PHOTO: Bolobedu Comedian Thato Malebati
Popular Bolobedu comedian, content creator, and MC Thato Malebati from in Ga-Modjadji, recently got the community in stitches and tongues wagging after he pranked his unsuspecting mom in a social media challenge.
The prank involved a staged delivery of a sphynx (a breed of cat known for its lack of fur), to her homestead, and posting their interaction on social media. Thato was amongst a group of young content creators who took part in this prank worldwide, and his humorous execution style received overwhelming attention, locally and beyond.
Though cats are viewed as adorable pets in western culture, in several African communities like Bolobedu, cats are regarded as bad omens and often associated with terrifying superstitions and witchcraft.
Whilst the viral social media challenge left many in stitches, the similarity in reactions from pranked parents highlighted a stark difference in perception between middle aged parents and young adults. The younger generation of content creators showed no signs of repulsion to the animal, whereas the elder generation demonstrated a passionate dislike for the image.
The apple clearly does not fall far from the tree, Thato’s mom had responses that were typical of a hilarious scolding African mom. In the video, she questions why the staged driver does not deliver the ‘thing’ to Thato’s address instead. She further attempts to dodge the delivery by claiming she no longer lives at the address provided by her son, and the climax punch line was her question, n’khelo kha nako mane khaakhe? — “what diabolical creature is this?”
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMFk5T1Nr/
The video had close to 290 000 views on Tik Tok and just under 500 000 on Facebook. The reception beyond Thato’s village and district borders were an element of surprise because their engagement is entirely in Khelobedu — an unofficial language spoken by millions of people whose ancestors settled in the lowveld area of Tzaneen more than 400 years ago. Other famous Balobedu include internationally acclaimed Afrobeat hitmakers King Monada and Master KG, whose music has been topping charts in the past couple of years.
Second born child of Maropeng and the late Petrus Malebati in Relela village, Bolobedu South, Thato studied engineering at Wits University. Though his humour was evident from a young age, growing up he had other plans.
When I grew up, I wanted to be a scientist, or a medical doctor, sighed Thato followed by a cunning laughter.
I have never considered comedy as a viable career; one should always do it with a stable or solid income. Comedy may be your first love, but always have something to fall back on. Covid has taught us a great deal in that regard, particularly those of us in the entertainment industry.
Thato maintains that comedy is more of a launching pad where generating income is concerned. It presents one to a sea of opportunities; be it endorsement deals, advertisement, presenting, acting, etc. This can be a lot for an entertainer according to Thato, but he explains that he never struggles to juggle comedy with anything.
Comedy is my happy place, it is where I breathe, steam off. It is a sacred space where I can forget about everything and keep my sanity intact.
— Thato
Asked why he chooses to perform his comedy in an unofficial minority language, Thato says he saw a gap. Khelobedu is rarely spoken or heard in mainstream entertainment, only recently has Khelobedu become more popular through music. He says he sees this as an opportunity, using his platform to educate people about the language and culture.
Mopani Times asked if he is single, and Thato was quick to respond that he is in a very happy long-term relationship with the most gorgeous woman he has ever laid his eyes on but refused to reveal her identity.
I choose to keep my relationship private, but I can confirm that I am off the market, not single and not looking
chuckled Thato.
Thato says he sees a bright future in comedy, he wishes to host a one man show which he prays will happen in Godspeed. He says he hopes his career grows to a point where he collaborates with the biggest brands and names in the industry.