Funnyman Riaad Moosa will entertain and provide many laughs at the Theatre on The Square in Sandton.
The Sandton Chronicle spoke to Moosa about his upcoming show.
Moosa grew up on the Cape Flats in Grassy Park and Heathfield where he attended Fairview Primary and South Peninsula High School. After that, he attended the University of Cape Town medical school.
He said his fondest memory was spending time at the College of Magic. “It was just like Hogwarts, just next to a taxi rank.”
Moosa is not the only funny person in his family. “My mother’s brothers are hilarious, but my grandfather was the original joke teller. I learned a lot from him. He was captivating.”
Although he doesn’t have a specific comedian that inspires him, Moosa said comedy, in general, is his muse. Hailing from Cape Town, he uses himself as a template for his humour. “Everything related to me is fodder for comedy.
“The comedy bug bit me at UCT after my fourth year of medicine and, to this date, I haven’t found a cure. I continued doing comedy during my final year, internship and community service.”
Moosa never really chose comedy. “I feel comedy chose me. I did both medicine and comedy and more opportunities opened up with the comedy.”
Being a father of four, his children run everything. “Comedy and everything else is secondary – although they do provide lots of material.”
Moosa switches off the comedian in him. He said many comics are introverted. “We watch. Observe. Then it all comes out on stage.”
His show in Joburg is a psychological declaration to the world. “I’ve got lots more to do in life. It’s about turning 40 and is called Life Begins.”
After about 15 years in the industry, Moosa said the biggest challenge to break into the industry is being unique.
His advice to aspiring comedians is, “Try to be as authentic as possible. When you’re authentic you’ll find your true voice. The true voice is what will give you longevity.”
When pressed for a short joke Moosa said, “I’m one of those Indians, you won’t get anything for free, even a short joke. Besides, I don’t know any jokes about midgets. That’s a short joke. As you can tell I’ve got a long way to go before I master this art form.”
Catch Riaad Moosa at the Theatre on The Square in Sandton from 27 March to 7 April. Tickets cost R200.
Will you be attending one of his shows? Share your stories with us ion the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page.
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