Aspiring comedian Prince Mbaya, who won the City’s People of Hope Comedy Competition show-down at the Waterfront amphitheatre on Saturday, will get to perform on the big stage at the Festive Lights Switch-on event on his birthday, December 1.

Prince Mbaya win first place at the comedy show down.

“Its a special day and I won this... I will never forget this day - and my rent is paid,” said Mr Mbaya while holding his giant first prize cheque - R10 000 and a chance to perform in front of thousands at the annual event.

The competition, by the City of Cape Town, was open to aspiring comedians of all ages who were ready to bring their best “hopeful humour” to the stage.

The 10 finalists were chosen out of hundreds of video entries all over the city. Entrants posted a one-minute stand-up comedy video about “people of hope” on social media.

Mr Mbaya, who ironically is not a big talker, is originally from Congo but now from Cape Town.

“I’m not going to say where, because now that I am famous people will start following me.”

He said he was fasting and praying for the show and God made it happen.

He said the first comedy video he saw when he first came to the country was Trevor Noah. Imagine coming from Congo and you land and see Trevor Noah playing - I was jealous because they were laughing in English. I know we all speak French, so I asked ‘how do you guys laugh in English?’

“I figured that was a sign and thank you... I feel my English leaving my body.”

Mr Mbaya will perform alongside runners up Rafique Ishmail from Woodlands in Mitchell’s Plain, who took the third prize of R2 000, and Milton Gengaya from Kraaifontein, who won second place, and a R5 000 cash prize.

Mr Gengheer said this will be his first time at the festive lights event, so this was a completely new experience for him.

He said he started his comedy career as an MC at events when someone told him: “Hey, you should do comedy”.

“I thought that was for actors who didn’t have work,” he joked.

He said he was really happy to have won second place, and to be able to attend the festive lights switch on event with his children, who love Christmas.

“For my comedy it's going to be me talking about whatever makes me laugh, whatever I find funny, which is usually stuff that I do.”

Rafique Ismail came third and won R2 000

Mr Ismail, who is originally from Eastridge but “just upgraded a little”, said coming third and being able to perform at the Festive Lights concert was “an amazing achievement”.

“I’m going to perform by the liggies! Guys, by the liggies! I’m excited!”

He joined the competition because he loves laughing and loves making people laugh .

“My set is just based on me being a colour growing up in Mitchell’s Plain and if it can relate to you, come through, come have a look at what we can offer you. I'm locally produced, from Mitchells Plain, by Mitchells Plain.”

Mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith, said in good and bad times, comedy connects people and Cape Town shows off with some of the greatest comedians South Africa can offer.

“Since the theme promotes Capetonians to be people of hope, this comedy competition is a fantastic platform to bring our people together with some comedians to shine bright. We’re looking for fresh, dynamic humour that reflects the city’s vibrant spirit.

“This year’s theme for the Festive Lights Switch-On is People of Hope, which celebrates the city’s resilient and diverse communities.”

Performers on the night feature Three Tons of Fun, Carletheia, Blackbyrd, Meneer Cee, Cheree and Wynand Strydom, Mafikizolo, Mörda, Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels and these three aspiring comedians.

The family-focused event is free and will take place on the Grand Parade at 4pm.

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‘I’m going to perform at the liggies’