Democrazy’s Shimmy Isaacs

Shimmy Isaac is co-presenter of Democrazy, a four-part humorous documentary that investigates democracy in South Africa.  Shimmy and her alter ego character Danny Le Kay explore what democracy is and should be.

Shimmy says “my role in Democrazy is to present and share information with viewers about democracy and voting. I created a character, Danny Le Kay, who’s an average guy from Worcester with very clear values and is true to himself. The thing that attracts me to Danny is that he’s a man of integrity, a man of his word. My model for the character was my grandfather, who was very inquisitive and an explorer of information. We don’t really see these characters portrayed on TV.  Democrazy gives viewers access to information and knowledge that might have been unknown”.

Democrazy scheduled for broadcast on SABC2 Sundays at 21h00 starting 20 January 2013 for four weeks is primarily about developing ways for people to communicate debate and discuss their differences. The show illustrates the many ways people can make their voices heard.

Shimmy is a stand up comedian, writer, producer and actor.  She has been called the funniest woman in South Africa and been described as ‘beyond politically correct’. Born and raised in Worcester, Western Cape, Shimmy has gone from runaway teen to one of Cape Town's most entertaining and skilled comedy female performers. She is an AFDA Film School Honours graduate who studied at the Black Nexxus School of Performance in New York City.

She has worked with many of the country’s top comedians including Marc Lottering, Marianne Thamm and Alan Committee. Her awards include Best Production ‘Dens Wit Me’ Ikwezi Baxter in 2009, Best Production ‘Allie Pad Funny Worcester’ Ikwezi Baxter in 2011 and she recently walked off with the Best Theatrical Solo Performer award at the KYKNET Fiestas in February 2012. Shimmy was nominated for ‘Comedian of the Year’ at the Ikusasa Awards. She appears regularly at Jou Ma Se Comedy Club in Observatory, Cape Town.