Black History Month: Daliso Chaponda
We're continuing our Black History Month features with Britain’s Got Talent and Amanda Holden’s golden buzzer act comedian Dalison Chaponda! The Zambian born comic was a standout star from last year’s show, capturing the nation’s hearts and garnering over 8million Facebook views and 9 million on YouTube. He has lived in countries where the press is not allowed to criticise the government, and in others with no libel laws where they can say anything. He has been both a journalist and a jaded newsreader.
A few years ago he did his first ever comedy show in Malawi, which became a massive success, and after that he started to be booked on big African shows. Then, just as he thought of moving back to Malawi and becoming Malawi’s answer to McIntyre, he did jokes about the Malawian President and his own father (who was the cabinet minister). This received a huge amount of media attention and the Malawi censorship board threatened to arrest him.
Daliso’s festival appearances have included Melbourne, Edinburgh, Singapore and Cape Town. He is also a prolific fiction writer and has had his science fiction, murder mysteries and fantasy fiction published in numerous magazines and anthologies. He also co-wrote a play recently that aired on BBC Radio 4.
Did you always know that being a comedian was the career you wanted?
Not at all. I didn't even know it was a career. I did however always know I wanted to be creative. I thought I may become a novelist. Comedy took me by surprise when, while at university, I walked into an open mic.
What do your parents think of your comedy now?
They are extremely big fans now. After years of suspecting that I was insane, it's great to see them now boasting to their friends about me.
What made you decide to audition for BGT?
I was a little frustrated by the industry. Just being funny didn't seem to be enough often as I was passed up for opportunities and given very vague reasons like "I clashed with another act who had been on the program" because, shock horror, you couldn't have two African acts on in one series. I was drawn to BGT because there is no quota, there is not anyone telling you you don't have the right look, or right age. It's up to you to impress the judges and audience and that's it.
What's something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I went to an all boy school and because of my high pitched voice, I played a woman in every single play and musical. In one musical, I played a grandmother. I am glad this occurred before everybody had a camera on their phones.
What is the most fulfilling part of your work?
Seeing people lose control. When somebody laughs so hard they weep, or snort, or knock something over. It's the greatest compliment.
What are you currently working on?
I am almost finished my "What the African Said Tour." The next show is 70% written. It doesn't have a title yet but about 40 minutes of jokes are written. Also, working on two sitcom scripts, a novel, an installation for the Liverpool World Museum, and the second series of my radio show... So basically, I don't sleep.
What advice would you give your younger self? Tell that woman you love her fool!
You can watch Daliso in action here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqC4BpOREp4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R95x2pIeCeI