Britain's Got Talent star Daliso Chaponda gets Radio 4 series
- Britain's Got Talent star Daliso Chaponda has been given his own Radio 4 series
- Provisionally titled Citizen Of Nowhere, the stand-up series will look at Britain's relationship with Africa
- The comedy will be broadcast in 2018. Daliso says: "I am extremely excited to have a show on Radio 4"
Daliso Chaponda has landed a debut comedy series on BBC Radio 4.
The stand-up comedian, who appeared in the final of Britain's Got Talent earlier in the month, will record a series of stand-up shows for broadcast in 2018.
The format, which currently has the working title Daliso Chaponda: Citizen Of Nowhere, will see the UK-based Malawian comedian "take on the role of cultural relationship guidance counsellor, helping to navigate the rocky historical waters of Britain's relationship with Africa."
In addition to exploring the historical relationship between Britain and Africa, Daliso's series will simultaneously explore his personal relationship with both places.
As a child, Daliso lived all over the world with his refugee-turned-diplomat father, and now frequently performs in both Africa and the UK; experiences which he hopes to weave into his series to encourage a better understanding between different cultures.
Chaponda has been performing comedy for over 10 years. Initially starting on the Canadian circuit, he has since moved to the UK. Appearing in Britain's Got Talent this year has turned out to be the comic's big break. He received a 'golden buzzer' in the first round, and progressed through the voting to come third in the Grand Final, which was watched by over 9 million viewers.
Citizen Of Nowhere will be his first comedy series, although he previously co-created and starred in Radio 4's drama When The Laughter Stops in 2014 and appeared on The Now Show earlier this year.
Talking about his new series, Daliso says: "I am extremely excited to have a show on Radio 4 because it's been what I've listened to on trains and buses to gigs for years. I am delighted I'll now be able to tune in to myself!"
Sioned Wiliam, Commissioning Editor for Comedy for BBC Radio 4, comments: "Daliso's comedy is shrewd and thought-provoking as well as being very, very funny. I am thrilled to be able to commission a series from him for Radio 4."
Daliso Chaponda: Citizen Of Nowhere is expected to broadcast in 2018.
Here is the video from the Britain's Got Talent final: