Mabena makes a living off his talent #MakingIt
KwaThema – David Mabena (29) has turned his gift for stand-up comedy into a career.
The young artist shares that his talent started shining from primary school where he would always be asked to entertain guests visiting the school.
“During my school years at Duduza Primary School and Sibonelo Esihle Secondary School I discovered my love for the arts.
“I used to entertain guests as my teachers could see it was something I loved.
“After matriculating in 2009, the following year I gained interest in and took up stand-up comedy,” he says.
In 2010 Mabena got his big break when he entered the Ekurhuleni’s Got Talent competition.
He adds that the competition had various categories and he was able to make it through to the semi-finals.
“At that stage we signed contracts and were given schedules so they could entertain at fan parks during the Soccer World Cup.
“So I was doing comedy at the parks and the opportunity pushed me, as I was able to meet and work with some local comedians such as J-Boggy, Skhumba, Salesman and Ditsele.Com among others.
“In 2011 I was also part of the Laugh out Loud Comedy Show.
“And this created a chance for me to start entertaining at municipality events, gala dinners and awareness campaigns,” he says.
Mabena adds that what he enjoys about comedy is that you don’t take certain issues seriously and he constantly has to push himself.
Furthermore, through doing this, he is able to motivate other young people to use their talents.
“A highlight of my career thus far was meeting local actors and comedians Thulani ‘Popeye’ Didi and Kere ‘Spinach’ Nyawo.
“These two men volunteered to mentor me so that I could improve and I appreciated that.
“This also motivated me to create two characters for my comedy and education acts, ‘The Drunken Master’ and ‘Umkhulu’,” he says.
The comedian says all he wishes for in future is to have a centre where he can help develop younger artists and to keep them off the streets.
And for upcoming events he is looking forward to soon performing at the Modderbee Prison, a church event in Duduza and a school event at the KwaThema Skills School.
All who wish to book Mabena can contact him on 073 581 9902.
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