Vafa Naraghi: Biography, Age, Comedian, Civil Engineer

Vafa Naraghi (born 22 August 1999) is a South African stand-up comedian, corporate MC, content creator, and former structural engineer. He is known for his multilingual comedy, sharp observational humor, and storytelling that explores identity, belonging, culture, and life in post-apartheid South Africa.

Biography: Vafa Naraghi

Real Name: Vafa Naraghi

Place of Birth: Pretoria, South Africa

Date of Birth: 22 August 1999 (Age - 26)

Occupation: Stand-up Comedian, Corporate MC, Content Creator, Former Structural Engineer

Known For: Stand-up Comedy

Nationality: South African

Early Life of Vafa Naraghi

Vafa Naraghi was born on 22 August 1999 in the capital city of Pretoria in South Africa. He grew up in Mahikeng in North West province where he spent most of his childhood. He is of Persian or Iranian descent and belongs to the Baha’i faith. He is the first born of his parent’s children, and credits his parents strictness for his success, good manners and determination. His parents immigrated from Iran to South Africa in the mid-1980s running away from a war country.

“I do realise they had to go through a lot like coming from a war state, a revolution and getting kicked out the country…they didn’t have an opportunity to dream,” said Vafa about his parents to EWN.

Growing up, Vafa got exposed to the tswana language and culture. This has inclunced his comedy style in which he mixes languages to connect with the diverse people of South Africa.

Education of Vafa Naraghi

Vafa Naraghi attended primary and secondary school in North West. After matric he studied Civil Engineering at the University of Cape Town (UCT). He completed a Master’s degree with distinction and also studied abroad including at Lund University.

Engineering and Comedy Career

Vafa Naraghi worked as a structural engineer in construction industry, including at WK Construction before becoming a full time comedian. He transitioned from engineering to comedy around 2017, starting as a hobby performing for friends. Vafa received his first professional break around 2018 – 2019 when Durban comedian Carvin Goldstone offered him a five-minute spot on stage.

He became a well known comedian with nominations for the 2023 Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards. He won two major awards at the 2024 Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards: Breakthrough Act of the Year and Sauce of the Year. The very year he appeared on stage in The F-Show alongside Mpho Popps and Khanyisa Bunu at Theatre on the Square in September. He explained to Times Live publication about his unique style that sets him apart from other comedians.

“I think what sets me apart is my ability to connect and relate to people bring about some truths and realities that are sometimes difficult to deal with in a nice comedic fashion.” said Vafa.

In late 2025 he launched his first nationwide solo tour, Becoming South African, which visited every province. he continued his tour in 2026 with scheduled performances at major venues such as the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City and Sun International properties. He is also a sought-after corporate MC and has toured internationally.

Personal Life and Social Media

Naraghi grew up in Mafikeng, South Africa’s home town of tswana speaking people. Therefore, he considers himself a Motswana blended with Persian heritage. He speaks multiple languages including English, Setswana, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, Farsi (Persian), and others. This allows him to connect with diverse audiences across South Africa. He is active on social media as @vafafrica and runs a YouTube channel with sketches and stand-up.

“People always assume that I am from Durban, but I am not, I am from Mahikeng” said Vafa in on X/Twitter.