Comedian Nonto R on finding humour in life's uncomfortable moments

News24

18 hours ago

Growing up, she used to get offended when people laughed at everything she said until one day, her friend asked her to MC at her 21st birthday party, and that's when everything changed.
Hailing from Mandeni in KwaZulu-Natal, Nonto R burst onto the comedy scene in 2016, clinching the South African Traditional Music Achievement Award for Best Indigenous Comedian.
The young comedian shares what made her comedy and how she has been finding the male-dominated industry.
When did you first realise that comedy was your true calling, especially considering your strong religious background?
Funny enough, it all started at church!
A friend of mine asked me to MC her 21st birthday, and at the time, a lot of her peers were obsessed with getting married. So I prepared some topics around relationships and marriage. While I was emceeing and giving advice, people just couldn't stop laughing. That was my lightbulb moment.
Growing up, I didn't like that people laughed whenever I spoke; it made me feel like I wasn't being taken seriously. But that MC gig changed everything. After the party, people started booking me for weddings and events. That's when I realised this gift wasn't about me being silly, it was about how I delivered things. I finally accepted that this was a gift from God. Comedy wasn't my plan, but it was His.
You often reference the Bible in your material, even while covering topics like infidelity and side chicks. How do you strike that balance without alienating religious audiences?
My comedy is rooted in honesty and observation. Let's be real: some of the most religious people have the most shocking skeletons in their closets. I believe we fall into temptation because we're unaware of our weaknesses. So through my skits, I try to hold up a mirror. If you're honest with yourself, you can avoid putting yourself in situations that trigger those weaknesses.
There's always a deeper message beneath the humour. I want people to laugh, but also walk away with something that speaks to them - especially in their moments of weakness.
Your TikTok blind date skits are a hit! You've even roped in the likes of Dumi Mkokstad, Limit Nala, Robot Boii and Alphi Sipho Mkhwanazi. How do you come up with these?
Believe it or not, most of my ideas come while I'm in the shower! I'll be standing there, and suddenly think, 'Who would be perfect for a blind date skit?'. Names and scenarios just start flowing.
Sometimes I plan them; sometimes they're completely spontaneous. Like with Limit Nala – I bumped into him at Durban July and just asked him to do a skit. He wasn't sure at first; he's a Maskandi artist, not a comedian, but I told him, 'Just follow my lead.' His confused reactions added to the authenticity, and that's where the magic is.
Because I'm the comedian, my guests don't need to do much. Their natural reactions make it all the more hilarious.
Why do you think these blind date skits have resonated so strongly with audiences?
For too long, women have been raised to shrink themselves, to speak, dress, and behave a certain way just to be 'wife material.' Through these skits, I want to challenge that. The woman I portray is bold, unfiltered, and a little bit ratchet - and that's okay!
So many women come up to me and say, 'I have a friend just like that character!'. These skits are about visibility. They say, 'Yes, this woman exists and she deserves to take up space too.' Every living thing has the right to live authentically. That's why the skits inspire not only me, but so many others too.
With all your biblical references, do you ever see yourself becoming a priest?
I'm a believer, yes, but I'm also a realist. I think the Church often shies away from real conversations about real struggles. Life isn't always squeaky clean. I want to talk openly about the things we tend to sweep under the rug.
That's why I've never seen myself preaching from a pulpit full-time. But recently, I preached at a church conference in Botswana, and it was such a powerful experience. So while I don't see myself leading a church, I do say yes when I'm invited to preach – it's an honour every time.
Which women in South African comedy do you look up to?
Ah, that's a tough one! But I'll start with Celeste Ntuli. Her work ethic and how unapologetic she is? I love it. Then there's Thenjiwe Moseley, whose comedy is so thoughtful and creative.
You can tell she crafts her material. And of course, Khanyisa Bunu. Her stories feel so personal, and she has this incredible ability to turn real-life experiences into hilarious comedy. That's a real gift.
Your kids must see your TikToks. Do they ever get embarrassed by your work?
My eldest definitely finds some of it cringe! But I always tell her that when someone makes you uncomfortable, it's often because they reflect something in you that you haven't fully accepted yet.
When I was younger, I hated my voice because people laughed at it even when I was serious. But now I see it as part of my purpose. I tell my kids: if someone triggers you, study them. There might be a message there for you.