Bongani Abel Dlamini: Forging ahead against all odds!

(Dr. Lee)

He's a man that's full of passion for life and that did not allow his background difficulties to discourage him for moving forward in life.

Life is not full of bed of roses but Bongani Abel Dlamini is already creating a niche for himself as he forges ahead against all odds. Raised by a single mother in Kwazulu-Natal (KZN); he started catering for himself at a tender age.

Today, Bongani is aspiring for a career in stand-up comedy despite his somewhat unfavouring conditions in Johannesburg. You might have spotted him picking up waste products for recycling somewhere but the good thing is that he's blessed with making people around him happy and this caught the eyes of Braamfontein Alive during an event organised by Cornerstone Church, Uptown- Open Mic Night.

We took the time out to speak to our latest spotted talent and below is what we find interesting and worth sharing with you; may be you can inspired and ready to help Bongani to his next level in life:

Q. Can you introduce yourself?

A. I'm Bongani Abel Dlamini. My stage name is Dr. Lee. I got the name from a close friend; Michael Vundla (Jay ZV); who passed away three years ago.

Q. Can you tell us about your background?

A. I was born in KZN, Newcastle. I have three siblings but one passed away last month (August, 2016). I dropped out of school because of family issues and went into streets hustling of washing cars to get money in 1987 and ever since then I've been on my own till now.

I grew up not knowing my father but along the line I met someone who introduced himself as my uncle and later informed me that my father resides in Durban at that time.

Q. What do you do for a living?

A. I do recycle of waste products and I also doing part-time stand-up comedy.

Q. Why comedy?

A. Whenever I'm with people I'll drop some comedy stories and people always love and laugh to them and they encouraged and recognized my talents and I must say that you are one of them( referring to the interviewer).

Q. What are the challenges you're facing to take your stand-up comedy to the next level?

A. My challenges is to have a manager because I do short stories that make people laugh and also a place I can think, write out more constructive short stories that can make people laugh.

Q. Who are your idols in your chosen career both local and international?

A. At the moment is Skhumba Hlophe and Chris Tucker.

Q. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

A. I see myself in a bigger stage; filling up arenas, theaters, doing sell-out shows e.t.c.

Q. How can people get hold of you in terms of bookings?

A. They can get on the following contacts below:

Email: bonganidrlee@gmail.com

Cellphone: 079 251 4115.

Twitter: @drlee

Facebook: Bongani Abel.


Is time to make Dr. Lee's dream come true. Let's do something today about this young and upcoming stand-up comedian and our living will never be in vain!

By Olagunju, Success Taiwo.