If you are a supporter of local talent and the internet is where you go for your entertainment, then you are sure to know Ikie Botha from the popular online show, Waffles and Mo and Ikie.
Ikie speel die man van die huis or at least he tries to, shame.
The Coronavirus lockdown has separated the popular couple and Ikie says the pandemic has been good for his online “marriage” against all expectations.
“It has been challenging as we are in unknown territory at the moment, but my passion to spread humour has really pushed me to find creative ways to keep audiences entertained,” says Ikie.
“Collaborating with Waffles and Mo has done amazing things in terms of audience reach and although the videos have now taken a different style as we obey the lockdown regulations, it has thankfully kept our audiences entertained.”
SEPARATED: Ikie, Mo & Waffles unable to be together in lockdown
When speaking to Ikie you always get a sense that he has something up his sleeve and hence I was quite chuffed when he revealed something new: “I have been able to introduce new characters which has been very entertaining for the kids.”
As far as the Waffles and Mo thread is going for those who follow, at the moment according to the storyline Ikie is in lockdown with “Natalie”.
Ikie explains: “Natalie has been a silhouette character, who can be described as the “side chick/ jolmeit” and for months we have been peeling back on who this person is as we never see her face.”
This should keep audiences glued to their screens for another few weeks because we mos all bus and love a good scandal.
Last year was a very productive year for Ikie as he had many great opportunities; he even appeared on Musiek Roulette where he made it to the Top 6.
“I was very excited to be a part of the show as music is another great love of mine,” says Ikie.
I was also afforded the opportunity to appear in my first theatre production, directed by Soli Philander, in Mr Pannekoek and the Factory Girls.
EXPLORE: Ikie and the cast of Soli Philander’s Mr Pannekoek and the Factory Girls
“This was another opportunity for me to explore and expand on my love for theatre.”
Right now it seems like he has also found a new partner online in young Tylo Daniels who is his cousin, so it seems acting runs in this family’s blood.
I was impressed when I saw how comfortable Tylo was in front of the camera in the very first video he did with Ikie.
It didn’t surprise me because having worked with Ikie, I saw firsthand that he has the type of presence that makes other people around him comfortable.
This is a rare find in today’s life, especially in the entertainment industry.
Everybody wants to be the joker, the ou who grabs the limelight, but Ikie has the ability to sit back and allow the humour to bounce off him, and that is gold.
The lockdown also gave birth to Ikie’s alter ego, Sabrina.
Sabrina is likable and has the most exciting rooi hare.
The thing I admire about this online star is his humility, because despite his fame he remains so humble. He is what we call a “genuine ou”, and you can’t help, but like and respect him.
When I asked Ikie whether he has a message for his fans, he said: “It has been a tough time for all of us, but please asseblief mense, follow maar die lockdown rules: hou julle social distance en was julle hanne. If we all do our part then we might be able to go back to living our normal lives sooner than expected.”
With that said, check out his Facebook page, What’s up with Ikie, for new videos.