Latest news with #RiaadMoosa
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!
The Herald
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald
National Arts Festival set to thrill with over 240 events
On the Fringe, theatre lovers can explore bold and personal storytelling and comedy fans can look forward to performances from Riaad Moosa, Conrad Koch and Chester Missing, KG Mokgadi, Stuart Taylor, Yaaseen Barnes, and others. The National Youth Jazz Festival brings together a vibrant mix of young jazz talent and master musicians, while The Black Power Station pulses with hip-hop, jazz and dialogue in a space that celebrates artistic freedom and community. The Eastern Cape Showcase further amplifies local creativity across music, literature, craft and theatre. Looking for a sociable spot in the sun? The Village Green will again be a hub of activity, featuring food, fashion, craft and a new pop-up stage offering free live performances. Whether you're planning a day visit or a longer stay, this year's festival offers a chance to immerse yourself in the country's creative spirit — right here in the Eastern Cape. Browse and book on the National Arts Festival website . This article was sponsored by the National Arts Festival.
IOL News
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Don't miss Cotton Fest 2025, Dr Riaad Moosa's comedy show and 'Soke' in Jozi this weekend
A-Reece is set to deliver an electryfing performance at Cotton Fest 2025. Cotton Fest 2025 Some of Mzansi's biggest stars are set to deliver electrifying performances at this year's Cotton Fest, which showcases the latest in music, fashion, gaming, food and art. They include A-Reece, Cassper Nyovest, DBN Gogo, Focalistic, Kabza De Small, Kamo Mphela, Sjava and many others. The annual event, which is the brainchild of late rapper Rikhado 'Riky Rick' Makhado, celebrates hip hop, house, amapiano and other leading South African music genres. Where: Newtown Station. When: Saturday, April 26, from noon. Dr Riaad Moosa's "What's the Point?" Award-winning comedian, presenter, writer, and actor, Dr Riaad Moosa will be staging his brand-new comedy show in Joburg this weekend. This show is set to blend medicine with humour as the 'Doctor of Comedy' is set to take audiences on as he grapples with the absurdity of life. Where: Pieter Toerien Montecasino Main Theatre When: Friday, April 25, until Sunday, April 27. Show times differ, depending on the day. Soke The sounds of the African continent will be celebrated at 'Soke', an event curated that is held multiple times a year, alternating between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Harare, Zimbabwe. It is an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in the rhythmic beats, the rich flavours, good company, as well as fashion which is inspired by the diverse heritage of Africa. Where: Maracana in Sandton. When: Sunday, April 27, from 1pm to 10pm.
TimesLIVE
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Comedian Riaad Moosa takes his new show on the road
Award-winning comedian, presenter, writer and actor (and legitimate doctor) Riaad Moosa is hitting the road with his latest show, What's the Point? Known as 'The Comedy Doctor', Riaad's blend of humour and intellect guarantees a thought-provoking and laugh-out-loud experience for audiences. He uses comedy to tackle sensitive issues such as Islamic stereotypes, Islamophobia, racism and prolapsed haemorrhoids. His other subjects range from Bollywood to politics and apartheid. Riaad chooses not to use profanity and explicit vocabulary. The comedy show will take place on May 31 at Tropical Nites Theatre in Port Edward. According to Riaad, he will humorously navigate the chaos of the world, ponder the meaning of life and question humanity's purpose on the planet. 'With my signature wit and charm, I'll offer what I call my 'lame attempt at being funny and philosophical', but audiences know better: it's comedy gold', he said. Riaad spent three years training in magic and became a silver medallion graduate of the College of Magic in Cape Town, and was presented with the Comedy Magic award at the Centre for the Magical Arts in Cape Town. He spent six years training in medicine at the University of Cape Town Medical School, where he graduated in 2001. He is a qualified medical doctor and GP and worked as such for three years. 'My comedy career overlapped with my studies. I started doing stand-up on campus during my fourth year at the University of Cape Town, and I started performing at the Cape Comedy Collective's free Comedy Lab workshops. Two months later, I was the winner of the One City, Many Comics Talent Competition held as part of the One City Festival. I became a regular headliner on the comedy circuit, and was invited to perform on Pieter-Dirk Uys's Evita Live and Dangerous comedy show.'
