Latest news with #MrBones
News24
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
'SA feels like home' - Faizon Love embraces full-circle moment at LACF
He won the hearts of South Africans 25 years ago on the iconic Leon Schuster movie, Mr Bones. To Mr Bones, he was the big one who refused to go down. And before he knew it, he had an injury that required medical support. From being a famous golfer's caddy to exploring Kuvuki land and all the dynamics that the kingdom came with, Faizon Love gave us an international act for the books. When he was announced as Deon Cole's replacement as the main act of this year's Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, stakes were instantly high. Everyone was expecting an international act for the books which turned out to be a disappointment for many. Much like last year's main act, Eddie Griffin, the comedy set didn't land as much as the opening acts. Even Griff did a better job. One could tell that Griff took time to not only research the South African climate, politically, culturally and otherwise, but he also took time to experience the people of South Africa in their diversity. Read more | ON THE GRILL | Helen Zille set to face the heat at 2025 comedy roast Faizon Love, on the other hand, dragged out his set and ended up engaging with the audience off-stage when he clearly ran out of jokes. As people walked out of the Sandton Convention Centre, many couldn't help but voice out who could've been a better replacement. Speaking to Drum ahead of the big comedy weekend, he shared a glimpse into his headline set. 'My stuff is really about me. This place is like a second home now; I feel at peace here until you see a Cobra. In Sun City, we were eating on a porch, and I noticed something that looked like a stick, and I threw a fork at it then it hissed. I almost went out the window.' Adding to how he plans to relate to the South African audience, he says he just wants to keep it real. 'The only thing different here is loadshedding,' he chuckles. Taking us back to the time when he fell in love with comedy, the 56-year-old relates a story about his father. 'My father would listen to some big comedians in his car, and I would act like I wasn't listening. He would also watch Freddy Prince, a Puerto Rican comedian so I ended up listening to them even when he wasn't even around and would mimic thema at school [because of how cool it sounded].' Read more | Of course, they threw jabs at Penny Lebyane about DJ Fresh at Minnie's Roast! It wasn't until his trip to New York with his uncle that he decided to pursue comedy as his uncle was also putting his own foot in the entertainment industry. He went from open mics, stand-up comedy to acting and so much more. A lot of people would agree that the format of the comedy festival needs to go back to the drawing board because if it is an African festival, African comedians need to be prioritised in all their variety. It should be a comedy festival that exposes rising comedians and international comedians from the rest of Africa to new markets and challenge them to make their mark. The last two years have shown that headliners from America don't do much diligence in terms of relating with the South African audience and that might just kill the local comedy industry that has worked for decades to get out of the trenches and be taken seriously.
News24
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Mr Bones star Faizon Love replaces Deon Cole at Laugh Africa Comedy Festival
The Laugh Africa Comedy Festival still promises to deliver unforgettable experiences despite its headline change. Black-ish star Deon Cole was set to headline the comedy festival, taking place from 2 to 4 May 2025 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, but withdrew due to an unforeseen medical emergency. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Laugh Africa Comedy Festival (@laughafricacomfest) The Laugh Africa Comedy Festival has now announced actor and comedian Faizon Love as the new international headliner. Faizon Love is no stranger to South Africans. Since his stint as the hilarious Fats Pudbedder in the local comedy film Mr Bones acting alongside legendary local comedian Leon Schuster, Faizon has captured the hearts of Mzansi and is sure to be a pleasant addition to the comedy lineup. Best known for his standout performances in classics like Friday, the holiday hit movie Elf and audience favourites like Couples Retreat, Money Talks and The Perfect Holiday, Faizon brings decades of comedic excellence to the stage. In a statement, Stuart Taylor, the festival's creative director, says, 'Faizon brings a unique blend of sharp wit, cultural commentary, and undeniable stage presence that perfectly aligns with the spirit of the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival. We're incredibly excited to welcome him to the lineup.' Faizon will headline the festival on Saturday, 3 May and Sunday, 4 May, closing out a weekend of unfiltered laughter and unforgettable performances. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Laugh Africa Comedy Festival (@laughafricacomfest) What to expect at the three-day festival The festival will shine a spotlight on African comedic excellence, with performances by Felix Hlophe, Eugene Khoza, Celeste Ntuli, Nina Hastie, Angel Campey, Alan Committie, Rob Van Vuuren, Jam Jam the Comedian, Kagiso 'KG' Mokgadi, Mark Banks, Nonto R and Robbie Collins. International acts include Griff from the U.S., Uganda's Salvado Ombokolo and Eric Lu Savali from Kenya. One of the key highlights is the filming of the Showmax Roast of Helen Zille, featuring co-Roast Masters Tumi Morake and Trevor Gumbi. Known for their razor-sharp wit and fearless delivery, they'll lead a powerhouse panel that includes The Real Housewives stars Londie London and Mel Viljoen, comedian Loyiso Gola, radio host Bongani Bingwa, author Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, TV presenter Rian van Heerden, singer Zwai Bala, political commentator JJ Tabane, comedian Lesego 'Coconut Kelz' Tlhabi (appearing virtually) and a surprise wildcard appearance by Patricia de Lille. The festival is open to persons 16 years and older.
