The NAACP Image Awards 2024

Noah brings an individualistic viewpoint to comedy. Born in South Africa at the end of apartheid, his comedic portrayals of race don’t fall prey to either fetishization or appropriation.

He explores topics like religion, ghetto life, government corruption and poverty without holding back or using politically correct terms.

Born in South Africa

Under apartheid South African laws, children of interracial couples such as Noah were considered criminals. His birth to Xhosa mother and Swiss father meant lengthy prison sentences for both parties involved and removal from his parentage for years to come.

His mother was determined to shield him, using her sharp wit to navigate the harsh realities of living under a racist government. Together they formed an unbreakable bond while teaching their son to use his sense of humor as an asset to survival.

Noah’s story captures the complexity of modern South Africa. While he enjoyed some benefits of Westernization, much of his childhood was marked by poverty, injustice and violence – an upbringing which was enabled by his mother who gave him strength to overcome those difficulties and go on to become an award-winning comedian and television host. Listen to his remarkable tale in this New York Times bestseller!

Host of The Daily Show

As Jon Stewart left The Daily Show in 2015, Comedy Central decided on Noah as his successor despite some initial concerns from critics and viewers alike. Although this decision proved controversial, executives felt confident that Noah could add his distinct viewpoint and help build upon its reach to new audiences.

Noah was raised in South Africa with a Black mother and white Swiss father – an illegal union under apartheid laws – which profoundly shaped his comedy which often examines race dynamics.

Noah hosts a global comedy show on Comedy Central that defies conventional 30-minute formats by producing engaging social media posts, digital series episodes and podcasts for audiences around the world.

As he prepares to host his fourth show, Noah has also released his debut book: Born a Crime. A New York Times bestseller and garnering two NAACP Image Award nominations, Born a Crime is an intimate look into Noah’s childhood during apartheid South Africa and subsequent days of freedom that followed.

Author of Born a Crime

Through his memoir, Noah addresses difficult subjects such as physical abuse and homelessness in an approachable way for readers. Employing humor to tackle serious topics, he provides insights that will amaze and excite young readers alike.

Born a Crime is Trevor Noah’s story of growing up during apartheid South Africa and its chaotic years that followed. Born to a white Swiss father and black Xhosa mother at a time when mixed-race marriage was illegal and blacks were excluded from social and economic opportunities, Trevor found himself an oddity during this tumultuous era of life.

This New York Times bestseller explores themes of identity and resilience with drama, comedy and tragedy in one gripping story. Through intimate storytelling and vulnerable writing style, readers learn of Noah’s heartbreaking challenges while celebrating his indomitable spirit and mother’s strength – making for an unforgettable and universal tale about human resilience.

NAACP Image Award Winner

The NAACP Image Awards 2024 took place Saturday evening on BET and CBS at 8 pm ET/PT hosted by Queen Latifah. Ava DuVernay won for directing in a motion picture while Cord Jefferson earned outstanding writing in a motion picture – amongst many more winners announced during this ceremony.

Trevor Noah is best known as the host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central. Since taking over as host in 2015, Trevor’s success as a comedian has taken him around the globe, selling out arenas including Madison Square Garden and LA Forum.

Noah’s memoir, Born a Crime, recounts his remarkable story of growing up as the child of a white European father and black South African mother in South Africa, where apartheid denied them access to social and economic opportunity. With keen wit and uncompromising honesty – both humorous and heartbreaking at the same time – this memoir shows Noah challenging himself and his audience alike to see life from different perspectives while accepting its contradictions – both challenging and rewarding at once.