×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Dube bounces back with bags of laughter

Some believe he is an infomercial giant who owns Clientele, but the truth is that at his core Desmond Dube is a performer par excellence.

We meet at Constitution Hill over white toast and beans. Our conversation is punctuated by waves as passers-by recognise him.

At the opposite table is Mamphela Ramphele and Sello Hatang of the Nelson Mandela Foundation as they went over notes in preparation of the launch of Nelson Mandela Day happening just outside the cafe.

Dube is staging a TV comeback after eight years in theatre and infomercials.

His last outing was Font. And now he hosts and produces Karekters, a new comedy show coming on SABC2 starting tonight.

"There are two projects I have always wanted to do - a movie project and an improvisation show based on local comedy and local jokes with relevant people we can relate to like a granny, an uncle or the village drunk."

The result is Karekters, which is essentially a battle show for actors following storylines and challenges he throws at them from which they have to improvise and create a performance.

These actors include Josias Moleele, John Lata, Nina Hastie, Pule Welch and newcomers Tebogo Maunatlala and Jovan Muthray. They also invite guests such as Thembisa Mdoda, Dr Malinga, Lorcia Cooper and Kagiso Lediga.

"The show is not scripted. There is not time to write because the actors have a limited time to come up with their story and act it out. It's a huge challenge because it has to be funny," says Dube.

"The time was right to come back to TV. I love bringing new things, didn't want to come back with something everyone was doing."

On his place in showbiz, Dube notes that he is an actor first and that his comedy is performance-based.

He says he admires comedian Mashabela Galane who he reckons has great skill as a comedy actor.

And the question he gets the most from fans? Is Lillian Dube your mother? "She's my industry mother, but we are not related.

"It gets tiring having to correct people and still argue with them, so I end up agreeing that she's my mother."

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.