Renowned Egyptian-American comedian and satirist Bassem Youssef is set to perform in South Africa for the first time next year.
As part of his one-man show, “The Middle Beast Tour”, which is presented by Blu Blood in association with Gift of the Givers Foundation, the 50-year-old will take to the stage at the Durban ICC on February 7.
He will head to the Cape Town International Convention Centre on February 8, before wrapping up his Mzansi tour at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg on February 9.
“In Bassem Youssef’s one of a kind solo comedy performance, the audience is taken on a personal journey from Bassem’s career as a heart surgeon in Egypt to finding himself in the middle of the Arab Spring and becoming the host of the largest political satire show in the history of the Arab World,” a statement read.
The comedian, who is referred to as “The Egyptian Jon Stewart”, has earned global recognition.
Despite his success, he has led a tumultuous life, having had to leave Egypt for a life in America after he was arrested and interrogated in the north-east African country.
"We are honoured to host Bassem Youssef's first tour in South Africa. As someone who has bridged cultures through his unique blend of humour and storytelling, his ability to use humour to navigate complex social and political issues has made him a powerful voice in today’s world,” Osman Osman and Shaaista Khan Osman, the managing director and CEO of Blu Blood, respectively, added in the statement.
"As someone who has bridged cultures through his unique blend of humour and storytelling, his ability to use humour to navigate complex social and political issues has made him a powerful voice in today’s world.”
“We believe that he will resonate deeply with the South African audience that is seeking both laughter and thought-provoking perspectives.”
Meanwhile, some of Youssef’s other accolades include hosting the popular TV show, “Al Bernameg”, which was the first political satire show in the Middle East.
Originally a 5-minute show on YouTube, it became the first online-to-TV conversion in the Middle East and the most-watched show across the region with 30 million viewers every week.
Youssef was also named among the “Time” Magazine most influential list for 2013, under the “Pioneers” category and was awarded the International Press Freedom Award by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
He was also chosen by “Foreign Policy” magazine as one of the global thinkers during the same year.
Youssef currently performs his one-man show around the globe and has featured in various productions such as Netflix’s “‘MO” as well as “Ramy”, “Lioness” and “Upload.”
In addition, Bassem’s interview with Piers Morgan from last October is currently the most viewed interview in the history of “Piers Morgan Uncensored”.
∎ Tickets for Youssef’s South African shows are currently available through Ticketpro as well as Spar’sPayzone kiosk. The show holds a PG-16 age restriction.