Sorry For the Weight, Comedy
Venue: Graham Hotel
Next performance: Sunday 6 July 11:00
Review/Interview
By Ntombekhaya Busuku
Sorry for the Weight is a comedy show fuelled by JamJam’s sour moments in life. He showcases his unique brand of humour and storytelling by turning bitter life experiences into side-splitting stories. Known for his quick wit, and infectious energy, JamJam invites his audience on a journey filled with laughter and relatable narratives.
Photo: Dideka Njemla
In this hilarious show, JamJam comments on issues of race in South Africa, politics, relationships, weight stigma, and socioeconomic issues. For example, JamJam mentioned that in a country that claims to be a rainbow nation, he doesn’t think rugby, Sister Bhetina’s song, and loadshedding should be the only things that connect and unite us South Africans. I think it brave of him to use his platform to promote unity.
Through his stand-up comedy JamJam sends a very important message to the youth who might be battling drug addiction – he instils hope by suggesting it is possible to break away and be drug-free. “I am a living proof that you can always turn your life around, even if you think you are at the lowest and it just has to begin with you telling yourself you want to change,” he said. Coming from someone who has been clean for three years now, this was an especially important message.
“I am dealing with my own weight problems, and I am trying to inspire people who have weight challenges to face it and take control of their lives” he said. Creating humour around weight issues is pure bravery because society is sensitive about any conversation around weight-related matters and body shaming.
“I am trying to unite people through laughter and humour. When I make my jokes like ‘you white people’, I am not doing it to punch down anyone. I am doing it to explain how I interact with the world,” said JamJam. And this was the true reflection of his work because when he made racial jokes no one took offence; the audience was just laughing.
