Introduction: In recent years, the entertainment industry of South Africa has been experiencing an influx of young and talented individuals who have been making waves both locally and internationally. One of such individuals is Lesego Tlhabi, a versatile comedian, writer, and performer popularly known as “Coconut Kelz”. With her unique persona and bold approach to comedic storytelling, Lesego is fast becoming a household name in South Africa, gaining a reputation as a rising star with great potential.
Her Career in Comedy:
Lesego’s career as a comedian began in 2018 when she created the character “Coconut Kelz”. This character sarcastically embodies the typical privileged white South African, satirizing the absurdity of racism and racial inequality in South Africa. Her character’s unique perspective has resonated with a significant number of South Africans, and she has quickly gained an enthusiastic following. In 2020, Lesego was nominated for a South African Comedy Award, and has since then ventured into other areas such as writing.
Her Writing Career:
Lesego’s talent is not restricted to comedy as she has also delved into writing. She wrote her first book at the tender age of 11, and her recent literary work showcases her diversity and flexibility, delving into different genres such as motivation and self-help. Her book, “Becoming Iman”, has garnered rave reviews and showcases her potential as a writer beyond her comedic talent.
Her Vocal Activism:
Lesego Tlhabi also uses her platform for activism purposes and is vocal about socio-political issues affecting the South African community. She has spoken out against gender-based violence and has used her social media presence to raise awareness about issues that affect young women in South Africa such as consent and reproductive health.
Her Social Media Presence:
Lesego’s social media presence is one of the factors that contributed to her rise to fame. She has amassed a significant following on various platforms, including Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Her videos are laced with humour, wit and social commentary.
Her Humour:
Lesego’s humour is unique, controversial, and aimed at provoking thoughts. Her comedy tackles issues such as race and class, in an attempt to challenge popular narratives and provoke constructive conversations. This has gained her followers from different walks of life who appreciate the way she presents challenging issues in a humorous and thought-provoking way.
Her Ability to Satirize:
Satire is a tool that Lesego uses frequently in her work. Her satire is aimed at exposing social ills such as corruption, systemic oppression, and the economic divide in South Africa. Her ability to craft complex social issues into concise and witty satire is commendable and puts her on par with great comedians.
Her Vision:
Lesego’s vision is to use her talent to inspire and motivate the next generation of South Africans to know their worth and advance their ambitions. She believes that the South African youth has the potential to bring about positive change in the society, and her work is geared towards awakening this potential.
Her Awards and Achievements:
In 2020, Lesego was nominated for the South African Comedy Award in the Online Category. She has also been a finalist in the Standard Bank Ovation Awards and is one of the top performers in the comedy industry in South Africa.
Conclusion: Lesego Tlhabi is a unique talent that is quickly becoming a phenomenon in South Africa. Through her comedy, writing, and activism, she has become an inspiration to many young people in South Africa. Her vision, talent, and dedication to her craft set her apart as a rising star with great potential for the future.
FAQs:Q. What inspired Lesego Tlhabi to create the character, “Coconut Kelz”?
A. Lesego Tlhabi created the character “Coconut Kelz” as a way to address issues such as racism, privilege and inequality in South Africa in a humorous and thought-provoking way.
Q. What is Lesego Tlhabi’s book, “Becoming Iman,” about?
A. Lesego Tlhabi’s book, “Becoming Iman,” is a motivational and self-help book that aims to inspire the next generation of South Africans to embrace their potential and strive for success.
Q. How does Lesego Tlhabi use her social media presence for activism?
A. Lesego Tlhabi uses her social media presence to advocate for social issues such as gender-based violence, consent and reproductive health. Her aim is to raise awareness about these issues and encourage meaningful conversations about them.
Q. What are some of the socio-political issues that Lesego Tlhabi has spoken out about?
A. Lesego Tlhabi has spoken out against socio-political issues such as gender-based violence, corruption, systemic oppression, and the economic divide in South Africa.
Q. What is Lesego Tlhabi’s vision for the future?
A. Lesego Tlhabi’s vision is to inspire and motivate the next generation of South Africans to know their worth and strive for success.