ALL FUNNY BUSINESS

Five minutes with the most diverse man on the SA comedy scene: Donovan Goliath

- NKOSIYATI KHUMALO

GQ: You worked in advertising for a long time – tell us about how you kicked off your comedy career.

Donovan Goliath: To be honest, comedy was never on my radar. I’ve always been an entertainer and storyteller – I’m the guy who always started and opened the dance circles. I was even part of a rap group in Mthatha called Outbreak. I would draw, paint, design stuff and take pictures. Comedy was no different. I just hadn’t experienced enough of it to want to try it out. The itch came after watching Tol Ass Mo perform a set; I sat in awe, watching him destroy a crowd with his observations and storytelling. I decided to write my first five-minute set, tried it out at the legendary Underground at Cool Runnings in Melville, got a great response, and I was hooked. I wrote more and jumped on to as many line-ups as I possibly could until I grew confident enough to leave my job and pursue my new passion full-time. It was the best decision I ever made.

GQ: How did you and your partners create Goliath & Goliath?

DG: Jason and Nicholas Goliath and I met on stage at the Comedy Underground in Melville.