There’s just something about a funny man.
It all started back in 2009 at Cool Runnings in Melville, when Mojak (real name Mojakisane Lehoko) realised that he could make money from being funny.
To have a sit-down with Lehoko is a bit like attending a flawless, unrehearsed comedy show. His energy is inescapable and his ambition tangible.
Fairland resident Mojak describes his style of comedy as observational and unstructured, with an ability to identify humour in even the most awful of circumstances.
Although, his style can also be regarded as thought-provoking and intellectual.
Whenever he is on stage, he commands comedic authority and has the audience begging for more.
His ability to adapt to diverse audiences has allowed him to perform in so many places in the country.
From his humble R100 beginnings, this comedian is seeing brighter days.
“While performing at Cool Runnings, I used to get R100 and would be so happy about it. After four months, I started taking comedy seriously,” he said.
He is firmly committed to growing himself in the industry.
“I like being creative, always trying to do new things. I am pushing myself to do better.”
Evidently so, Mojak has ventured into a number of projects including writing and featuring in Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola and writing for DStv Vuzu Amp’s new mockumentary The Real Jozi A-Listers.
He also had the privilege of being nominated in the 2011 Newcomer category in the inaugural SA Comic’s Choice Awards.
The International Emmy-nominated writer says he feels there aren’t enough women in the industry.
“There’s definitely not enough female comics, I think there should be a lot of female comics. I am an advocate for that.”
Although he acknowledges that existing female comics like Celeste Ntuli and Tumi Morake are on top of their game.
Like most comedians, he has had his dry moments on stage. However, he advises that if comics do experience that, they should change the dragon (change the joke) or just walk off the stage.
Catch Mojak in action at his one-man comedy show, How Did I Get Here? at the PopArt Theatre from 27 to 29 November
Did you know?
Mojak has two tattoos and plans to extend them to a sleeve.
He is a fan of autobiographies and is currently reading Mike Tyson’s Undisputed Truth: My autobiography.
He can and loves making beats.
Mojak loves style icons such as Pharrel, Kanye West and David Beckham.
He sometimes plays Candy Crush before performing a comic skit.
