NEW YORK, September 29 (ANA) – South African comedian Trevor Noah has made his debut on America’s top satirical programme, the Daily Show.
“Growing up in the dusty streets of South Africa, I never dreamed that I would one day have two things: an indoor toilet and a job as the host of The Daily Show,” announced the 31-year-old, opening the show.
At a press conference earlier this week, Noah referred to himself as a “global citizen,” and showed off his aptitude for German and other European languages.
But the opening show was different. Noah didn’t mask his South African identity, but instead embraced it.
Paying homage to Jon Stewart as the originator and “father” of the show, Noah also used his first episode to punt racial jokes.
“It’s weird because Dad has left. And now it feels like the family has a new stepdad – and he’s black,” said Noah.
Noah noted the call for a woman to take Jon Stewart’s seat, before coming back to his foreigner narrative. “So once more, a job Americans rejected is now being done by an immigrant.”
He later likened Pope Francis to “a young Bernie Sanders.”
Noah also made some controversial jokes on the sudden resignation of House Speaker John Boehner.
“I’ve got a fancy new suit and I learned how to pronounce your name,” said Noah.
The big test remains his aptitude for local American politics. Noah may have the delivery, looks and charm, but does he have the political context?
South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane narrowly missed Trevor Noah’s premier, instead meeting him after the show.
She was in town for the United Nations General Assembly, and got caught up in traffic as parts of the city went into ‘Obama,’ lockdown.
Clayson Monyela, Head of Public Diplomacy, said they had even approached President Jacob Zuma to attend Noah’s opening show, but he too was locked in bilateral meetings all evening.
“If you know The Daily Show, you know it’s a strategic platform, and for a South African to be at the helm, it’s big,” said Monyela.
The reviews of his debut were mixed, however. CNN called it a “smooth start” while the Daily Beast said his performance was “clumsy,” and lacked political depth.
The show aired on South African screens on Tuesday night.
