Virgil Prins
What makes AFRIKAANS COMEDY so powerful? Why does comedy hit differently in your mother tongue? And how did Ouma Sarie, one of South Africa’s most beloved comedy characters, go from theatre and YouTube to television and sold-out live shows?
In this episode of SA Comedy Insider, Virgil Prins sits down with Moses Williams – actor, comedian, producer, MC and the man behind the iconic Ouma Sarie – for a fascinating conversation about Afrikaans comedy, South African comedy, language, culture, character comedy and the future of vernacular comedy.
Ouma Sarie – A larger-than-life character
Ouma Sarie has become a phenomenon, particularly among Afrikaans-speaking and Coloured audiences. The iconic pink gown, the larger-than-life personality and the character’s unmistakable humour have created a fan base so passionate that audiences regularly arrive at shows dressed as Ouma Sarie themselves.
Moses and Virgil unpack why Afrikaans comedy hits differently, why punchlines can land harder in your mother tongue, and why an Afrikaans comedy audience can bring a completely different energy to a live show.
The Power of Character Comedy
We also discuss the incredible power of character comedy. What freedom does a comedian have when they step into a character? Why can a character sometimes be more relatable than performing as yourself? And what has made Ouma Sarie connect so deeply with South African audiences?
Moses shares the journey of Ouma Sarie from the theatre to YouTube and television, as well as his ambitions to take the character internationally. With interest already coming from South Africans and Afrikaans-speaking fans abroad, could we see Ouma Sarie in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Abu Dhabi and other international destinations?
We also talk about Moses potentially exploring English comedy, the opportunities for South African comedians overseas, and the huge potential of vernacular comedy across South Africa’s 12 official languages.
Virgil Prins on Tour with Moses Williams and Ouma Sarie
Virgil also shares his experience of recently touring with Moses and the Ouma Sarie team in Gqeberha and East London, with more shows together coming up in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Towards the end of the interview, Moses talks about his roots in Graaff-Reinet and George, his desire to be a positive influence in his community, and his belief that young South Africans don’t necessarily have to move to Johannesburg or Cape Town to succeed.
You can bloom where you are planted
Whether you’re an Ouma Sarie fan, an Afrikaans comedy lover, a South African comedy fan, an aspiring comedian, a South African living abroad, an Afrikaans-speaking expat, or simply someone who loves a good comedy interview, this conversation is for you.
SOUTH AFRICANS ABROAD:
Where are you watching from? Australia? New Zealand? The UK? UAE? Europe? USA? Canada? Let us know in the comments!
AFRIKAANS COMEDY FANS:
Does comedy hit harder in your mother tongue?
Where should Ouma Sarie tour internationally?
Tell us in the comments!
ABOUT SA COMEDY INSIDER
SA Comedy Insider brings you interviews, conversations, news, stories and culture from the world of South African comedy.
Hosted by Comedian Virgil Prins, SA Comedy Insider explores the people behind the jokes – comedians, actors, producers, writers, performers and the wider South African comedy industry.
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