Comedian Dalin Oliver explains why South Africans are known for greeting strangers, finding humor in misfortunes, and leaving European audiences puzzled.
South Africans are quite an interesting group. We tend to greet unfamiliar faces, laugh at situations that might shock outsiders, and often discover humor in various calamities.
However, transport that same South African abroad, and a friendly greeting may be met with suspicion, while a clever joke could provoke little more than a courteous smile.
Comedian Dalin Oliver has experienced this phenomenon during his performances worldwide. From an awkward exchange with a German woman and her pet to the moment he watched his wife vanish on a train in Stockholm, Oliver has realized that what feels customary in South Africa can appear quite strange in other countries.
He relayed some of his most humorous travel tales and the insights he has gained about the unique South African sense of humor while interacting with diverse audiences.
You’ve performed in 10 nations and more than 25 cities. Which country has the quirkiest people, oddest customs, or the highest capacity to make a South African exclaim, “What the actual hell?”
One of South Africa’s greatest charms is our focus on people, food, culture, and language. We radiate warmth and take pleasure in welcoming others into our environment.
When you visit, we are likely to offer food as a token of appreciation for your visit. And you can count on food being offered as a farewell treat when you leave.
We thrive on greeting strangers, and what’s particularly fascinating for my wife and me is our shared experiences in various countries, where, outside of South Africa, people seldom exchange greetings.
In Berlin, while waiting at a crosswalk, a woman walking her dog caught my attention. I cheerfully said, “Good morning!” Her response was, “What’s wrong?”
After repeating my greeting, she responded with, “What do you want?” I chuckled and complimented her on her lovely dog.
Her reaction wasn’t meant to be unfriendly; it appears that in German culture, randomly greeting someone you don’t know isn’t the norm.
Following that exchange, I continued to laugh with my wife, remarking, “That’s the essence of being South African. We greet and smile, and if someone doesn’t reciprocate, it’s perfectly fine. Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie. They’re unaware of what we understand.”
We’re more than happy to shower them with affection until they respond!
What’s the most remarkably foolish thing you’ve ever done while traveling, something you’d prefer your mother, your bank manager, or the South African embassy never knew about?
Well, first off, if I spill the beans on this one, I’m revealing too much. Everyone knows that in South Africa, snitches get stitches! However, the most hilarious instance recently occurred during our trip to Stockholm, Sweden, where we both visited and performed for the first time.
My wife and I were on a train together, but she was ahead of me and didn’t turn to check. She boarded the train by herself, and as the doors closed, she attempted to get the passengers to open them for her, but no one offered assistance.
We had only purchased one eSIM for our roaming needs. I was holding the eSIM, while my wife was trapped on the train as it departed; I stood watching helplessly, waving goodbye.
My wife sought out others to share their hotspot so she could reach me. After about 10 minutes at the next stop, someone finally lent her a hotspot.
Eventually, I connected with her in central Stockholm. It was comical since I quite literally watched her board the train, the doors sealed shut, and she was whisked away. I thought immediately, “We just celebrated our anniversary! You can’t leave me now!”
You’ve entertained Brits, Swedes, and South Africans, among others. Who finds the most inappropriate humor funny, who requires a joke to be repeated multiple times, and which audience would you absolutely dread being stuck in a lift with?
One of South Africa’s finest traits is our rich diversity in race, culture, and religion. We continually navigate through various settings, learning to entertain audiences from all backgrounds.
In any city, one must connect with the locals where they are, especially since they often lack a reference point for South African culture.
South Africans are animated laughers. We genuinely enjoy laughing and often bond through shared humorous experiences. A South African lacking a sense of humor may find it challenging to cope.
On the other hand, the Swedes tend to be quite reserved, not inclined to interact casually with strangers. The same can be said for the Brits, who possess a strong theatre culture. You know, what a loaded term: theatre culture!
While they do come to watch the show and will laugh, it often seems they might be laughing internally rather than outwardly. This is a playful joke we often have among fellow comedians; their laughter might not always be as vocal.
It’s essential to adapt to the unique atmosphere of each city and country.
