MBABANE: Laughter is still the best medicine.
I met Cedric Lindelwa Simelane, known to many as Cappuccino, at a church event where he was one of the MCs. It was the joke about a couple in a praise team which would sing songs depending on their state of relationship that cracked me up.
I met up with the 25-year-old comedian from Hlatikulu and asked for that long-overdue interview, and this is what he had to say.
How did you come up with your stage name, Cappuccino?
Well, most comedians use their real names on stage; I had to change to Cedric.
How do you come up with your content?
Ian Edwards once said raw comedy happens every day. So back in 2019, when I started working, we had a white manager, and some of the staff was struggling to communicate their grievances to him. “One example I remember was when this one guy was from the dip tank, and hence he was late. “That’s a valid reason, right?” So the manager asked him why he was late, and he directly translated from Siswati, saying he is from the dam. “Confused, the manager asked, “What?” He said, “You see where the cow swims to reduce diseases.” The manager got more confused until I came to the rescue, so I sat down and was like, “I can make good comedy skits from this, “and that’s “how it all came about.
When did you discover your passion for comedy?
From the very first day I set foot on stage, I knew I was made for this, and I did it with love and passion.” The reception from the audience was just overwhelming.
What is your most memorable performance?
It was from my first ever stand-up comedy show, which I hosted at Sibebe Resort and dubbed “Comedy on the Rocks.” I had the most fun on that stage. Then there’s the set I did at the Worship Centre, where I was trying out new material I titled Church Comedy.
Do you still get stage fright before a performance?
Always. My mentor once said that it’s healthy to have stage fright because it means that you are going to perform well. He said that when you don’t feel anything, you’re likely to ‘die’ on stage.
Can comedians survive on just their talent in the country?
Yes, of course, it just calls for one to dedicate himself or herself, invest time and effort, and work on improving their craft at all costs.
Where have you performed?
I have performed at the Cresta President Hotel in Gaborone, Botswana, at a show dubbed “Mdura in Botswana” alongside the country’s best Mdura and Botswana’s comedy giants, “Jonny Pula, Bambino, Tropics, and Badwin Balls.
I have also performed at the Emfuleni Comedy Thursdays, Molly’s Comedy Shows, hosted by me, and some hosted by Sbu Ngwenya at Sibebe Resort, 23:28 Lounge (Throwback Comedy and Music Thursdays). Jumbo dinner, some corporate events, MBAC Valentine’s Dinner, Worship Centre, and Jumbo Seminars.
Who is your favourite comedian?
My favourite comedian locally is none other than Mdura. I just love how he does comedy; it’s original and proper, and it makes me see the type of comedian I want to be.
Internationally it’s definitely Daliso Chaponda because of the way he delivers his set and the energy, not to mention the voice.
Which comedian would you love to work with?
For now, I love working with Mdura because he makes sure that each time I am on stage, we go back to the drawing board and discuss my set and see what went wrong and how I can improve. If it was a bad one, or I nailed it, we discussed how to be consistent and how to add on to what we already have.
Other than comedy, what else are you passionate about?
Outside comedy I am in the tourism industry (under the marketing department at Sibebe Resort). Nothing makes me happier than a happy and satisfied client. I love hosting customers and making sure they enjoy their stay at the resort. This has also helped me build my networks, both locally and internationally.
