Jack of all creative trades

ONE teaspoon of passion, a dash of determination and a sprinkling of motivation to prepare the feast for fame – That’s his recipe and staple diet!

For the strong-willed 33-year-old Empangeni original, Sifiso Nene; the only time success comes before work is in the dictionary.

Established comedian, articulate poet and talented actor, calling him a jack-of-all-trades would be an understatement.

Adding to his list of talent, Sifiso has published his first book entitled, ‘Our Father’, where he bears his soul to the world.

It is said that those who wear the broadest smiles often carry the deepest pains, and his novel is testimony to that.

‘Our Father’ shares Sifiso’s intimate journey of being raised in a home confined between walls of abuse, his volatile relationship with his father, finding spiritual refuge in prayer, his fervent desire for success and the undying love for his mother.

‘This book started off as a journal in 2008 to get me through each day and one day, I just realised that there are so many people who would benefit from hearing my story because everyone has gone through terribly challenging circumstances at some point,’

‘If anything, this book has been a process of catharsis for me. It shares experiences close to my heart which I wasn’t at the time ready to share,’ said Sifiso.

Career

Enrolled at Durban University of Technology to study Information Technology, Sifiso then discovered his humour and ability to bring laughter to crowds.

‘In 2009, I auditioned for the reality TV show ‘So You Think You Funny’ and won. That’s when my career in comedy officially began.

‘Prior to that, I would take buses up to Johannesburg in the morning just for an Open Mic spot and then travel back to KZN in the evening. That was my life for a long time. Winning the show really was the breakthrough I longed for,’ he said.

In 2012 Sifiso moved to Johannesburg where he starred in the film, ‘Taxi Ride’, directed by prominent comedian and film director, David Kau.

Shortly after his claim to fame, Sifiso landed an advertising portfolio with Standard Bank and, in the same year, won the South African Comics Choice Award and the South African Traditional Music Awards where he walked away with the title of Best Indigenous Comedian and has, for two consecutive years, claimed its victory.

‘When you find yourself and your passion in life, you are filled with untold peace and happiness. I am a testimony of God’s favour and will. My journey has been a blessing and my career fulfills me, it is my everyday driving force,’ he said.

The book which is available at R120 a copy at Kennarts in Empangeni has to date sold more than 500 copies in Johannesburg alone.