David Kau

One of the most sought-after comedians in South Africa, David Kau's name is synonymous with many firsts. He stormed onto the scene with a performance at the 1998 Smirnoff Comedy Festival in Cape Town, 1998,  becoming the first black stand-up comedian on this coveted comedy stage.

Born in Kroonstad, David began to study electrical engineering in 1995 before dropping it in 1996, in favour of a degree in Performers Diploma in Speech and Drama at the University of Cape Town in 1996.  He wrote and performed "The Rainbow Nation Tour", his first one-man show in 1998, and never looked back. He continued with politically-savvy comedy with his next play, "Introducing The Peoples Comic" in 2000.

In 2001 David appeared in sketches on the TV show, The Phat Joe Show. Having already carved out a niche in the market as the best black comedian in the country – if not the only, David left Cape Town for Johannesburg where he performed in "Heavyweight Comedy Jams" from 2000 and "Comedy Black Out" in 2002 til 2004. The line up included budding comedians Kagiso Lediga, Tshepo Mogale and Roni Modimola.

Another feather in his cap, the "Pure Monate Show (PMS)", conceptualized by David and his university friend Kagiso Ledia, aired for the first time in 2004. They then recruited the likes of Tshepo Mogale, Roni Modimola, Joey Rasdien, Chris Forrest, Riaad Moosa, David Kibuuka, Loyiso Gola and Kim Engelbrecht to partake in this popular production, the second season of which premiered in 2005.

Another career highlight for David is his "Blacks Only" comedy shows which he started as a one-night-only affair in 2005 and is still going strong and playing across the country - half a decade later!  In 2006 David performed and released his first stand-up comedy show DVD, "I Did These Jokes First", and a few years later its prequel, "I Should've Done These Jokes First".  He has also starred in a feature film, Hoteleng, and also appeared on screen in Gums and Noses and Akin Omotoso's God Is African. From the big screen to the small one, in 2008 David became the face and head judge of Fanta's So You Think You're Funny reality show.

This stage star who was named the Star Comedian at the Stars of Mzansi Awards says "charity begins at home – Kroonstad." With his NPO, 111 Kau Foundation, David is currently putting children from his hometown through school and helping feed and clothe kids at Dimphonyana Tsa Lapeng orphanage in Midrand. He is also a 46664 It's No Joke ambassador.