Bambino introduces birthday comedy show
WeekendLife
Local comedian affectionately known as Bambino Ndiwenyu, has re-defied the landscape of how birthdays are to be celebrated, by coming up with a unique theme for his 30th birthday; by hosting a comedy show. Titled ‘Bambino Birthday Comedy Show’, will debut on the 17th of November, at Horizon View in Game City.
Ndiwenyu is one of the most renowned and sought after comedians in the country. He has performed alongside international acts like Trevor Gumbi, Kedibonye Mulaudzi and many more. He has also performed at the Soweto International Comedy Show. His repertoire of work within the comedy industry cannot go unnoticed, having been in the comedy industry since 2015 and ultimately found fame when competing in My African Dream, a talent search show, where he managed to make it the top three. He is however more than a comedian, holding a BA in Live Performance from AFDA.
In an exclusive interview with WeekendLife, he highlighted that the event came through after he saw the need to embrace his talent, as it speaks to him more than anything else. “I wanted to celebrate it in a way that speaks volumes to me and I feel like comedy brings a lot of laughter to people. It brings happiness and relieves people from stress for some time. You may not get rid of your problems but for a certain moment you can detach from a lot of things. I would like to believe that I am possibly going to have it every year in celebration of myself,” he said.
Whilst people are looking forward to a day filled with laughs and giggles, Ndiwenyu will not sail the boat alone. He has tagged along other local and international acts to come and dish fun. The event that is run by Amble Production and directed by Gao Lemmenyane and Kabelo Rapinyana and Ndiwenyu himself, will be having acts like M.O.D, Tricks Pantsola of the Jokes, Jonny Pula, Maatla Ephraim Basha, Thapelo Malani and Brooks. The the lineup is still open. International acts will be Kedibonye Mulaudzi, a South African comedian as well as King Flat.
After being away for a while in the comic space, many people are looking forward to his performance after a long hiatus which he took for his studies. “That made me very exclusive, and I figured what better way can I do it than a birthday comedy show,” he said. In the years that he has been in the industry, Ndiwenyu acknowledges the growth of the industry as many have found the nitch and are making strides.
“The comedy in the country has evolved so much, because there are so many young comedians who have explored both commercial and mainstream comedy. People who have found humor where it is not easily found and have found ways to make a living out of it. There is a great difference and there are a lot of standup comedians. People like Tricks have managed to release a CD,” he explained. When reflecting on his journey, he stated that he drew inspiration from South African comedian who is currently based in United States of America, Trevor Noah. “Hearing a story of how he started comedy is very inspiring. He started comedy more lately than I did and after he started he took many risks. He did his first standup comedy and it was packed. He just kept defying the odds,” he hinted.
Ultimately, the comedian envisions himself gracing biggest stages doing what he is passionate about, which he believes will be a stepping stone to his bigger dream. “One of the core things that I love is my talent, because I am multi-talented. I am a comedian, an actor and a singer. I have seen myself being able to execute my tasks quite well,” he said.
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DJ Sway ‘saved’ the YAMAs
DJ Sway, the daring and ambitious on-air presenter of Yarona FM, played a crucial role in saving the radio station’s music awards, known as the YAMAs. The event was initially dry and disorganized, but DJ Sway, who co-hosted with Pearl Thusi, injected life into the show. However, things took a turn for the worse when Pearl Thusi abruptly left the stage, leaving DJ Sway to carry on alone. Despite the unexpected setback, DJ Sway rose to the occasion and captivated the audience, effectively putting an end to the drama caused by Pearl Thusi.
In an exclusive interview after the YAMAs, DJ Sway revealed the behind-the-scenes chaos that unfolded during the event. He acknowledged the script editors, Phalana and Hope, who worked tirelessly to reedit the script and adapt it to a one-host format. Despite the last-minute changes, DJ Sway remained composed and focused, thanks to the support of his colleagues, such as Owen Rampha, Katlego Rakola, Tshepang Motsisi (DJ Easy), and LB.
When asked about his initial reaction to the unexpected turn of events, DJ Sway admitted to feeling saddened by how things ended. However, he credited Pearl Thusi for giving him a much-needed confidence boost during his moment of doubt. She reminded him that he was destined for greatness and that he didn’t need big stars to succeed. With her words of encouragement, DJ Sway regained his composure and approached the rest of the show with the same professionalism and charisma he displays on the radio.
To overcome the challenges he faced, DJ Sway relied on his radio skills and calm personality. He engaged with the audience as if he were speaking to a single person, pointing out individuals in the crowd to create a more intimate connection. He also expressed gratitude for his backstage team, who provided support and ensured the smooth running of the show.
DJ Sway expressed satisfaction in being seen as the saving grace of the YAMAs. He believed that he fulfilled his role as a host and brought joy to the Yarona FM board, his family, and his fans. Despite his success, DJ Sway’s journey has not been without hardships. He has experienced the loss of his mother and sister, which has left a lasting impact on him. While he continues to grieve, he seeks solace in therapy sessions and relies on his father for emotional support.
DJ Sway’s dedication to his craft and ability to overcome adversity make him a remarkable figure in the radio industry. His vibrant personality and deep knowledge of music have made him a perfect fit for Yarona FM. Despite the challenges he has faced, DJ Sway remains determined to make a positive impact and bring joy to his listeners. With his talent and resilience, there is no doubt that DJ Sway will continue to thrive in his career and leave a lasting legacy in the world of radio.
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Chef Gustos walk of shame
Chef Gustos, the renowned hitmaker, recently experienced what can only be described as a walk of shame at the 8th edition of the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs). Despite being nominated a whopping seven times, he failed to secure a single win. Ouch!
The night was filled with surprises, drama, and controversy, but the biggest winner of the evening was Han C, who walked away with three awards, including Best Pop and Best Male Single for his hit song, “Sebinki.” Han C graciously announced that he would be donating P10,000 from his winnings to his fellow nominees, promoting a spirit of togetherness among artists. What a noble gesture!
Meanwhile, Chef Gustos found himself on the losing end of several categories, including People’s Choice Artist of the Year, which he had won in the past. He seemed unfazed by the loss, stating, “People know that ‘Away’ was big, but they won’t stop me.” It’s clear that Chef Gustos is determined to continue making music, regardless of the awards he receives.
However, he did express his frustration with the outcome, suggesting that the awards may be corrupt. He declined to comment further, citing the need to protect his brand and maintain good relationships with corporate clients. It’s understandable that he wants to avoid any potential damage to his future prospects.
In fact, Chef Gustos went so far as to request that Yarona FM not nominate him for future YAMAs. It seems he wants to distance himself from the disappointment and focus on his music without the pressure of awards. Perhaps this decision will allow him to create freely and without the burden of expectations.
While Chef Gustos may have experienced a walk of shame at the YAMAs, it’s important to remember that awards do not define an artist’s talent or success. His fans still appreciate his music, and he continues to have gigs with corporate clients. So, despite the disappointment, Chef Gustos remains optimistic about his future in the industry.
In the end, the YAMAs may have been a letdown for Chef Gustos, but he’s determined to keep moving forward. He won’t let a lack of awards dampen his spirits or hinder his creativity. And who knows, maybe next time he’ll come back stronger and prove that he’s deserving of recognition. After all, the true measure of an artist’s success lies in the hearts of their fans, not in shiny trophies.