From construction to comedy, Meshantan Naidoo has opened up about his journey in South African entertainment.
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South African comedian and radio personality Meshantan Naidoo has built a loyal following by turning ordinary moments into relatable comedy gold.
From viral social media videos to breakfast radio and live stand-up performances, Naidoo’s journey into entertainment was anything but conventional.
Before stepping into the spotlight, Naidoo worked in construction, specialising in civil and structural projects in hazardous environments across Durban and northern parts of South Africa.
However, a spontaneous voice note sent during a busy Black Friday shopping trip in Centurion unexpectedly changed the course of his career.
“My career in entertainment was entirely unplanned,” said Naidoo. “A casual voice note I sent to a friend about mall crowds was shared widely and eventually aired on 5FM’s breakfast show with Roger Goode.”
His online presence grew even further in 2017 when a humorous Facebook video of him attempting to chase pigeons out of his home went viral, gaining more than 20,000 views in under an hour.
“That exposure opened doors to stand-up comedy,” he explained.
“I started performing alongside Neville Pillay, Muthu Murugan and Marc Lottering, and soon after I made a cameo appearance on 'Uzalo'."
Although comedy helped establish his brand, Naidoo admits radio has always been his greatest passion.
“My interest in radio started with listening to Sureshnie Rider on 5FM,” he said.
“I became fascinated by how presenters could paint vivid pictures using only words. That theatre of the mind is what drew me in.”
After years of persistence, Naidoo eventually secured a role as a weekday breakfast anchor on community radio, an experience he describes as deeply rewarding.
“What I loved most was the listener engagement,” he said.
“You can’t see faces or immediately gauge reactions, but when the studio WhatsApp line lights up seconds after asking a question, that instant connection is unmatched.”
Naidoo believes that his humour resonates because it is rooted in real South African experiences.
“Comedians have this unique ability to find humour in every situation, even the most depressing ones,” he said.
“In South Africa, there’s no shortage of material. You can switch on the news or simply walk outside and find enough content to write an entire comedy special.”
However, he admits that modern audiences require comedians to be more mindful of their material.
“With cancel culture, we have to be more cognisant of what we put out,” he added.
Social media, particularly TikTok, has also played a major role in expanding Naidoo’s audience and career opportunities.
Having started creating content before TikTok existed, he witnessed the dramatic shift brought on by the platform during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“TikTok changed everything,” he said. “It’s currently the most widely used social media platform and offers unparalleled visibility. Brands are investing heavily in it, and the business opportunities have been invaluable.”
Despite the laughs, Naidoo said that the most meaningful moments come from hearing how his content has positively impacted others.
“One of the most powerful experiences is when strangers tell me my videos helped them through difficult days,” he shared.
“That reminds me there’s real meaning behind what I do.”
Among his most memorable career moments was interviewing politician John Steenhuisen during his time in radio.
“When the interview ended, I muted my mic, leaned back and realised I had finally earned my place at the big table,” he recalled.
Naidoo believes South Africans have a uniquely resilient sense of humour that sets local comedy apart.
“We are naturally humorous people,” he said. “South Africans instinctively turn hardship into humour. Laughter really is our best medicine.”
Like many public figures, Naidoo has also faced criticism online but says experience has taught him not to dwell on negativity.
“You can’t please everyone all the time - not even breyani can do that,” he joked. “My focus is on serving my audience and continuing to grow my brand.”
For aspiring comedians and radio presenters, Naidoo said that resilience is essential.
“You’ll hear ‘no’ far more than ‘yes’ in this industry,” he said. “Stay consistent, be unapologetically yourself and trust the timing of your journey.”
Looking ahead, Naidoo hopes to eventually return to radio on a larger platform.
“I’d love the opportunity to work in commercial radio or at the public broadcaster,” he said.
“For now, I’m grateful to be busy as an MC at weddings and events, but ultimately the dream is still to get back behind the microphone. That’s where I feel most at home.”