Latest news with #Jokers
The Citizen
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
How some of your favourite comedians would fix the world
It's one simple question put to them: How would you change the world? Riaad Moosa and other comedians have some ideas on how to solve the world's problems. Picture: Supplied Few people can mount a stage like it's a pony and take the audience for a ride down a healthy dose of satire, funnies and a whole lot of subtext. South Africa, in particular, can boast some of the funniest and most talented comedians in the world. Like Billy Connolly and Andrew Dice Clay, Ricky Gervais and even Jerry Seinfeld, comedians are socio-political commentators who dress up serious perspectives in, well, a joke. This month, some of the country's finest voices will be taking to the stage at the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperor's Palace on the East Rand. Jokers in July is an annual festival with a lineup that promises to warm you up even better than a few litres of Glühwein or a hot water bottle. Tickets are available at Ticketpro. But funny can be serious, and The Citizen checked in with a few of the funnymen who'll be performing at Jokers in July. It's one simple question put to them: How would you change the world? Here's how they'd fix the world Darren Maule The South African edition, top-line stuff: universal basic income, free transportation, and quality food for the elderly and schoolgoers. These are no brainers, and what do you do on day 2 after this is done? I have thought of that too, like having more public holidays. Yeah, only because the more people don't go to work on a public holiday, the less bad it feels to be unemployed. ALSO READ: 'The Rookie' is no amateur of a show Also starting a new Political Party. Nothing gives more hope than the prospect of a new Party coming in to save the day. When a new Party comes around people get excited and filled with hope. They are energized again and then a couple of months later they are disappointed because this party is the same as the previous party just a different color T-shirt. But for a moment there – we were hopeful. My third one, and I have a patent for this, is an electrified polygrapher that you strap onto every politician and the moment they lie: 220 V of electricity flow through their body. There's a double whammy because you replace them with someone under 25 years old. You fix corruption and youth unemployment simultaneously. Laughter can fix anything Eric Jansen As a comedian, with as many jokes and as many shows as possible because where there is laughter, there is peace. Now, as a superhero, well obviously, take out the bad guys and maintain the peace from there. As the president of South Africa, I'd have to sit down with the smartest, wisest, most technical and clever people and devise a plan to help our country in a way that people see and extend our plan to them. But as who I am right now, a person, just by trying to be a good person to someone who needs it, because doing a good deed for someone can cause a snowball effect of goodness to follow, my act of kindness could lead to more acts of kindness down the road, the more of us that are kind to each other, the better state the world could be in. Riaad Mossa The basic problem with the world is that everyone is caught up in the same game of deception, driven by selfishness. The solution, at least in theory, is simple—people just need to tell the truth and be less selfish. Of course, that's far easier said than done. In the end, though, nothing really changes. All that's left is to watch some stand-up comedy. It won't solve anything, but it does make everything feel a little better. Adults must have nap time Ntosh Madlingozi Mandatory nap time for adults. It doesn't look like these leaders out here are getting enough sleep with all the bad decisions they are making at the moment. Politicians must wear superhero capes during serious debates, we need to laugh. Also, a mandatory 60-second laugh break at work to get those endorphins to skyrocket Hans Brummer Well, in a world of fantasy, we could all escape at night to dreams where we practice being kinder and more patient with other people, and as we awake and learn, we try to apply that to our actual lives, but that's kind of a long game. More immediately, and I don't want to sound anti-authoritarian, but a world leader Battle Royale/Hunger games-style reality show would be great entertainment, and it could sort out some stuff. Just saying. Chris Forrest Instead of war, world leaders should settle their conflicts with naked pillow fights. It probably wouldn't solve anything, but at the very least, it would be far more entertaining to watch. Now Read: 'Roger Waters: The Wall' is an epic watch of powerful music
The Citizen
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Laugh out loud with South Africa's best comedians at Jokers in July 2025
Laugh out loud with South Africa's best comedians at Jokers in July 2025 Get ready to laugh away your winter blues as some of South Africa's top comedic legends take to the stage for Jokers in July, live from the iconic Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace. This much-anticipated annual comedy series promises a month-long, laugh-a-minute takeover featuring sharp satire, cultural commentary, and the best of Mzansi's comedy talent. Comedy lovers can look forward to performances by Trevor Gumbi, Ntosh Madlingozi, Darren Maule, Mpho Popps, Joey Rasdien, Hannes Brummer, Jaxx Justice, Riaad Moosa, Richelieu Beaunoir, Keenan Cerff and many more. ALSO READ: Gospel celebration fills Emperors Palace with praise and worship Presented by Blu Blood, Jokers in July celebrates South Africa's diverse comedy DNA, uniting audiences from all walks of life through laughter and shared experiences. 'Laughter has the power to uplift us. At Blu Blood, we believe in the business of happiness, and comedy is at the heart of that. Giving comedians a stage and a spotlight is part of our DNA as we grow the industry, showcase local talent, and bring people together,' said Osman Osman and Shaaista Khan Osman of Blu Blood. The line-up: • July 5 – Generations Trade your soapies for laughter as this unfiltered show features a cross-generational clash of comedy icons Trevor Gumbi, Ntosh Madlingozi, Modipane A-Lister and Zicco Sithole. • July 11 – Stand Up Joburg Darren Maule returns to Joburg for one night only, reuniting with Chris Forrest, Mpho Popps and Robbie Collins for a Joburg-style comedy affair. • July 12 – Staan Op Joburg Dis snaaks, dis slim, dis lokal! Join Hannes Brummer, Jaxx Justice, Cobus van Rensburg and Melt Sieberhagen for a night of side-splitting Afrikaans comedy exploring life, love, politics and culture. ALSO READ: Boxing fans flock to Emperors Palace for 'The Coronation' tournament • July 19 – Joey Rasdien Live Joey Rasdien is back with a brand-new stand-up show, blending philosophy, absurdity and punchline-perfect comedy as he reflects on life and its ironies. • July 25 – People of Colour(ed) Comedy This powerhouse ensemble of Richelieu Beaunoir, Keenan Cerff, Prins, Gino Fernandez, Dakes and Eric Jansen shares stories from communities across South Africa in a show packed with culture and belly laughs. ALSO READ: Riaad Moosa returns to stage at Emperors Palace on November 1 • July 26 – Riaad Moosa: What's The Point A fan favourite, Riaad Moosa's new show promises a hilarious and thought-provoking take on the chaos of life, delivering a comedy masterclass not to be missed. All shows will be staged at the Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors Palace in Kempton Park. Tickets are available at and all major Spar Payzone kiosks. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
San Francisco Chronicle
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Evan Engram embraces Sean Payton's 'Joker' role but says it's something he has to earn in Denver
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Don't call Evan Engram the 'Joker' just yet. The ninth-year tight end has embraced coach Sean Payton's vision of him as a versatile player who can create mismatches for Denver's offense, led by second-year QB Bo Nix. When he signed a two-year, $23 million deal in the spring, Engram took to X and posted a GIF of the late Heath Ledger's Oscar-winning performance as the Joker in 'The Dark Knight.' On Thursday, however, Engram said he still needs to earn the moniker. 'That is a cool thing to just embrace," Engram said. "Sean talks about it a lot. It was a big part of the pitch coming here. The fans are great here, so (the social media post) was just embracing that narrative a little bit. I definitely see that it is something that has to be earned with the way I work and the way that I learn the offense to gain the trust of Sean, Bo and the rest of the coaches and players. "I think we have a bunch of Jokers on this team, honestly, that can have a great role on this offense. It is definitely something that I like to embrace, but it is also something that I am going to earn, too.' Actually, Engram is probably the only member of the Broncos offense who fits Payton's description of the Joker. Last year, Payton described the Joker as 'either a running back or tight end with exceptional ball skills and then you can work matchups. We've had that at the running back (position). Reggie Bush was the Joker, Darren Sproles and Alvin Kamara. Those were all unique players, not just in the running game, but they had passing game skill sets that allowed you to do multiple things.' Payton was hoping tight end Greg Dulcich would turn into his Joker last season, but his propensity to drop passes squelched that notion and led to his release. So, Payton entered free agency this year intent on landing the traditional hallmark of his offense, and he did so when Engram signed with the Broncos after three seasons in Jacksonville and five with the New York Giants. Before Engram agreed to Denver's offer, Payton and the rest of the Broncos' brain trust had to sweat through Engram's subsequent visit with the AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers. 'Free agency is a crazy roller coaster,' said Engram, who was the 23rd overall pick by the Giants in 2017. 'I took a visit to LA. It's a great organization there, as well. I had a great visit with them, but the best place for me and my family was here in Denver. Just with the offense, the history here, the way the organization takes care of its players.' On Thursday, the final day of organized team activities open to the media, Engram ran routes with receivers, not tight ends, and he stood out for his fluidity and his jersey number. Asked why he chose No. 1, Engram said it was his number in high school. At Mississippi he wore No. 17, a number he revived with the Jaguars. So when the Broncos sent him a list of available numbers after he signed, he relayed the list to his family members, who all concurred he should wear No. 1 again. 'It's a cool thing just to reconnect to the glory days of high school football,' Engram said. Dobbins to Denver? The Broncos could be adding a veteran running back to their roster. Free agent J.K. Dobbins plans to visit Denver a week ahead of the team's mandatory minincamp. 'We'll have a chance to visit with him and then we'll see where it goes,' Payton said. 'We really like the group right now that we're working with. It's just another opportunity to possibly bring in another good football player to help us win." The Broncos drafted R.J. Harvey out of Central Florida in the second round of the NFL draft in April. He is viewed as a potential three-down back and leads a relatively young group of rushers that includes second-year pros Blake Watson and Audric Estime, third-year player Jaleel McLaughlin and fourth-year pro Tyler Badie. Dobbins gained a career-best 905 yards on 195 carries and tied his career high with nine rushing touchdowns last year with the Chargers despite missing four games with a sprained knee. If he signs, Dobbins could become a big contributor in the Broncos' backfield. The former second-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens has an extensive injury history, including an ACL tear in 2021 and a torn Achilles tendon in 2023.
Hamilton Spectator
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Evan Engram embraces Sean Payton's ‘Joker' role but says it's something he has to earn in Denver
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Don't call Evan Engram the 'Joker' just yet. The ninth-year tight end has embraced coach Sean Payton's vision of him as a versatile player who can create mismatches for Denver's offense, led by second-year QB Bo Nix. When he signed a two-year, $23 million deal in the spring, Engram took to X and posted a GIF of the late Heath Ledger's Oscar-winning performance as the Joker in 'The Dark Knight.' On Thursday, however, Engram said he still needs to earn the moniker. 'That is a cool thing to just embrace,' Engram said. 'Sean talks about it a lot. It was a big part of the pitch coming here. The fans are great here, so (the social media post) was just embracing that narrative a little bit. I definitely see that it is something that has to be earned with the way I work and the way that I learn the offense to gain the trust of Sean, Bo and the rest of the coaches and players. 'I think we have a bunch of Jokers on this team, honestly, that can have a great role on this offense. It is definitely something that I like to embrace, but it is also something that I am going to earn, too.' Actually, Engram is probably the only member of the Broncos offense who fits Payton's description of the Joker. Last year, Payton described the Joker as 'either a running back or tight end with exceptional ball skills and then you can work matchups. We've had that at the running back (position). Reggie Bush was the Joker, Darren Sproles and Alvin Kamara. Those were all unique players, not just in the running game, but they had passing game skill sets that allowed you to do multiple things.' Payton was hoping tight end Greg Dulcich would turn into his Joker last season, but his propensity to drop passes squelched that notion and led to his release. So, Payton entered free agency this year intent on landing the traditional hallmark of his offense, and he did so when Engram signed with the Broncos after three seasons in Jacksonville and five with the New York Giants. Before Engram agreed to Denver's offer, Payton and the rest of the Broncos' brain trust had to sweat through Engram's subsequent visit with the AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers. 'Free agency is a crazy roller coaster,' said Engram, who was the 23rd overall pick by the Giants in 2017. 'I took a visit to LA. It's a great organization there, as well. I had a great visit with them, but the best place for me and my family was here in Denver. Just with the offense, the history here, the way the organization takes care of its players.' On Thursday, the final day of organized team activities open to the media, Engram ran routes with receivers, not tight ends, and he stood out for his fluidity and his jersey number. Asked why he chose No. 1, Engram said it was his number in high school. At Mississippi he wore No. 17, a number he revived with the Jaguars. So when the Broncos sent him a list of available numbers after he signed, he relayed the list to his family members, who all concurred he should wear No. 1 again. 'It's a cool thing just to reconnect to the glory days of high school football,' Engram said. Dobbins to Denver? The Broncos could be adding a veteran running back to their roster. Free agent J.K. Dobbins plans to visit Denver a week ahead of the team's mandatory minincamp. 'We'll have a chance to visit with him and then we'll see where it goes,' Payton said. 'We really like the group right now that we're working with. It's just another opportunity to possibly bring in another good football player to help us win.' The Broncos drafted R.J. Harvey out of Central Florida in the second round of the NFL draft in April. He is viewed as a potential three-down back and leads a relatively young group of rushers that includes second-year pros Blake Watson and Audric Estime, third-year player Jaleel McLaughlin and fourth-year pro Tyler Badie. Dobbins gained a career-best 905 yards on 195 carries and tied his career high with nine rushing touchdowns last year with the Chargers despite missing four games with a sprained knee. If he signs, Dobbins could become a big contributor in the Broncos' backfield. The former second-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens has an extensive injury history, including an ACL tear in 2021 and a torn Achilles tendon in 2023. ___ AP NFL:
Fox Sports
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox Sports
Evan Engram embraces Sean Payton's 'Joker' role but says it's something he has to earn in Denver
Associated Press ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Don't call Evan Engram the 'Joker' just yet. The ninth-year tight end has embraced coach Sean Payton's vision of him as a versatile player who can create mismatches for Denver's offense, led by second-year QB Bo Nix. When he signed a two-year, $23 million deal in the spring, Engram took to X and posted a GIF of the late Heath Ledger's Oscar-winning performance as the Joker in 'The Dark Knight.' On Thursday, however, Engram said he still needs to earn the moniker. 'That is a cool thing to just embrace," Engram said. "Sean talks about it a lot. It was a big part of the pitch coming here. The fans are great here, so (the social media post) was just embracing that narrative a little bit. I definitely see that it is something that has to be earned with the way I work and the way that I learn the offense to gain the trust of Sean, Bo and the rest of the coaches and players. "I think we have a bunch of Jokers on this team, honestly, that can have a great role on this offense. It is definitely something that I like to embrace, but it is also something that I am going to earn, too.' Actually, Engram is probably the only member of the Broncos offense who fits Payton's description of the Joker. Last year, Payton described the Joker as 'either a running back or tight end with exceptional ball skills and then you can work matchups. We've had that at the running back (position). Reggie Bush was the Joker, Darren Sproles and Alvin Kamara. Those were all unique players, not just in the running game, but they had passing game skill sets that allowed you to do multiple things.' Payton was hoping tight end Greg Dulcich would turn into his Joker last season, but his propensity to drop passes squelched that notion and led to his release. So, Payton entered free agency this year intent on landing the traditional hallmark of his offense, and he did so when Engram signed with the Broncos after three seasons in Jacksonville and five with the New York Giants. Before Engram agreed to Denver's offer, Payton and the rest of the Broncos' brain trust had to sweat through Engram's subsequent visit with the AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers. 'Free agency is a crazy roller coaster,' said Engram, who was the 23rd overall pick by the Giants in 2017. 'I took a visit to LA. It's a great organization there, as well. I had a great visit with them, but the best place for me and my family was here in Denver. Just with the offense, the history here, the way the organization takes care of its players.' On Thursday, the final day of organized team activities open to the media, Engram ran routes with receivers, not tight ends, and he stood out for his fluidity and his jersey number. Asked why he chose No. 1, Engram said it was his number in high school. At Mississippi he wore No. 17, a number he revived with the Jaguars. So when the Broncos sent him a list of available numbers after he signed, he relayed the list to his family members, who all concurred he should wear No. 1 again. 'It's a cool thing just to reconnect to the glory days of high school football,' Engram said. Dobbins to Denver? The Broncos could be adding a veteran running back to their roster. Free agent J.K. Dobbins plans to visit Denver a week ahead of the team's mandatory minincamp. 'We'll have a chance to visit with him and then we'll see where it goes,' Payton said. 'We really like the group right now that we're working with. It's just another opportunity to possibly bring in another good football player to help us win." The Broncos drafted R.J. Harvey out of Central Florida in the second round of the NFL draft in April. He is viewed as a potential three-down back and leads a relatively young group of rushers that includes second-year pros Blake Watson and Audric Estime, third-year player Jaleel McLaughlin and fourth-year pro Tyler Badie. Dobbins gained a career-best 905 yards on 195 carries and tied his career high with nine rushing touchdowns last year with the Chargers despite missing four games with a sprained knee. If he signs, Dobbins could become a big contributor in the Broncos' backfield. The former second-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens has an extensive injury history, including an ACL tear in 2021 and a torn Achilles tendon in 2023. ___ AP NFL: recommended
