5-MINUTE CHIT-CHATS WITH TUMI MORAKE

She’s an empowered comedy giant like no other, who is currently taking the USA by storm. A supermom on the go, Tumi Morake is embracing all the new challenges and opportunities coming her way.

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She’s come a long way since her early stand-up shows, breaking through commercial and corporate barriers and establishing herself as a world- class entertainer, actor, writer and all-round success story. She moved to Atlanta, Georgia, early last year to grow her career — and what an exciting transition it has been!

HOW WAS THE MOVE? ARE YOU SETTLED IN YET?
It’s been great. I get to be a housewife now, hey. The focus during our first year was settling the kids in and they’ve now found their respective tribes. We already had a couple of friends and family members this side, so the transition hasn’t been too lonely.

DESCRIBE AN AVERAGE DAY IN YOUR SHOES.
I get the kids ready in the morning, soccer mom vibes on the weekend, occasional comedy club gigs, Zoom meetings and catching up with friends across the globe, and loads of naps. There’s lots of coffee involved; my 40s are going to be powered by good old coffee beans.

TELL US ABOUT THE COMEDY SCENE THERE.
It’s huge! A lot of people do comedy as a second job here, whereas in SA many of us have the privilege of being full-time comedians – whether we’re famous or not. The best thing here is that there are so many avenues to try and eventually you find your groove. There’s so much choice and a whole lot of styles to try.

WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE FOR YOUNG UP-AND-COMING FEMALE ARTISTS?
Stick to the plan. What you originally envisioned is where you always need to go back to, to check you’re still on track. Also make sure the people you surround yourself with have your best interests at heart and are invested in you.

YOU WANT TO OPEN AN ARTS SCHOOL IN SOWETO – WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT?
I believe most SA talent comes from townships, but the kids don’t have the same opportunities. So it’s a bigger struggle to break into the industry. It’s also important to keep kids off the streets. We need to keep them busy and help them learn skills or advance their talents.

WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST GOALS FOR 2023?
I hope our film, The Honeymoon, blows up at the box office, especially as we’ve already begun working on the sequel! I want to be more hands-on at our St Aquinas colleges in Joburg and Pretoria, and grow the family business. And, somewhere in there, I’m slipping in a comedy tour or two, of course.

Catch Tumi On The Socials
Facebook: Tumi Morake
Instagram: @tumi_morake
Twitter: @tumi_morake

Interview: Charndré Emma Kippie
Photograph: Supplied