Whether it's a giggle, a chuckle, or howling laughter, comedian and entertainer Jason Goliath has heard it all. A born and bred Joburger, Goliath has been in the entertainment industry for 24 years, and his illustrious career has taken him far and wide. Thanks to his unique ability to blend comedy with motivational speaking, he has not only entertained hundreds of people but has also communicated meaningful messages to many South Africans.
Surprisingly, Goliath started his career in the business world. Since then, he has successfully tried his hand at being an MC, stand-up comedian, television presenter, actor, podcaster, and radio facilitator. Having worked both locally and internationally, he is a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, and has worked with figures such as comedians Kevin Hart and Trevor Noah. However, many Joburgers will remember him from his days at the Goliath Comedy Club (now closed), a local comedy hotspot formerly located in both Melrose Arch and Braamfontein, which he started with his cousin, comedian Nicholas Goliath.
In the present day, Goliath's brand of entertainment has evolved to include motivational speaking. No longer just a funnyman, he now dedicates his time to investigating meaningful parts of the human experience. His podcast, The Happiness Economy, is described as "a show about finding your happiness and rethinking the meaning of success". Before you think that's a departure from his roots, fret not, because everything Goliath does is funny – even when he's being serious. We spoke to Goliath about fast cars, growing up around other comedians, and what makes Joburgers laugh.
"I love the grit of the city, but also that people here are so kind and sincere."
Having grown up in Eldorado Park, what’s the most Eldorado Park thing about you that still shows up in your everyday life?
FAFO! Go Google it!
Your cousin Nicholas Goliath is also a comedian. Were there ever any Goliath family roasts growing up, or did the comedy battles only start on stage?
There were no formal roasts, but as a family, we were always ready to give and receive – everyone except granny was a target.
"Joburg is a no-nonsense city, and the people in it are strong and beautiful."
How has your comedic style evolved over the years?
When I started, my comedy was observational and included a lot of toilet humour. Over the years, I have found my voice. I think, as a comedian, I have also learnt that making people laugh is only half the job, and people listening to what you say is equally important. Now, my comedy has evolved into personal observation and a lot of motivation.
You’ve always had a knack for finding humour in life’s tricky moments. You’ve said you “get to undress life's uncomfortable truths”. What’s one truth you stripped down on stage that the audience or even you were surprised by?
That I am the sexiest fat man in South Africa. I was surprised by how the audience just knew and understood this, and now we are all in agreement about this one truth!
The Goliath Comedy Club was a staple in Johannesburg’s comedy scene. How did it feel to watch the city embrace a space dedicated to the craft of comedy, and what was the most memorable moment you experienced?
It was a surreal experience that is difficult to put into words. The club was a home for us and comedy, and it created a space, not only on stage but also backstage and upstairs, where comics could gather and feel at home. It became the place where everyone met up after gigs, and where comics would network and further bond with each other. The most memorable moment was the grand opening, which saw us bring all types of comedy and people into Melrose Arch for a weekend of pure magic. Another memorable moment was, of course, when Trevor Noah surprised our audience with a one-hour set. The best of times were had.
You and your cousin Nicholas also host The Happiness Economy podcast, which then led to your 2024 national tour. What’s been the biggest shift for you in translating the energy of the podcast into a live stage show?
The show and the podcast share a name and basic theme, but they are separate parts. The podcast is an in-depth conversation with a specific guest that focuses on their success measurements and how they work out their happiness economy. The show is an in-depth look at how myself and Nicholas are figuring out our own formula with a mix of very funny storytelling and insights from the audience.
How would you describe Joburg's sense of humour?
Joburg is a melting pot of people from all over South Africa, Africa, and the world, so to describe its sense of humour as one thing would be wrong. This is what makes Joburg so special: it really is an adventure every time you get on stage. One thing about Joburgers is that they love to laugh – loudly!
Who are some up-and-coming comedians we should be on the lookout for?
Mbali Gudazi, Lindy Johnson, and Abuti Lolo (who is not young, but is still someone we should all be focusing on).
Home is...
With my wife and two dachshunds, and within walking distance of my mom and sister. Family over everything.
What is a surprising thing people might learn about Joburg by having a conversation with you?
I like to VrrrrrooooooPAH! (drive fast) IFKYK.
Your favourite Joburg suburb, and why you choose it?
Fairland, because it's close to the highway, safe, and beautiful! It also has a great mix of culture, and is a very tight-knit community.
How would you sum up Joburg’s comedy scene?
Variety galore!
What three things should a visitor not leave Joburg without seeing or experiencing?
Gold Reef City, the viewing deck at the Carlton Centre (temporarily closed), and PRON (People's Republic of Noodles) in Linden.
Your favourite Joburg author or favourite Joburg book?
Listen to your Footsteps by Kojo Baffoe.
One song on your Joburg soundtrack that either is about Joburg or makes you think about this city?
Dala What You Must by Sne Dladla, featuring Jason Goliath.
The most memorable meal you have eaten in Joburg?
My mother's briyani.
If you could buy one Joburg building, which would it be?
Ponte City.
Where are some of the best spots to catch a killer stand-up show in the city?
Bioscope Sundays at The Bioscope in 44 Stanley.
If you were the Joburg mayor for one day (average tenure), what would you change?
I would install waterproof robots, which would change the game immediately. I would also increase the speed limit in the fast lane on the highway to 200km/h, and make it so that if you are caught going less than 150km/h in that lane, you will be fined, your license will be taken away forever, and you will go to jail!
Favourite Joburg label, and why?
Chepa.
What makes someone a Joburger?
They greet strangers on the street, and they can be described as both tough and kind. Joburg is a no-nonsense city, and the people in it are strong and beautiful. It also has a great sense of urgency and drive, and it creates the feeling that if you work hard and believe in your hustle, you will succeed.
"[Joburg] really is an adventure every time you get on stage. One thing about Joburgers is that they love to laugh – loudly!"
What do you love most about Joburg?
It's the biggest man-made forest in the world. My other favourite part is that, after a rainshower, it is the most gorgeous city in the world. It is also one of those places where, if you wake up early and you are ambitious enough, you will not go to bed hungry, but if you are lazy, the city will send you back to your mommy's house ASAP. I love the grit of the city, but also that people here are so kind and sincere. For example, if you get invited to a braai in Cape Town, it's a suggestion, but in Joburg, it's not only a real date, but it will likely be the best time of your life.
What do you least like about Joburg?
The potholes.
Your number one tip for a first-time visitor to Joburg?
Go to Fordsburg and eat anything.
One Joburg personality whom you would honour with the freedom of the city if you could, and why?
After that Super Bowl performance, it has to be Kendrick Lamar. He would fit right in with the rest of the Joburgers, because one thing we all agree on is that "they not like us"!
The perfect weekend in Joburg includes...
A picnic at Emmarentia Dam, followed by a cycle around the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, lunch at a streetside restaurant in Parkview, and dinner at Marble overlooking the city. I also love lazy Sunday mornings and watching football with the guys at the local.
Three words that describe this city.
Hard, forest, and kind.
Check out some of our previous #MyJoburg interviews for more insights into the city:
#MyJoburg with Donovan Goliath, funnyman and creative director
#MyJoburg with Vicky Ross, cultural entrepreneur
#MyJoburg: Pilani Bubu, folklorist
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