In 2009 was the year Mr. Sicelo Hlophe was introduced into comedy by few of his friends while still presenting a radio show at Jozi FM, since then Mr. Hlophe was bitten by comedy bug to date and his loving every minute of it.
Sicelo has managed to turn his love for comedy into a business by starting Slopes Productions, under his establishment he produce and stage comedy events around Joburg and Witbank. The young entrepreneur says “Witbank is emerging market for comedy and his happy to tap into that space”.
His company Slopes Production, create and produce different types of comedy, such as stand up and improve comedy with a mixture of strictly vernac and English. He feature the likes of Kedibone Molaudzi, Sammary Wa Lehetla and Smokey Nyembe. Sicelo’s journey into comedy was tough one and challenging, before his current sponsor he came across with backlash from corporate South Africa not buying in his comedy venture.
Other challenges he faced was comedians not showing up on time, sponsorship pullout and not getting a return on investment however he treat these challenges as a leaning curve. The dream for Soweto born entrepreneur is to stage comedy shows at bigger venues across the country however he want to start at his neigbourhood, Soweto Theater before he can roll-out nationwide. “At the moment i’m looking forward to partner with my comedy industry peers and grow comedy across the country says Hlophe”.
By Rethabile Mohlala
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