Comedian - Thenjiwe - Comedy in Your Eye

Comedian - Thenjiwe - Comedy: The South African Queen of Viral Sketches and Stand-Up

An Introduction to a Comic You Need to Know

Thenjiwe Moseley, known professionally simply as Thenjiwe, is a South African comedian, actress, and entrepreneur who has become a true international star. Originating from KwaMashu, Durban, she has built a massive fanbase through the hilarious sketches she posts on social media, becoming a celebrated YouTube content creator and influencer. But she is much more than an internet sensation; she is a formidable stand-up comedian who has conquered stages from South Africa to the United Kingdom, winning major awards and captivating audiences with her real and relatable humour.

The Journey to the Stage

Thenjiwe was born in 1977 during the apartheid era in South Africa and was raised by her grandparents in KwaMashu. She graduated with a degree in Performing Arts but struggled to find opportunities, eventually leaving for the US in 2001 where she worked as an au pair and studied Business Management. Her unlikely entry into comedy came in 2013. While celebrating with colleagues from her legal job, she was dared to perform a five-minute set at a comedy night. A talent scout noticed her, and a new career was born. She competed in the Funny Woman Awards in the UK, which brought her to the attention of South African comedy star Celeste Ntuli, who invited Thenjiwe to be her opening act, opening doors for her across South Africa.

The Anatomy of a Joke: Style and Substance

Thenjiwe believes in using laughter as a form of education, stating, "It is important to laugh at our problems and mistakes". Her jokes are about real issues, delivered with a style that is both hilarious and deeply relatable, particularly her famous sketches about "African Parents" and her court comedy series, Judge Thenjiwe Khambule. Having been disrespected as a woman in the industry, she turned to social media to promote her own content, a move that made her famous. Her sketches, often in Zulu, capture the nuances of South African family life and culture with perfect comedic timing, earning her millions of views. It is this authentic and brilliantly funny world that ensures Thenjiwe resonates with audiences across the globe.

A Trophy Cabinet of Triumphs

Thenjiwe's talent has been recognised with numerous awards. At the 2020 South African Comedy Awards, she was a big winner, taking home two prestigious awards: Online Comedian of the Year and a special Digital Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2023, she conquered the notoriously difficult London gong show circuit, winning the King Gong Comedy at The Comedy Store and The Black Out at Up the Creek, proving her stand-up is as sharp as her sketches. She has performed at major festivals and shows across the world, including the Magners International Comedy Festival in Asia, the Durban Comedy Festival, and the South African All Star Tour in Australia. She also made her debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2023 with her show The Mandela Effect.

Beyond the Spotlight: Digital Dominance and Other Ventures

Thenjiwe is a true multi-platform star. She created and acted in her own television shows, Judge Thenjiwe Khambule and Meet the Khambules, which aired on Moja Love. She has also acted in Nollywood movies, including 10 Days in Sun City and The Accidental Spy. Her YouTube channel, Thenjiwe Comedy, is a powerhouse, with 177,000 subscribers and videos that have garnered millions of views, like "Beyonce Was Born In Durban South Africa," which has over a million views. She is also a goodwill ambassador for multiple foundations, using her platform for positive change.

A Comic in Your Eye

Thenjiwe is a global comedy superstar. She is an award-winning comedian, a viral sensation, a television creator, an actress, and an entrepreneur. Her journey from KwaMashu to international acclaim is a story of talent, perseverance, and the power of laughter. To see her perform live is to witness a comedian who has built an empire on her own terms, connecting with millions through her authentic and hilarious voice. Comedy in Your Eye is honoured to host this South African comedy queen.

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