It is festival season and that means that in the next month there is so many great comedy festivals to look forward to! This month we are looking at some of the great shows that you can see at the Edinburgh Fringe. So take note because we are going to give you all the information you need for just a handful of some of the great shows happening this year!

Thenjiwe – The Mandela Effect

Location:   Just The Tonic At The Mash House – Just the Cask Room (Venue 288)

Dates: Aug 3rd-13th, 15th-27th

Time: 14:25

Price: £5

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/thenjiwe-the-mandela-effect

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

My name is Thenjiwe Moseley, I am from South Africa, Durban. My tribe is Zulu. I am a mother of one.

How did you come up with the name of your show that you’re taking to the fringe?

As a South African who has travelled to many countries around the world I have learnt that the world seems to have collectively forgotten a lot of African history. The Mandela Effect is a phenomenon where there are large groups of people who forget a significant historical event.

Tell us all about your show!

In my show, I share what it was like growing up in apartheid South Africa. I was born and raised in KwaMashu, credited as the most dangerous township in South Africa (South Africa is listed as the fourth most dangerous country in the world). I also share how travelling outside of the African continent taught me how the world views Africa and Africans and I share the joys and challenges of living in first world countries as an African mother.

What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at the fringe?

This year, 2023 will be my Edinburgh Fringe Festival debut and I hope to see as many shows as possible. I am most looking forward to seeing Matt Price from England who is bringing his show ‘As Seen on CCTV’-  I find him smart and funny and can’t wait to watch him for an hour and I am also excited to see Joe White an Ethiopian refugee who lives in Australia, I have heard great things about his show,‘Ethiopian and still not hungry’.

Have you done the fringe before? What are the key pieces of advice you have been given or would give to new groups or people performing at the fringe.

This year 2023 will be my Fringe debut and I have been told to take it easy on the partying, get rest and look after my voice.

Favourite one liner you have done in a show and why?

Being a black South African, I come from a long line of mine workers so naturally I am a gold digger.

What have been some of the most unique and different comedy shows you have seen this year and why?

The Crazy Crazy Comedy at the Comedy Store was the most unique I have seen because it was my first time seeing a stand-up comedy show with a live band and where all the acts sang and they all actually had very good singing voices.

Talk us through your daily routine for a day at the Fringe.

I wake up at 7 and go for a walk or go to the gym for an hour, then have breakfast. I try to see a show at 10am before flyering and getting ready for my show. After the show I have lunch before I watch more shows. I plan to be in bed by 11pm on most nights.

What is the best way to enjoy yourself at the fringe?

Have a budget and stick to it. Remember that you are there to work so keep the partying to a minimum. Don’t compare yourself to other acts, avoid reading your reviews whether they are good or bad, always remember that comedy is subjective.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

For me the best thing about performing at the fringe is being able to have so much stage time, an hour every day for so many days will surely make me a better comedian and also having access to over two thousand shows is a gift from the comedy Gods.

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

Being away from home for so long will be the most challenging thing and also the finances, it’s very expensive to perform at the fringe.

What would be your top three items every performer must take to the fringe?

1) A good quality power bank so you can always charge your phone.

2) Comfortable walking shoes, with one dormant volcano, seven hills, clusters of cobbled streets and tantalising vistas waiting around every bend, walking in Edinburgh isn’t easy.

3) An umbrella or raincoat because I have heard that it rains a lot during the Fringe.

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

I believe that the secret to successful flyering is a good attitude, try to connect with your potential audience and engage in conversation. It also helps to wear something that attracts attention.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

King Charles would be my ultimate dream audience and if I could have King Charles, former American President, President Barack Obama and South Africa’s current leader, President Cyril Ramaphosa, it would be a dream come true.

If people want to find out more about you where can they follow you on social media?

I am available on all social media platforms as THENJIWE COMEDY, I also have an Instagram page specifically for this show THE MANDELA EFFECT.

And Finally in three words – Why should people come and see the show?

People should come to my show because not only will they laugh but they will also learn some important life lessons.