I’ve mentioned before that PR is not all glitz, glam and gurus. We do not spend our lives schmoozing, nor do we spend our afternoons sipping cocktails and ‘PR-ing’ clients. No, this is not the world of real PR, but that doesn’t mean we don’t drink margaritas.
On the 4th of April, Caroline Smith, Nicole Walters, Tshililo Ragimana, Senzi Dlamini and I made our way to Johannesburg’s Lyric Theatre, dressed to the nines for The Comedy Central Roast of Kenny Kunene. We arrived early, reported to the head of Comedy Central PR, assumed our positions and awaited orders. The evening kicked off with a vital lesson in PR for the ladies on our team: never wear heels to an event, and if you do, be prepared to run, no questions asked!
Being on top of things, we got our VIP wristbands, registered, and found ourselves with a serendipitous gap in our itinerary, one that called for cosmos and some late-afternoon sunshine out on the terrace. Quite enjoying playing to the stereotype, we had a few good laughs and moved on to the red carpet, which hadn’t yet opened to receive celebrities. This provided us with a perfect Flow PR photo-op as each of us strutted down the carpet, posing for pictures while soaking up a few seconds of life on the other side of the velvet rope.
Once the event went live we instantly adopted PR mode, ensuring that the client was happy, looking out for invited media and influencers, and enjoying the array of VIP celebs as they made their way down the red carpet to enjoy the evening’s entertainment. Flashing wristbands and walking with flair, we made our way into the VIP lounge to snap some celeb-filled selfies while dining on finger snacks.
As Kenny Kunene took the hot seat, we were introduced to an oddball panel of roasters. Eight individuals you would not usually find in the same room rallied together to ensure that Kenny paid for his crimes of fashion, fraud and choice of friends.
Stand-up comedian Jimmy Carr lit the fire, kicking off the evening with a hilarious monologue and reminding us that Kenny comes with a rap sheet that could double as a roasting script. John Vlismas, Rian van Heerden, Dineo Ranaka, Khanyi Mbau, Somizi, PJ Powers, Jack Parrow and Tumi Morake took the stage to ensure that Kenny’s throne was soon warm and toasty.
From witty opening monologues to targeted jabs, no topic was taboo. Subjects ranged from sexual escapades to sexuality, misplaced or lacking talent, addiction, mental health, and ageism. Roasters went all-out with sharp-tongued retorts, and if there was a line not be crossed, they moved it, jumped over it or set it alight.
Judging by tears and guffaws from the audience, the roast was indeed ablaze. Although at times below-the-belt and crass, audience reaction was a mix of hilarity and “oh no, they didn’t!” moments.
We left the Lyric shortly after midnight, after assisting with the post-event media release, still giggling, footsore, and ready to return to a quiet day of press releases and media lobbying at the comfort of our desks. It can be fun to occasionally dabble in the world of the glitterati but as comforting to get away from the heat and back to air-conditioned reality.
