Discover Loyiso Gola biography, including his rise from South Africa’s Gugulethu, his television and stand‑up career, known works, and estimated net worth.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Loyiso Gola
- Stage Name: Loyiso Gola
- Date of Birth / Age: 16 May 1983 (age 42 as of 2025)
- Nationality: South African
- Known For: Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola, stand‑up comedy, political satire
- Social Handles:
- Instagram: @loyisogola
- Twitter: @loyisogola
Early Life & Background
Loyiso Gola was born in the Gugulethu township in Cape Town, South Africa, and is of Xhosa heritage. At age 14, he moved to Woodstock and attended Zonnebloem Nest Senior School in the area.
Before comedy became his calling, Gola described himself as shy and reserved. While still in high school, he opened for comedian Marc Lottering — that performance, and encouragement from a drama teacher, introduced him to the Cape Comedy Collective around age 17.
He matriculated in 2002. That same year, he won the Sprite Soul Comedy Tour, which became a launching pad for his move from Cape Town to Johannesburg to pursue comedy full time.
Career Beginnings
Gola’s television career started with small roles and appearances:
- In 2002, he appeared on Phat Joe Live on SABC 1.
- In 2003, he joined the sketch comedy series Pure Monate Show on SABC 1.
- In 2007, he co-hosted Dinner with the President on SABC 2, portraying the black grandson of Pieter-Dirk Uys’s satirical alter ego Evita Bezuidenhout.
Meanwhile, he was building his stand-up résumé with one-man shows. His first major solo show was I’m Frank in 2006.
Rise to Fame & Major Works
In 2010, Gola co-created and began anchoring the satirical news show Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola (with collaborator Kagiso Lediga). The show ran until 2015 and earned International Emmy nominations for Best Comedy Series in 2013.
He has also performed in international comedy festivals and global television appearances, including Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, and QI. Gola’s stand-up shows over the years include Coming Home, Life & Times, Professional Black, Loyiso Gola Live, and State of the Nation Address among others.
He has also appeared in films like Catching Feelings (2017) and acted in local South African productions. (South Africa Portal)
Awards & Recognition
- 2002 — Winner, Sprite Soul Comedy Tour
- 2007 — South African Comedy Award: Best Breakthrough Comedy Act (for Loyiso Gola for President)
- 2012 — Named among Mail & Guardian’s “200 Young South Africans” in Media & Film
- 2013 — Late Nite News nominated for International Emmy Awards
- 2014 — Comic of the Year, Savanna SA Comic’s Choice Award
Business Ventures / Other Projects
Beyond comedy and television, Gola has served as a host/MC at major South African events, including the Metro FM Music Awards and South African Music Awards.
He has also had cameo and supporting roles in South African films.
Impact on African Comedy
Loyiso Gola is widely credited with pushing boundaries in political satire within South Africa, giving voice to social critique through humor. His work on Late Nite News inspired a generation of topical satire in Africa.
His success proves that African comedians can navigate both local and global stages — his satire resonates not only with South African audiences but also with international observers of African politics and society.
Social Media & Online Presence
- Instagram: @loyisogola
- Twitter: @loyisogola
- He has been featured on YouTube panels and long‑form interviews addressing his comedic methods, satire, and social commentary.
Loyiso Gola Net Worth (Estimated)
Net worth estimates vary widely and should be taken as speculative.
- Some sources estimate ~US$1.2 million as of 2022.
- Others place him higher, e.g. US$6 million in rank lists of richest African comedians.
- In contrast, a more conservative figure of around US$100,000 is cited in net worth directories.
Because Gola’s revenue streams span comedy shows, television, hosting, and appearances, his actual net worth is likely somewhere between these estimates.
Final Thoughts
Loyiso Gola is a standout figure in African comedy — a comedian who blends wit, political insight, and social commentary in a way that both entertains and provokes thought. From his humble beginnings in Cape Town to hosting Emmy-nominated satire on national television, his journey illustrates how African comedic voices can lead discussions on identity, governance, and cultural change.
