David Kau Biography: Wife, Age, Comedy Shows, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Films & TV Shows, Career

David Kau is a trailblazing South African comedian, filmmaker, actor, and social entrepreneur whose sharp wit and bold performances have redefined comedy in his country.

As the first Black comedian to perform at the 1998 Smirnoff Comedy Festival in Cape Town, he broke barriers and paved the way for future generations.

Known for his one-man show The Rainbow Nation Tour and co-creating the iconic Blacks Only comedy brand, Kau’s career blends humor with social commentary, earning him a lasting place in South African entertainment.

Profile

• Full Name: David Mojalefa Kau
• Stage Name: David Kau
• Born: April 18, 1978
• Age: 47 years old
• Birthplace: Kroonstad, Free State, South Africa
• Nationality: South African
• Occupation: South African Comedian, Filmmaker, Actor, Director, Social Entrepreneur
• Height: Not publicly confirmed
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Kau
• Siblings: Not publicly confirmed
• Spouse: Thalia Zarkalis (married, date not specified)
• Children: Not publicly confirmed
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1–$5 million

Early Life and Education

David Kau was born on April 18, 1978, in Maokeng, near Kroonstad, Free State, South Africa, into a family that remains largely private. Raised in Kroonstad, his early life was shaped by the cultural and political shifts of apartheid-era South Africa, which later influenced his comedic perspective.

Details about his parents and siblings are scarce, as Kau keeps his family life out of the public eye. He matriculated from Meridian College in Pretoria in 1994, showing an early aptitude for academics despite his eventual pivot to the arts.

In 1995, Kau enrolled at Pretoria Technikon (now Tshwane University of Technology) to study electrical engineering but dropped out in 1996, realizing his passion lay elsewhere. He then pursued a Performer’s Diploma in Speech and Drama at the University of Cape Town, graduating in 1998.

His transition from engineering to acting and comedy reflected his bold, risk-taking spirit, setting the stage for a groundbreaking career. His ethnicity is African, and his religion is not publicly disclosed.

Career

David Kau’s comedy career ignited in 1998 when he became the first Black stand-up comedian to perform at the Smirnoff International Comedy Festival in Cape Town, a historic moment at age 20. With no prior stand-up experience, he headlined the festival for several years, touring from Cape Town to Durban.

His first one-man show, The Rainbow Nation Tour (1998), written to fulfill his university graduation requirements, tackled South Africa’s post-apartheid identity with sharp humor, earning critical acclaim. He followed with Introducing The Peoples Comic (2000), further cementing his voice in politically savvy comedy.

Kau co-created Blacks Only, South Africa’s biggest comedy brand, which has run for over a decade, showcasing talents like Kagiso Lediga and Loyiso Gola. He performed in shows like Comedy Blackout (2002–2004), Heavyweight Comedy Jams, and The Phat Joe Show, and appeared on The Pure Monate Show alongside prominent comedians.

His hosting credits include the 3rd Channel O Music Video Awards (2006), Nelson Mandela’s 46664 concert (2007), the South African Film & Television Awards, and Cooking Gospel. Since 2008, he has hosted and judged SABC1’s So You Think You’re Funny!, nurturing new comedic talent.

As a filmmaker, Kau directed The First Last Tour (2022), produced Kau’s House for his YouTube channel, and acted in films like Blitzpatrollie (2013, as Ace Dikolobe), Bunny Chow: Know Thyself (2006, as Comedy MC), Taxi Ride (2012), and Shampoo’s Retirement Village (2014).

His social entrepreneurship includes brand promotions on his platforms, with over 140,000 Instagram followers and 10,000 YouTube subscribers. Despite financial challenges, such as a 2021 loan default reported by City Press, Kau’s multifaceted career continues to thrive.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @davidkau
• Facebook Handle: David Kau Official
• Twitter Handle: @DavidKau1

Personal Life

David Kau, resides in Johannesburg, South Africa, with his wife, Thalia Zarkalis, whom he married in an undisclosed year. The couple keeps their personal life private, and no confirmed information about children is available.

Kau faced financial scrutiny in 2021 when First National Bank sought to auction his Kyalami Estate home over a R275,000 loan default, though he negotiated to settle the arrears. His resilience in navigating this challenge mirrors his career tenacity.

Kau’s passions include gaming, filmmaking, and engaging with fans online, where his humor and authenticity shine. He owns a 54-square-meter apartment in Johannesburg, valued at approximately R2 million, reflecting a modest lifestyle despite his success.

A proud South African, he draws inspiration from his country’s diversity, often weaving social commentary into his comedy. His long-standing friendship with comedian Kagiso Lediga underscores his collaborative spirit.

Filmography

• Bunny Chow: Know Thyself (2006) – Comedy MC
• God Is African (2003) – Supporting Role
• Taxi Ride (2012) – Supporting Role
• Blitzpatrollie (2013) – Ace Dikolobe
• Shampoo’s Retirement Village (2014) – Supporting Role
• The First Last Tour (2022) – Director, Performer

Television:

• The Pure Monate Show (2003–2004) – Performer
• So You Think You’re Funny! (2008–present) – Host, Judge
• Cooking Gospel (1 season) – Host
• South African Film & Television Awards (1 season) – Host
• 3rd Channel O Music Video Awards (2006) – Host
• Nelson Mandela’s 46664 Concert (2007) – Co-Presenter

Net Worth

David Kau’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million derived from his comedy performances, filmmaking, acting, hosting, and social media brand promotions. Sources vary widely, with estimates ranging from $1 million to $5 million.

A reported 2021 financial dispute over his Johannesburg home suggests liquidity challenges, but his diverse income streams maintain his wealth.