Abrahams' time at IdolsSA developed a strong sense of who he was, making it difficult to imagine him in a playful environment.
If for some reason you had to choose the ideal candidate from among the judges. Idol SA Randall Abrahams will likely be the last choice to be part of the Comedy Central Roast.
The unlikely is happening as the singing show's longest-serving judge will be joining the upcoming roast of media personality Pearl Toosi.
He is known as an honest judge who often shows no emotion and maintains a poker face. Idol SA According to the jury, Abrahams' time on the show fermented a strong sense of who he was, and it was difficult to imagine him in a relaxed, playful environment.
He said he accepted Toosey's invitation to participate in the roast because of the aforementioned stigma about who he is.
“It's interesting to put a little twist on it. I think it's going to be fun,” Abrahams said. The Citizen.
He said the challenge of dispelling the perceptions created by television is because the medium is so familiar.
“On TV, you're in someone's house and they have an appointment with you. You imagine, especially after 20 years, that they know you, but it depends on the specific situation. “I don't have much time,” he said.
“When people meet you in person, they find it very difficult not to have a certain perception. But over time, depending on the situation, their perception changes.”
Also read: Unasi Nkayi and Randall Abrahams graduate from 'Idol SA'
comedy taste
Despite the above notions about his personality, Abrahams has a funny bone.
He attended and enjoyed the roast of Somizi Mhlongo, as well as other international classics such as Frank Sinatra, a musician he also loved.
The former music executive said of his favorite style of comedy:
“Let's put it this way: I like comedies that aren't really trying to be funny, like Larry David,” he said.
However, he did partake in an overt Kevin Hart performance during the South African tour. “I actually went to see Kevin Hart and it was great.”
It's one thing to enjoy comedy, but being in a combative space like a roast is not for the lighthearted. There was evidence of this during Mhlongo's roast when most of the panelists were a little too harsh on colleague Ntsiki Mazwai.
Mr. Abrahams said he didn't think twice about this fact when he was approached to participate in Mr. Tusey's roast.
“Roast, right? I've watched the local shows, I've watched the international shows, and I think I know what I'm good at,” he said.
“I’m sure they do.” [other roast panellists] There's a lot more rubber under my feet than I do, but I think if you don't put yourself out there and try new things, you'll never learn. ”
Also read: Viewers convinced 'Idol SA' won't be the same without Randall
roasted pearl toussie
Comedy Central's Tousi Roast will be taped at the Lyric Theater in Gold Reef City on Thursday, November 21st, and will be broadcast on Comedy Central (DStv channel 122) on December 8th.
The night will feature a roster of cocktails from veteran comedian and director David Kau to the quirky Zodwa Wabantu and the hilarious Farieda “Faroafi” Metsilen. The panelists are expected to exchange opinions about each other and the leading lady, Tusi.
“Many of the panelists are controversial in their own right, so it will be interesting to see how they try to criticize Pearl for not losing in the clapback stakes,” said Paramount Africa's senior vice president and general manager. BET's leader said. International, Monde Twala.
Abrahams would not have attended the roast if he did not have a relationship with Tussie on some level. “We chat from time to time and of course I know the core comedy team, so when they contacted me I thought it was great,” he said.
“Hopefully I can roast people and they can roast me too. How people perceive me and what they perceive from my TV career. I'm looking forward to people having the opportunity to say something to me about what's going on.”
ALSO READ: Honey Mbau says 'Somizi is very welcome' on Comedy Central Roast
man wearing many hats
Being part of Toosey's Comedy Central Roast symbolizes Abrahams' versatility and his open-mindedness.
He currently works at Telkom, overseeing the company's Digital Solutions business unit.
Abrahams has been in the role for just over a year, developing Telkom's platform business in disconnected products including fintech, advertising, content, smart home and small business solutions.
In addition to being the longest-serving judge on the singing reality show, Abrahams was also the managing director of Universal Music Africa Group in South Africa.
He has worked as a station manager at Good Hope FM and YFM and as general manager of public commercial radio at the SABC.
He was also the CEO of the South African Music Awards (Samas). For someone who studied political science, he has shown great range in his previous positions.
“I think I was interested in media from an early age. I followed the media and was very interested in music. I was always reading books,” said the longtime avid radio listener.
He does not underestimate his wealth. Luck is when preparation meets opportunity, and Abrahams seems to have the skills he needs when he needs them.
“I've been very, very lucky to have always been in places and spaces where I could see boundaries being pushed.”
His current role seems to be a culmination of his previous work and roles.
“It explains that I'm always trying to find myself in a place where new and exciting things are happening. I think that's an important part of being lucky for me.”
“I don’t like complacency,” he said.
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