Pearl Thusi Confronts Her Fears to Take on Comedy Central’s Roast

Pearl Thusi has revealed that she almost declined the chance to take the hot seat in the Roast of Pearl Thusi. However, after confronting her fears and anxiety, she decided to embrace the opportunity.

Speaking to Sowetan SMag, Thusi shared that a mental conversation with late rapper AKA, who starred in the Comedy Central Roast of AKA in 2019, helped her make the decision. “While pacing back and forth with what decision to take, I suddenly heard Kiernan’s voice saying to me: ‘What are you scared of? We’ve done this before. Am I going to have to bully you into doing the roast again the same way I did the first time?’”

The 36-year-old actress recalled AKA’s encouragement when she made history as the first black woman to be a roastmaster five years ago. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “I had flashbacks on whether I regretted doing his roast five years ago, and I didn’t.”

Thusi admitted she wasn’t in the best place when approached for the roast, referencing her emotional journey documented in her reality show, The Real Black Pearl. “I’ve been on a healing journey. I’ve done a lot of self-reflection and growth. I’ve been through a lot and had to live with the misconceptions that a lot of people take as facts,” she explained.

The roast panel, which includes Phat Joe, Zodwa Wabantu, Donald, Zee Nxumalo, Randall Abrahams, Busiswa, and Farieda “Pharoahfi” Metsileng, will film at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City, on Thursday, and air on Comedy Central on December 8.

Touching on her apprehensions, Thusi admitted she was nervous about two people on the panel but chose not to reveal their identities. Despite this, she is preparing herself for the challenge. “My friends usually roast me, and I also roast myself for all the life decisions I’ve made. I am my harshest critic, so mentally, I would say, I’m ready for what’s about to come. But I’m just glad that for once, I’ll get to live out of my head and celebrate, and laugh with everyone.”