RISING COMEDIAN, CALVIN BENSON ON : BEING A STAND-UP COMEDIAN , HIS IDENTITY AS A BLACK-COLOURED, LIFE & MORE!
Rising Cape Town in the spotlight...
THE INSIDE SCOOP..."A lot of people say you need an identity starting out in in the stand-up comedy industry."
Calvin Benson, from Zeekoevlei in Cape Town is making waves in the local comedy scene. Following a successful stint as the opening act for comedian KG’S Heavy at The Baxter Theatre recently, winning numerous stand-up comedy competitions, and gigging around he has proved to be a rising star!
Behind Calvin’s bubbly and likeable persona on stage, he is actually a rather shy, Mr nice-guy off stage. He only really lets loose when on stage, as it is his comfort zone and provides a platform for him to live out his fantasy, and be the person he is not normally off-stage. It also provides a platform for him to express himself and say whatever he wants.
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| Calvin Benson and I. |
Calvin proudly defines himself as a"black-coloured." People often mistake him for being black, since a young age, therefore he defines himself as "The voice for black-coloureds."
"A lot of people say you need an identity starting out in in the stand-up comedy industry," he says. Truth is, his grandfather is originally from Malawi.
Fun, loving and a lover of watching television - that’s Calvin in a nutshell. He also enjoys playing soccer, cricket and listening to music. He reveals his quite a Justin Bieber fan. Yes, Calvin owns quite a number of Justin Bieber albums. Inspired by Justin having started from the bottom, and rose to the top in the music industry.
"A lot of people say you need an identity starting out in in the stand-up comedy industry," he says. Truth is, his grandfather is originally from Malawi.
Fun, loving and a lover of watching television - that’s Calvin in a nutshell. He also enjoys playing soccer, cricket and listening to music. He reveals his quite a Justin Bieber fan. Yes, Calvin owns quite a number of Justin Bieber albums. Inspired by Justin having started from the bottom, and rose to the top in the music industry.
Life experiences, television and friends are some of the inspirations, for Calvin’s comedy material.''Comedy is a cruel mistress,"he says."One day you are on a natural high after a gig, the next day the adrenaline is gone - you have to build yourself up all over again,"he adds.
Calvin recalls being very nervous, the first night he performed as the opening act for KG.
Calvin recalls being very nervous, the first night he performed as the opening act for KG.
Originally from Lotus River in Cape Town, he comes from a close-knit family.
Calvin admits he was never the class clown during his school days. Being a stand-up comedian never crossed his mind, until a friend dared him to do it. Yes, he "died" on stage when he did he did his first gig at Regazzi Lounge in 2011, but managed to get back up again and pull himself together. He went on to win many stand-up comedy competitions - such as the jokers comedy club open mic competition in 2011, as well as the Chilli Bar Comedy Grand Challenge, and has performed alongside the likes of Rob Van Vuuren and Mark Banks.
Calvin admits he was never the class clown during his school days. Being a stand-up comedian never crossed his mind, until a friend dared him to do it. Yes, he "died" on stage when he did he did his first gig at Regazzi Lounge in 2011, but managed to get back up again and pull himself together. He went on to win many stand-up comedy competitions - such as the jokers comedy club open mic competition in 2011, as well as the Chilli Bar Comedy Grand Challenge, and has performed alongside the likes of Rob Van Vuuren and Mark Banks.
More Q AND A...
Two things you cannot live without?
My family and friends - they are very supportive. Truth is, they never expected me to go into stand-up comedy.
My family and friends - they are very supportive. Truth is, they never expected me to go into stand-up comedy.
What’s on your playlist at the moment? The Parlotones, Jack Parow and Khuli Chana.
Who do you look up to in the comedy industry? Everyone - I am inspired by all kinds of comedy.
Do you think enough exposure is given to local comedians?
No, the comedy scene is very young in Cape Town. Some comedians don’t even get paid to perform at certain places. Jou Ma Se Comedy Club is one of the only places that give exposure to local comedians.
No, the comedy scene is very young in Cape Town. Some comedians don’t even get paid to perform at certain places. Jou Ma Se Comedy Club is one of the only places that give exposure to local comedians.
What motto do you live by? Good luck - that is when hard work meets preparation.
Future Plans?
I am interested doing various things in the entertainment industry such as acting, writing, etc.
I am interested doing various things in the entertainment industry such as acting, writing, etc.
2014
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