MULTI-AWARD-WINNING stand-up comedian and creator Dillan Oliphant speaks openly about challenges facing Mzansi comedians.
He said the local comedy scene is still struggling to recover after the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Cape Town-born funny man told Daily Sun one of the biggest problems facing comedians today is a lack of dedicated comedy venues.
Dillan said the industry changed dramatically after the pandemic, with many comedy spaces shutting down and never to reopen.
"Covid-19 hit the industry the hardest. Right now, the biggest challenge for comedians is finding venues. We struggle to get places that believe in comedy," he said.
Dillan explained that while comedians still perform regularly at different locations, there are a few dedicated comedy clubs in Mzansi.
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"We don't really have proper comedy clubs. We have places where we do weekly shows, but they're not real homes for comedy," he said.
The comedian compared the situation to performers being temporary guests rather than having a permanent stage.
"South African comedy needs homes, not hotels where we sleep over and then leave. People must know this is the comedy club - a place where comedy lives," he said.
Despite the challenges, Dillan feels encouraged by the recognition he has received from fellow comedians.
The comedian has been nominated four times at the Savanna Comics' Choice Comedy Awards.
"I feel seen by my peers. It's actually emotional for me. I never thought I'd get this kind of recognition," he said.
The prestigious awards ceremony will take place on 2 May at Gold Reef City's Lyric Theatre in Joburg, where Mzansi's top comedians will gather to celebrate the best in local comedy.
