Trevor Noah is a Time magazine Next Generation leader
South African comedian Trevor Noah is one of 10 “young innovators and rising stars” named as Time magazine’s Next Generation Leaders.
Released on Friday‚ the list ranges from artists and athletes to activists and entrepreneurs.
In an interview with the American magazine‚ Noah commented on the rise in international viewership for The Daily Show: “Donald Trump has made everyone interested in everything‚ everywhere. He’s a worldwide phenomenon. And with everything that’s going on—the Muslim ban‚ threats to women’s rights‚ the environment—I feel like I can finally say the show has a purpose.”
Read the full story and watch video of Noah
On Time.com‚ Noah drew a comparison between himself and his chief target‚ Trump. Despite their differences‚ he relates to the president — as a performer. “When I watch him... I see somebody who loves an audience. Someone who likes to be liked‚” Noah told Time.com. “You see the standing ovation in front of you‚ and yet the newspapers are writing that you’re not doing well. And the performer’s mind goes‚ ‘This is a world that’s clearly lying because I’m doing well‚ and it is against me’.”
The jokester‚ who pursued greener pastures in the United States in 2011‚ last year released his debut book titled Born A Crime: Stories of a South African Childhood‚ which garnered him two awards in the Debut Author and Outstanding Biography/Autobiography categories at the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) awards in February 2017.
The book was based on his life’s experiences having been born to a black mother and white father in South Africa in 1984 while the apartheid regime was still in power and interracial unions were still illegal.
Of the win‚ Noah took to his Twitter account to thank everyone who shared his story and say how much of an honour the accolade is.
Learning that he has a superstar as a fan has blown away comedian Trevor Noah‚ especially coming after winning two awards in the US at the weekend.
South Africa’s funnyman also took to his social media platforms to share what a thrill it was to be famous in America.
A moment he is treasuring is getting to meet music guru and record producer Quincy Jones.
Here’s how it went‚ in Noah’s own words:
“Oh what a night. You meet the most Grammy Awarded Artist Alive‚ Mr Quincy Jones‚ and he tells you he’s a fan of your comedy. I laughed and said he’s being polite‚ he replied ‘I’m too old to bullshit’.” #grammyweekend #Legend #OhWhatALife.”
Oh what a night. You meet the most Grammy Awarded Artist Alive Mr Quincy Jones and he tells you he's a fan of your comedy. I laughed and said he's being polite, he replied "I'm too old to bullshit." #grammyweekend #Legend #OhWhatALife