HONCHO OF THE MONTH: LOYISO GOLA

LOYISO GOLA .. So where do we begin? How about with the fact that in just 10 short years the Cape Town-born comedian has propelled himself to a comedy pantheon that is reserved for ol’timers that have put in decades of work? Or should we laud him for the numerous awards and amazing profiles in prestigious international publications such as Wall Street Journal? Oh .. How about we wax lyrical about the sold-out one-man shows, the critically-acclaimed TV show on E-TV, guest spots on Australian TV shows? And yeah, did we mention that the dude is only 28 years old?

We sat down with our homeboy, who’s affectionately known as ‘Loy’ by his childhood friends and got the 411 on what drives him, his struggles, triumphs and his plans for the future. Loyiso Gola is our Honcho of the Month. We trust that his story will inspire you.

What’s good fam?

Everything is good fam, everything.

New Year treating you well?

Man, just trying to change a couple of bad habits…

Where are you from?

I was born in Francshoek, grew up in Gugulethu Cape Town. I’ve be been living in JHB for 9 years now. But Cape Town is still home.

You celebrated 10 years in the game recently, how did that feel?

It felt like it was the beginning of my comedy journey, it seems long but it’s nothing in comedy years. But after ten years I have seen a lot comedians come and go and I have seen a comedy evolution.

How did you get into comedy?

I started in high school; we used to have this thing called job shadow. I shadowed Riaad Moosa, Kagiso Lediga, Kurt Schoonrad, Tshepo Mogale for a week. Right there and then I fell in love with the shit.

Few people know your struggles man, I remember you telling me about the crazy places where you lived during your early days… How does that motivate you?

When I first moved to JHB it was tough. I stayed in someone’s garage for about a year with no toilet and no shower. Don’t ask!  That makes me appreciate what I have. It lets me be humble. Every time someone on Twitter talks shit to me about my comedy …. I always ask myself where this person was when I was living like squatter.

You seem to catch a lot of hecklers on twitter, why do you think that is?

Twitter heckling is inevitable; I am used to it now. People have this platform called Twitter and they don’t know how to use it to their benefit. They spend the whole day heckling people. That’s how I get caught in the cross fire.

Loyiso with fellow GQ Award winners

What’s your take on South African hip-hop?

I am out of touch when it comes to hip hop. I grew up in the 90′s with Biggie, Mobb Deep, A Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes, Wu-Tang, Outkast and The Roots. So I am out of touch when dudes like Lil Boozie, Drake, Birdman are the best shit in 2012. I don’t think my opinion is qualified. But here’s my 2 Cents… it needs to be less American.

Your take on South African fashion?

Just because you print t-shirts that does not make you a fashion Label. There is more to fashion than t’s

What do you think of the state of South African comedy?

It’s growing and it’s  gonna take over.

Who do you think is really funny?

There is a dude called Demitri Martin….. He kills me!

What are your plans for the comedy scene?

I am planning to build a circuit for the audience to come see us (comedians) every night.

Would you ever go into politics and why?

Nah, I don’t have time to bullshit people… I am too honest for politics. You gotta be sneaky in politics.

What is your message to the South African government?

STOP TAKING THE PISS

What motivates you?

Ordinary citizens who do extraordinary things. There was a 17 year in Malawi who built a 20 foot windmill from scratch to provide water for his village. Single moms who raise 3 kids inspire me.

Describe yourself in three words?

A perfect imperfection.

Advice to the kids, fam?

Stay off the yay!