12 questions for Daliso Chaponda
Comedian Daliso Chaponda became an overnight star after coming third on ITV's Britain's Got Talent in 2017. In reality, he'd been working on his act for over a decade. Malawian by birth, he lived an itinerant youth in countries as varied as Thailand, Australia, Switzerland, Canada and his homeland before settling in the UK where is now making people laugh with his new Radio 4 show Daliso Chaponda: Citizen of Nowhere.
Describe your show in ten words.
Pokes fun at issues that affect the UK and Africa.
What moment in your career are you proudest of?
The first time I got on stage. That was the first hurdle, the first anxiety, followed by the first rush of exhilaration when it went well.
What was the worst show you ever had?
I once opened for a musician, Wizkid, and didn’t get anyone in the audience to crack a smile. I went down in flames!
Do you get recognised in the street and do you enjoy it?
I love it. It’s particularly fun when it’s kids as they are so genuine and excited. I had a child in Hull quote me my jokes. That was lovely.
When did you first hear Radio 4?
I had a child in Hull quote me my jokes. That was lovely.
Probably about 2006 when I first got to the UK.
What or who makes you laugh more than anything else?
Chris Rock, Joan Rivers, and really farcical comedy-of-errors-type movies. Throw in a mistaken identity, an overheard misinterpreted declaration of love and some running and I’m in hysterics.
If you could only see one comedian (living or dead) perform ever again, who would it be?
I would make Eddie Murphy return to stand up and sit in the front row.
Are you the funniest member of your family?
Yes, now, as I’ve been practising. But it’s a close one. My father has some truly zany stories – and they are all true.
What’s your worst habit?
I make fun of people in arguments rather than reasoning with them.
If you weren’t a comedian, what job would you be best at?
Con artist.
What was the last text message you sent?
Are you doing any material about the people upset about Apu? (the text was to an Indian).
What unexpected skill do you have?
I can solve Rubik's cubes and I rarely lose at Scrabble.
Daliso Chaponda: Citizen of Nowhere is on Radio 4 on Wednesdays at 6.30pm and then online.
