ENTERTAINMENT
5 MINUTES WITH
DR RIAAD MOOSA
BY VENECIA VALENTINE
IN SOUTH AFRICA, LAUGHTER ISN’ T JUST ENTERTAINMENT – IT’ S SURVIVAL. FEW PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THIS BETTER THAN RIAAD MOOSA, A MEDICAL DOCTOR-TURNED- COMEDIAN.
WHAT’ S THE FUNNIEST THING ABOUT LIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA AT THE MOMENT?
Currently, I would describe the situation in South Africa as a tragedy. I realise that’ s a counterintuitive response, but tragedy plus time turns into comedy. All the suffering we are experiencing in South Africa and around the world now will eventually become material for laughter, as we tend to laugh at the things we survive. Pain is, in fact, a main ingredient for laughter.
WHAT’ S ONE JOKE THAT NEVER FAILS WITH YOUR AUDIENCE?
All jokes fail. That’ s the fantastic thing about comedy; that’ s why it’ s so risky. Your best jokes sometimes fall flat on the biggest platforms. I have performed for all the top sportsmen in South Africa over the past decade, from all disciplines – cricket, rugby, and soccer – representing the best players in each field. It was so bad that I died on stage. I actually thought to myself:‘ What if I fake an epileptic seizure right now?’
WHO MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST WHEN YOU’ RE OFF STAGE?
My children, especially my son Mika’ eel, say the most horrific things, but it’ s funny coming from a seven-year-old’ s mouth.
DESCRIBE SOUTH AFRICANS IN THREE WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?
Resilient, flavourful and lekker.
IF COMEDY IS THERAPY, WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST STRESS RELIEVER OFF STAGE?
Watching comedy! I’ m one of those weird guys, I just love my job – I like the way comedians look at the stress of life... playfully. IB
20 INBOUND SA / JANUARY 2026