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Get to know the Daily show’s Loyiso Madinga

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PHOTO: Supplied to DRUM
PHOTO: Supplied to DRUM

Johannesburg - Comedy Central recently announced that comedian Loyiso Madinga has been chosen by Trevor Noah to be part of The Daily Show as the African correspondent.

DRUM caught up with the 31-year-old to find out more about his new gig.

How did you get the job?

Auditions were held last year. I was called to audition and I did. At the time I felt like it was all a crazy thought so when I got told I got it, it didn’t even make sense to me until we moved on and created work on this.

Did you think you’d get such an opportunity this early in your career?

Funny enough, I gave myself five years of just working on being a good comic. I told myself I wouldn’t chase stardom or anything like that for the first five years while I work. This opportunity came at exactly five years of my career so it’s almost like this is a gift to that hustle.

Are you and Trevor close friends?

Trevor is very kind, he lets me sleep on his chest sometimes while I tell him my deepest darkest secrets. No, I’m kidding. I’ve worked with Trevor a lot and met him the first day we were starting our Nationwild Tour in 2014 alongside Eugene Khoza, Dillan Oliphant, Dusty Rich and Robby Collins. I got to know him there and sometimes when I go to New York to do shows, I get to chill with him through mutual friends. I’m not going to claim that he’s my best bud in the world, he’s my boss now. But he’s a super-cool guy and we’re cool.

Where did you meet Trevor?

I met him for the first time for the Nationwild tour. He was at Nando’s having lunch with other comedians. I got there, sat down and the conversation just started from there. It wasn’t anything formal. It was just comedians hanging out.

Getting on The Daily Show is huge, but what’s your next goal?

Oh my God! I’m still trying to focus on this right now because The Daily Show is a pilot. It’s not just a pilot for Africa but a pilot for the world and it’s testament to how good the industry is here on the continent that they would try something so new with such a big brand in Africa. For me right now, it’s about making this work so we can do more and more segments throughout the year and I can be used as proof for the rest of the world. It’s not only about me, but also for the next correspondent who comes after me. They’ll have an easier job and be able to elevate the work we do here.

How have you dealt with the response to the big announcement?

I’m feeling like ehhhhh-ahhhh (screams) but I’m managing. I’ve never had this much attention and I’ve had to ignore my phone for the first time. I’m a social media addict but I haven’t been able to check my phone ’cause it’s too much. I’ve never had this much going on – tweets and messages and all that. It’s too much for me.

How has your family reacted to the news?

My siblings are excited, they always talk about our fame. It’s a plural at home, it’s our fame. My parents don’t quite understand what it all means as long as I’m sending money back home, that’s all that matters.

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