English humorist Charlie Chaplin won the prestigious honour in 1965. The Erasmus Prize recognises individuals or institutions that have made exceptional contributions to culture, society, or social science in Europe and the rest of the world.
File: Trevor Noah. Picture: Instagram/@pbsthephotographer
CAPE TOWN – One of South Africa’s greatest exports has once again made Mzansi proud.
Trevor Noah has won the prestigious Erasmus Prize, which has been described as Europe’s most distinguished recognition.
Noah has become only the second comedian in history to get the nod since Charlie Chaplin received the award in 1965.
“With his sharp-minded, mocking yet inclusive political comedy, Noah, in the eyes of the jury, upholds the Erasmian Spirit,” reads a statement on the Praemium Erasmianum Foundation website.
Noah doesn’t just walk away with the title but also €150,000, which is about R3 million.
The 39-year-old’s breakthrough in the stand-up comedy scene came at a young age.
He gained popularity both locally and internationally with his solo shows like Crazy Normal and My Culture.
Breaking: ErasmusPrize 2023 awarded to comedian @Trevornoah https://t.co/IBcDE79jK3 pic.twitter.com/oOdgQkyKmU
‘ Erasmusprijs (@Erasmusprijs) March 16, 2023
Noah’s most noticeable achievement came in 2015 when he became the host of the world’s most satirical television show – The Daily Show.
After seven years at the helm, and multiple Emmy Award nominations, Noah left the show in 2022.
“Noah’s time at The Daily Show coincided with the rise of fake news, the presidency of Donald Trump, the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter after the murder of George Floyd. With his astute reflections on such issues, he garnered a young, diverse and global audience and, in the process, infused a highly polarized media landscape with a breath of fresh air,” explained the Foundation.
The Erasmus Prize, named after philosopher and humanist scholar, Desiderius Erasmus, is awarded annually by the board of the Praemium Erasmianum Foundation.
It recognises individuals or institutions that have made exceptional contributions to culture, society, or social science in Europe and the rest of the world.
A coloured south African who made it outside South Africa
‘ B€LLO✨✨ (@Im_YoUrPosPY) March 23, 2023
I bet he is appearing in a movie soon so the list will be complete with an Oscar nomination????.
The Daily Show on Comedy Central has not been the same without him????
‘ Leo Umana (@LeoUmanah) March 23, 2023
Dude be representing SA and the rest of the African continent really well ????????
‘ Azanian (@Thabo_Mzansi) March 23, 2023
We as South Africans has to confess that he is very good in what he is doing. May he stay focused. Complements. Good job ???? ???? .
‘ Goni Babu (@GoniBabu2) March 23, 2023
He deserves it. Man is Goated.
‘ Brenda Daniels (@imenie_b) March 23, 2023
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