The funny women of JICF

There’s nothing more attractive than women who are absolutely confident in their skills and what they do, and the three funny ladies who will form part of the all-women show at JICF have no shortage of confidence.

Tracy Lee Oliver, Nina Hastie and Lihle Lindzy Msimang will be doing their thing in one of the JICF shows, Live from the 13th Floor, along with fellow South African female comedian, Celeste Ntuli and American comedian Maureen Langan.

This show will be held at Thirteen, the new rooftop venue in Braamfontein.

“It’s going to be something extremely different,” said Hastie.

“I mean there have been all-female comedy shows before, but none as jam-packed as this one is going to be … and with the talent that will share that stage.”

Oliver, Hastie and Msimang agreed that South African comedians are as good as any international acts. “The quality of South African Comedy is world-class,” said Hastie.

“And that is not to put anyone else down,” added Oliver.

“Sometimes you watch another comedian and think ‘I can do better’ and the only thing that makes you different from the comedian onstage is that they’re grinding hard and working their a** off.”

The comedy industry can be a difficult one, but the ladies make sure to stay relevant on any stage and in any country by being relatable.

“If you stay true to who you are and what you see, that transcends all boundaries,” Msimang explained.

They agreed that it was important to bring their A-game wherever they perform – especially at a comedy club because those audiences are often the most brutally honest – and that’s what makes them great at what they do.

“You need the heart of an elephant and the skin of a crocodile,” Hastie concluded.

The chemistry between the women will no doubt make for a hysterical show, so don’t miss JICF from 6 to 8 November.

Details: www.johannesburginternationalcomedyfestival.co.za