S
tand-up comedy is a fairly old profession that dates back to the 1800’s. To be able to stand
in a room and make everyone laugh takes creativity, skills, timing, and courage. To become part
of this circle of great comics, you must be great at one thing. That one thing can be defined into
just one word “Consistency.” When you have that your destined for greatness. Since the time of
the greats like Dick Gregory, Redd Foxx, Richard Pryor, Bill Cosby, Bernie Mack, Steve Harvey,
Jamie Foxx, Chris Rock, and now Kevin Hart, comics has been able to take their one constant
thing refine it, master it, than translate that to the silver screen.
Born in The Cape Verde islands, Joao L. Pereiera better known to his fans as “Tikai” or “Zezito”
is gracing the stage in the United States for the first time in his international career as a standup artist, sketch comedian and singer/songwriter. Tikai’s brand of comedy explores and makes
light of the every day struggles Cape Verdeans on the main land and abroad face. In the past
Tikai has toured mainly in Africa and Europe, it is clear that his fan base in America is quite
large. Every show is just as electrifying as the last. He is funny,multitalented and charismatic.
To date he has released five DVD’s that can be purchased anywhere Cape Verdean music is sold,
(Tikai, Pindoku, Rapasinho Intentado, Pikinino and Kadabrada).
This is your first time in the US, what is your first impression?
My first visit to the United States was very positive. I was pleasantly surprised not only because it is a marvelous country but I appreciate the warm welcome and tremendous outpouring
of support I received from the Cape Verdean community there.
How long have been doing comedy?
I began performing at the age of 7
When did you begin performing and What comedians inspired you growing up?
The actor who inspired me at that time was Narciso Freire better known as Xixo de Pedra
Barro