Born on the 16th of May in 1983, Loyiso Gola is a South African comedian known for his stand-up and television work. He is best known as the co-creator and host of the popular late-night satirical news show Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola, which premiered on e.tv and eNCA in 2010. Gola has also taken his comedic talents to stages around the world.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Loyiso Gola |
| Date of Birth | May 16, 1983 |
| Place of Birth | Gugulethu, Cape Town, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Spouse | Jennifer Odjidja |
| Children | Two children |
| Occupations | Comedian, TV Host |
| Net Worth | $6 million |
Early Life and Education
Loyiso Gola, a Xhosa comedian, was born on May 16, 1983, in Gugulethu, a township in Cape Town. He left Gugulethu at age 14 and attended Zonnebloem Nest Senior School in Woodstock.
Gola’s interest in comedy was sparked when he performed a stand-up act at his high school for comedian Marc Lottering. His drama teacher then introduced him to the Cape Comedy Collective at 17, where he began performing regularly on stage.
After graduating in 2002, Gola won the Sprite Soul Comedy Tour and made the move from Cape Town to Johannesburg. His younger brother, Lazola Gola, is also a comedian.
Career
Beginning his television career in 2002, Loyiso Gola made appearances on SABC 1’s Phat Joe Live talk show. He then joined the cast of the sketch comedy series Pure Monate Show on SABC 1 in 2003, created by comedians David Kau and Kagiso Lediga.
In 2007, Gola took on the role of co-host on the SABC 2 talk show Dinner with the President, created by Pieter-Dirk Uys, where he portrayed the black grandson of the satirist’s alter ego, Evita Bezuidenhout.
In 2010, Gola co-created and became the host of the satirical news series Late Nite News with Kasigo Lediga, which aired on e.tv and eNCA.
Since 2006, Gola has performed stand-up comedy in one-man shows on the South African circuit and at various international comedy festivals. Most recently, he appeared on the BBC1 show Would I Lie To You? on January 21, 2022, in series 15, episode 3.
Personal Life
Loyiso Gola, a well-known comedian from South Africa, was born in Cape Town on May 16, 1983. He tied the knot with publicist Jennifer Odjidja in 2011, and they share children.
Gola finds creative inspiration from his family, especially his mother, with whom he shares a strong bond. His younger brother, Lazola Gola, is also involved in the comedy scene.
Though Gola tends to keep his personal life under wraps, he stresses the significance of mutual understanding and support in relationships as he has grown older.
Loyiso Gola Net Worth
With an estimated net worth of $6 million, Loyiso Gola ranks among the wealthiest comedians in Africa. His impressive financial status is the result of a successful career in stand-up comedy, television hosting, and a variety of performances, both locally and internationally, including appearances at comedy festivals.
Filmography
Loyiso Gola’s filmography includes a variety of television shows and films:
Film
- Bunny Chow: Know Thyself (2006)
- Outrageous (2010)
- Copposites (2012)
- Catching Feelings (2017)
Television
- Phat Joe Live (2002)
- The Pure Monate Show (2003)
- Dinner with the President (2007) – Co-host
- Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola (2010-present) – Host
- Comedy Central Presents Loyiso Gola Live at Parker’s (2012)
- BBC Live at The Apollo (2018)
- The Showmax Roast of Minnie Dlamini (2024) – Contributor
Gola’s work spans stand-up comedy and television, showcasing his versatility as a performer.
Awards and Recognitions
Loyiso Gola has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career:
- 2002: Winner of the Sprite Soul Comedy Tour.
- 2007: South African Comedy Award for Best Breakthrough Comedy Act for Loyiso Gola for President.
- 2012: Named one of the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans in the Media & Film category.
- 2013: Nominated for an International Emmy Award for Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola (also nominated in 2014).
- 2014: South African Film and Television Awards – Best Ensemble in a TV Comedy.
- 2014: Savanna SA Comic’s Choice Award – Comic of the Year Award.
Gola is recognized as a significant figure in South African comedy, known for his impactful satire and commentary on social issues.
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