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 Pretoria, South Africa. He was raised in Mahikeng, North West province, where he spent most of his childhood. He is of Persian (Iranian) descent and belongs to the Baha’i faith. His parents immigrated from Iran to South Africa in the mid-1980s. He is the first born of his parent’s children. ^[1][2]

He grew up in the diverse, multicultural environment of South Africa during the transition from apartheid to democracy, which heavily influences his comedy. Vafa credits his parent’s strictness for his good manners and successful life. ^[2]

Education of Vafa Naraghi

Vafa Naraghi obtained his basic education in North West. After that 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. ^[3]

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. ^[3][4]

In 2023 he earned significant industry recognition with multiple nominations for the Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards. Then in 2024 he won two major awards at the 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. ^[5]

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. ^[6]

Personal Life and Social Media

He quickly rose in the South African comedy scene with his unique background. He is multilingual, fluent in six languages including English, Setswana, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, Farsi (Persian), and others. This allows him to connect with diverse audiences across South Africa. ^[1]

Since he grew up in Mafikeng, a home town for Batswana, he considers himself a Motswana as well. He is active on social media as @vafafrica and runs a YouTube channel with sketches and stand-up. ^[7]