What started out as a couple having a bit of fun during lockdown has now become South Africa’s first YouTube news show. Comedian Donovan Goliath and his violinist partner Davina Gordon are the new hosts of The Lite News Show, a weekly 15-minute show combining news headlines with a dash of wit and heaps of humor.
“I’m super grateful and excited for this opportunity,” Donovan tells YOU. “Davina and I have had a lot of fun entertaining people since the beginning of lockdown. This is a new fresh and creative way to keep audiences entertained till things open up again.”
Although the entertainment industry can host events under lockdown level 2, it is with limited capacity. Donovan says their show, which is available to stream, allows South Africans to look at the lighter side of life while continuing to practice social distancing.
“It’s a fun and entertaining show that makes you forget we’re in a pandemic, even just for a few minutes.”
The show features comedians Mojak Lehoko and Lihle Msimang as well as rapper Rouge, who at the end of each episode, rounds up the week’s news in catchy verses while Davina plays the violin.
“Mojak’s section is titled Surviving the New Normal,” Donovan tells us. “He takes us through everything we’ve had to get used to during this time. Lihle’s bit is called Retweet or Like where she gives us an update on the week’s trending topics on social media.”
Their comedy skits, which often plays on popular brands, even caught the attention of rapper Missy Elliot when they shared their take on the rapper’s hit song Get our Freak On.
A lot of work goes into the show. While Mojak and Lihle do research and find relevant topics for their segments, Donovan works with a researcher who helps collate information for his opening monologue and interviews with the guests, which include singer Moonchild Sanelly, funnyman Tyson Ngubeni and comedian Coconut Kelz.
Though he’s working with some of the biggest names in showbiz, Donovan says working alongside his girlfriend is the best part of the job.
“We do have our fights and disagreements on some of the concepts but honestly, it’s really great working with a partner who is willing to push limits and make a fool of themselves with you.”
