THE hilarious Facebook comedian is finally getting recognition for his amazing and unique style of jokes.
Gift ‘Slesh Vele’ Ndlovu from Lawley, south of Johannesburg, is making a name for himself in the Facebook fraternity as he always posts something which will have you in stitches.
The 22-year-old said he receives calls and messages from people telling him they love his posts because he makes them laugh.
He told COURIER he posts three times a day; if he has more jokes in his arsenal he posts as many as he can.
His inspiration comes from James ‘Chomi Ya Jeso’ Mahlokwane, a popular comedian. Slesh said James is different and original, that’s why he loves him.
However, his funny side only developed a bit later in his life.
“While growing up, I loved dancing and people knew me for that. My friends and family were also surprised to see my funny posts,” he said.
One of his posts currently circulating on social media reads: “I bought myself a Gift hmmm… I wonder what’s inside”.
“These posts just come from nowhere; when one is gifted things just happen. I hope these posts can take me places.
“At first, making people laugh was something I did for fun. But that has changed. All I want now is to see myself performing with one of the best comedians in the country,” explained Gift.
When he joined social media he only had few followers, but now he has hundreds and he hopes to grow the number.
He told COURIER the more he posts the more people like his page and posts.
“This has made me famous in my neighbourhood. When people see me on the streets they call to me and chat with me, which wasn’t the case before. I wish I can continue with the posts and hopefully I can get a stand-up call from someone,” he said.
Slesh said he has tried stand-up comedy at church events where he blew congregants away with his jokes.
He doesn’t only posts jokes, but motivational posts as well to keep people believing that they can achieve what they want to achieve.
Thandiwe Mhlongo, one of Slesh’s friends on Facebook, said she loves reading Slesh’s posts because they make her day.
Tip for aspiring comedians
James said he isn’t where he wants to be, but he is glad that he inspires someone.
“I think comedy is about demonstration more than anything else. The only way you’re ever going to earn the respect of promoters and hosts is to demonstrate that you can destroy the audience with laughter,” said James.
Chomi Ya Jeso gave Slesh and other aspiring comedians the following tip:
“Follow comedians on social media and go to the small shows and ask to do an opening act. From there you’ll see that every experience teaches you something about handling audiences.
“You’re probably going to bomb out on stage. Don’t let that break your spirit. In comedy we say every death is a lesson, but there is little to learn from killing.
“Once you find your voice, you’ll have more fun on stage and promoters will come to you because they’ll believe you’ll give their audience value for money.
“To get popular, utilise social media, but don’t use it until you know you’re well cooked. The last thing you need is to flood the internet with videos of yourself doing terrible comedy; you can never take that back.”
Some of Slesh Vele’s posts
• “Your boyfriend lives alone, but there are two pillows on his bed, connect the dots, my sister.”
• “Guys please check your English before posting, I know English is hevy.”
• “The pain of getting paid R300 in front of a person you owe R280.”
• “Being ugly is hard. You take 10 selfies and delete 12.”
• “Call me crazy or what, but I’m craving a full chicken of a cow.”
