Dalin Oliver: Remembering your roots at the Jive Cape Town Festival

One of the many keys to success is “to remember your roots,” according to funny man Dalin Oliver, who will be one of the master of ceremonies at the 26th Jive Cape Town Funny Festival this year.

The master of ceremonies duties are shared by Dalin Oliver for the first two weeks and Alan Committie for the remainder.

Dalin, 36, grew up in Retreat. He said it gave him the “building blocks of his career” as he succeeds in the entertainment industry.

He expressed appreciation for his origins, which include his family, upbringing, culture, and values.

“Be lekke” is his motto, and he said the people who have shaped him into who he is today will always be remembered.

"The village that raises the child, the single mother, the granny, the grandpa, and the aunties and uncles, should be admired for being there and getting up to go to make an honest living - they are the salt of the earth. My parents play a big role in my life, especially my mother Linda," he said.

One of his characteristics, due to his upbringing, is to "treat people like humans, to be a good person, and leave the earth in a better place."

Dalin has a very sporty background. He attended St. Anthony's Primary School in Heathfield, played soccer for Ashford Athletic Football Club in Heathfield, and played for St. Augustine's Cricket Club in Elfindale.

He was also very active in his high school years. He attended South Peninsula High School and matriculated at Wynberg Boys’ High. He also played cricket and was the Junior Provincial Cricket Western Province under-19 captain.

Dalin started stand-up comedy at the age of 21.

"My first gig was at the Jokers Comedy Club in Athlone on November 26, 2010."

However, Dalin is actually a qualified maths and history teacher, but he only taught for five months.

"I also worked in commercial radio for 10 years at GoodHope FM. Eight of those years, I was on the Breakfast Show, and now I am working in the sports broadcasting space, but I am a full-time comedian."

He feels blessed to have performed in 10 countries and 23 cities. He shared some of his travels with his wife, Maxine, to whom he has been married for one year and nine months.

Dalin shines when he’s performing on stage.

"I love the Funny Festival and what it has done for South African comedy, and I am privileged to be in the lineup. I am also very excited to perform and be the official host for the first time. In previous years, I was booked to do a comedy set, but Alan was the host for many years" he said, adding that this year,  it is a privilege to be able to share that title with Committie, one of SA’s finest.

"I want to give a shout-out to Eddy Cassar, founder of the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival, for trusting me with it,' said Dalin.

The Jive Cape Town Funny Festival opens at the Baxter Theatre today Monday June 2 and runs through to Sunday June 29. Tickets are available through Webtickets.

For more information, visit https://funnyfestival.co.za/