South African Stars to Join Comedy on Netflix

Two South African comedians have been selected for an international stand-up comedy event series which will feature 47 comedians from around the globe.

Netflix and Just For Laughs announced on Wednesday that an unprecedented new stand-up series will premiere in 2019… with comedians Tumi Morake and Riaad Moosa proudly flying the South African flag high in the series. They’ll be joining two other stellar SA comics, according to the statement (although no other names were given).

According to a media statement, Tumi Morake will be making history – not only by “partaking in this ground-breaking event series” but she is “set to become the first African female stand-up comedian to have her own set on Netflix”.

Morake said she was humbled by this opportunity. “Incredible things are happening and I am beyond grateful. I’m putting my best foot forward and I am hoping to do my country proud,” she said.

“South Africans are witnessing a new era of comedy as local comedians are making a great impression on international audiences and we are so proud that two of our own from the Blu Blood stable are taking part in this incredible experience,” says Osman Osman, Blu Blood MD.

The yet-to-be-named series will feature a range of stand-up specials from comedians diverse in style, gender and ethnicity and will be taped in seven languages.

Tumi and Riaad will be part of 32 comedians that will record a half-hour special at this year’s Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal from July 24 to July 29, with the additional comedians set to record specials in Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Mumbai, Berlin and Amsterdam.

“I’m looking forward to returning to Montreal to take part in the Just For Laughs festival,” said Riaad Moosa, the ‘Good Doctor’ of SA comedy.