A comedian born to make the world laugh
Born Aljoy Anesu Chikowo at Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Chik Aljoy's story is one of extraordinary resilience, raw talent and the kind of unwavering determination that turns dreams into reality.
A difficult childhood on the streets of Bulawayo didn't dampen his spirit — it sharpened it. It was there, sitting around cardboard fires with other street kids, that Aljoy fell in love with storytelling and the power of laughter. He recalls a fellow street kid they called "Potato" — a gifted storyteller who could hold an audience captive with nothing but words and energy.
💬 "Growing up, I was very passionate about the arts. I had dreams of becoming a famous actor in Hollywood and it was during my time on the street that I realised that comedy was my specialty."
🌍 The Journey to South Africa
In 2011, at just 15 years old, Chik's uncle took him off the streets and sent him to study in South Africa. He joined the Hillbrow Theatre Project in Johannesburg — a pivotal move that would shape the trajectory of his career.
It was during a stage play called "The Donkey Child" that two seasoned performers, Pule Skhothane and Nina Hastie, noticed something special in Aljoy — an effortless stage presence and natural comedic timing that couldn't be taught. They encouraged him to pursue comedy full time.
🐒 The Birth of a Pioneer
Through hours of self-teaching via YouTube, Chik Aljoy discovered ventriloquism — and in doing so, became Africa's first black ventriloquist. His first puppet was Peanut. But it was Jackie, a monkey-faced puppet Chik found for sale at a festival in Grahamstown, that would change everything.
🐒 "I met Jackie at a festival. He was for sale and I remember looking at him thinking, 'We could be great friends.' I bought him and we have been best friends ever since."
Chik's mentor, Roni Modimola, gave him iconic advice: "In order to do justice to your monkey puppet, you have to become the monkey." Chik took it to heart — and Jackie became one of Africa's most recognisable comedy characters.
🏆 The Golden Buzzer Moment
In 2016, Chik Aljoy stepped onto the South Africa's Got Talent stage and delivered a ventriloquism performance so powerful that it moved the live audience to a standing ovation — and compelled DJ Fresh to press the coveted Golden Buzzer, sending Chik straight to the semi-finals. It was a defining moment that announced him to the entire nation.
🎬 From Comedy to Acting
In 2022, Chik fulfilled another childhood dream — acting — by joining the cast of the acclaimed SABC1 drama series DiepCity, appearing alongside fellow Zimbabwean Mluleki Moyo. A comedian, ventriloquist AND actor — Chik Aljoy has never been one to limit himself.