Bassem Youssef's 'Middle Beast' Tour comes to South Africa

Updated Jan. 27, 2025, 8:16 a.m. | By East Coast Breakfast

Egyptian-American comedian Bassem Youssef brings his highly anticipated 'The Middle Beast Tour' comedy show to South Africa.

The “Egyptian Jon Stewart” is headed to South Africa! Egyptian-American comedian and satirist Bassem Youssef is making his highly anticipated debut on our shores with 'The Middle Beast Tour' in February 2025.

The tour promises a rollercoaster of laughter, thought-provoking insights, and the unique storytelling that has made Bassem a global sensation.

Bassem’s journey is unlike any other. He went from saving lives as a heart surgeon in Egypt to shaking up political systems as the host of the most-watched political satire show in the Arab world, 'Al-Bernameg'.

His show attracted over 30 million weekly viewers and catapulted him to international stardom. However, his satirical brilliance came at a price. Arrests, interrogations, and ultimately, a life-changing move to the United States.

His viral 2023 interview with Piers Morgan solidified his reputation as a fearless voice of reason, amassing millions of views globally.

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In 'The Middle Beast Tour', Youssef takes audiences on a personal and hilarious journey through his career, the chaos of the Arab Spring, and his adaptation to American life during its own turbulent times. It’s a one-of-a-kind comedy show that bridges cultures and brings critical social and political issues to light – all while keeping you laughing.

Osman Osman and Shaaista Khan Osman of Blu Blood, the team behind the tour, shared their excitement about bringing Youssef to South Africa for the first time.

“We are honoured to host Bassem Youssef’s first tour in South Africa. His ability to use humour to navigate complex social and political issues has made him a powerful voice in today’s world. We believe that he will resonate deeply with South African audiences who appreciate both laughter and thought-provoking perspectives.”

Tour dates:

Durban: Friday, February 7, 2025 at Durban ICC

Cape Town: Saturday, February 8, 2025 at CTICC (Two shows: 19h00 and 21h45)

Johannesburg: Sunday, February 9, 2025 at Emperors Palace

Bassem Youssef's 'Middle Beast' Tour — Bassem Youssef Middle Beast Tour / Supplied

Who Is Bassem Youssef?

If you don’t already know, Youssef is a trailblazer in political satire. Starting with a simple five-minute YouTube show during the Arab Spring, he transformed 'Al-Bernameg' into a groundbreaking television phenomenon, earning accolades like Time magazine’s 2013 “Most Influential” list and the International Press Freedom Award.

Beyond comedy, Youssef is an accomplished author and actor. His children’s book series, 'The Magical Reality of Nadia', is being developed into an animated series, and his acting credits include roles in popular shows like 'Mo' (Netflix), 'Ramy' (Hulu), and 'Upload' (Amazon).

Don’t miss this chance to witness comedy history in the making. 'The Middle Beast Tour' is not just a comedy show – it’s a cultural experience that will leave you laughing, reflecting, and wanting more.

Grab your tickets now on TicketPro or at your nearest SPAR Payzone kiosk.

Note: The show is rated PG-16.

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