Kaashif Stellenboom: From Walmer Estate to Cape Town's Roast Battle scene

A Walmer Estate comedian is shaking up the comedy scene by creating a new platform aimed at giving local and emerging performers a chance to prove their talent on stage.

Kaashif Stellenboom, who has been performing stand-up comedy for the past seven years, has launched the Roast Battle Tournament, a live comedy competition hosted at Ground Culture, where comedians and first-time performers go head-to-head for a cash prize of R5 000.

The next roast battle - which will be the second one hosted- will take place at the end of February.

Mr Stellenboom said his journey into comedy began after his first performance at The Armchair in Observatory, an opportunity that pushed him to pursue a lifelong dream.

"It always sat in my mind, and I wanted to do it. When this opportunity came about, it was nerve-wracking at first, but I quickly got the hang of it and partially hoped it never ended," he said.

"I have always wanted to make people laugh, and it's always been part of me."

As the years went by, Mr Stellenboom graced the stage with renowned comedians Loyiso Gola, Raad Moosa, Dillan Oliphant, Stuart Taylor, and many more, but always felt the need to work harder.

"I knew I never had the following or support they had, and that is why I wanted to work even harder," Mr Stellenboom said.

After watching a Roast Battle episode in California on TV, he came up with an idea to give other local comedians a platform to grow. "Although it's not a very unique idea and people would have seen it already, I wanted to be the first to push this in South Africa, and hopefully we can send the winner over to compete in California one day," he explained.

Mr Stellenboom then launched the inaugural Roast Battle Tournament, where several local and even unknown comedians took part.

Mr Stellenboom said plans are already in place to have the Roast Battle Tournament visit Durban and Joburg to expand, but wants to open the idea to everyone interested, not just comedians.

"I really wanted this to be a comfortable space for those who feel they have it in them and for those wanting to explore their funny side. So it's really something for everyone," Mr Stellenboom said.

"If you think you're funny, try yourself out on the stage. If you have a friend you wish to roast, call them out and do it at the roast."

Anybody interested in performing at the roast battle can contact Mr Stellenboom via social media and follow his channels for further information and the exact date of the battle. 

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