited (one can’t assume things) to be joining the Kings & Queens of Comedy show and why?
Khanyisa:
“Excited? You are kidding right? I am honoured. The line up of that show is always made up of the big guns of the industry. Being among the big guns is an honour and privilege.”
Who are you excited to be sharing the stage with and why?
Khanyisa:
“All of them hey, but if I had to single out one person, it would have to be the Queen Tumi Morake. She oozes confidence and is the hottest property in SA comedy right now…the woman on the move.”
Why is this particular show different from other comedy shows?
Khanyisa:
“It’s a great line up, it always gets sold out. Performing for large crowds is any comedian’s dream.”
For more Info about the show, click on the link:
http://www.bsharpentertainment.co.za/kings-queens-of-comedy-3/
