When most people pivot careers, they don’t typically move from serious broadcast journalism to stand-up comedy. But Feyaza Khan, a Cape Town-based comedian with a razor-sharp wit and a lifetime of stories, isn’t most people.
With roots that span continents and punchlines that pack meaning, Khan’s comedy is as unexpected as it is relatable — a blend of maternal mishaps, multicultural moments, and the subtle absurdities of modern life.
Why Stand-Up? A Side Hustle Born in Dubai
“I’ve always loved stand-up comedy but never thought I was funny,” Feyaza confesses. “I also thought it was stuff people just made up on stage!” That changed in 2012, when her dry-witted second husband dragged her to a “terrible” comedy workshop in Dubai.
But something clicked.
“I Didn’t Think I Was Funny…”
– Feyaza Khan
After a few weeks, they performed, started a comedy club, and the rest was — quite literally — laughter in the making. Though she doesn’t tour or chase gigs aggressively, Khan performs a few times a month and loves the thrill of a good set. “It’s quite exhilarating,” she says. “So I think I’ll keep doing it!”
The Secret Sauce: Where Feyaza Gets Her Comedy Material
Life, Kids, Politics (But With a Twist)
Feyaza’s material is pulled straight from the chaotic, beautiful mess that is life. As a mother, wife, daughter, and third culture kid, her comedy is observational, personal, and sneakily profound.
“I do political humour too, but not explicitly,” she says. “It starts as a story about something ordinary and suddenly you’re talking about Afrikaner self-exiles or the treatment of trans people in co-ed spaces.” That’s the Feyaza formula — sugar-coating the real stuff with sarcasm, stories, and side-splitting laughter.
Her children even help write some of the jokes she tells about them. “We’re co-authoring our narrative,” she laughs. “It’s very meta.”
Breaking Into the Dubai Comedy Scene
Back in 2012, Dubai’s stand-up scene was virtually nonexistent. “There was nothing,” says Feyaza. “Just the people who ran workshops and let you perform.”
That made launching their own comedy club surprisingly easy. Venues were open-minded, and the community started growing rapidly. “It was tough,” she admits, “but fun — and it worked.”
“During her time in Dubai her co-founder, who was born in the UAE, asked one of the women comedians they really admired from the UK – Shazia Mirza – to perform for their comedy club.
There were lots of women comedians performing in the Middle East at the time, and it’s still growing now. But none who rocked the boat, because you can’t in the Middle East, as comedians have to toe the line set by governments. But, according to Feyaza, “Shazia rocked the boat. She talks about the things that people don’t want to say, but love to hear. So we were thrilled she came over and did a show, it was fantastic!”
It was inspiring for Feyaza to see a strong woman performing in the Middle East and it gave her the boost to make her jokes more political and leave the UAE, which she saw as a claustrophobic space for creatives or “anyone who wanted to say something critical but true.”
Back in South Africa: The Return to the Mic
“I Missed It. Simple As That.”
After moving back to South Africa, Feyaza couldn’t shake the performance bug. “I missed performing and wanted to start again,” she explains. “I found some people who wanted to do the same and were minimal to no drama, and we started.”
Though the group is still small and the organizing a bit of a “faff” (her words), the joy of performing keeps her going.
Not Just a Comedian — A Coach and Connector
While she’s not aiming to become a household name, Feyaza Khan has an unmistakable presence both on and off the stage. As a former BBC journalist, she knows how to command a room. As a coach and mentor, she’s helping other women find their voices too.
“I use humour to connect,” she says. “I’m not chasing fame, just a good laugh, a bit of truth, and the occasional mic drop.”
The Purpose Behind the Punchlines
“Is there a grand plan?”
“I wouldn’t say I have a grand goal of creating awareness through comedy,” she muses. “But comedy has a sneaky way of revealing truth.”
Whether she’s joking about her kids or subtly spotlighting social issues, Feyaza’s comedy bridges worlds — and sometimes identities — with empathy and a wink.
“I’m just chasing the laugh,” she says. And judging by the sound of it, Cape Town is laughing right back.
Why Feyaza Khan Should Be On Your Comedy Radar
- 🎤 Observational comedy rooted in real life
- 🌍 A multicultural perspective with global experience
- 😂 A female comedian in South Africa breaking moulds
- 📍Based in Cape Town, adding spice to the local comedy scene
Feyaza Khan may not be touring the world or chasing Netflix specials, but in every set she performs, she’s building a brand of comedy that’s both clever and deeply human. Catch her if you can — and bring tissues. (For the laughter, obviously.)
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