Leon Schuster

**Leon Ernest "Schuks" Schuster** (born May 21, 1951) is a South African filmmaker, comedian, actor, prankster and singer.

## Early life

Schuster was drawn to the filmmaking process at an early age. As a child he and his brother would play practical jokes on his family and film it. He explained, in a 2010 interview about his early life in Bloemfontein, "I remember running down the aisle of the Ritz Theatre, playing cowboys & crooks, which was all the rage at the time. I also remember loving Laurel and Hardy, Charlie Chaplin and the Three Stooges. I was always acting things out, and pulling pranks. I used to fool my grandma into thinking I'd shot myself in the foot with my pellet gun... tomato sauce everywhere, me squealing like a wild pig. Pranking is just in my nature, but I’d never thought I’d become a movie star... no, I’m not a movie star, I'm just a local outjie that likes to entertain people.

Schuster studied for a BA degree at the University of the Orange Free State, where he played rugby for the first team. He returned to Jim Fouché as a teacher for two years.

## Career

Schuster began working for the South African Broadcasting Corporation. During his time at the SABC, he created the Afrikaans radio series *Vrypostige* *Mikrofoon* with Fanus Rautenbach – which involved disguising his voice and playing phone pranks on unsuspecting victims.

### Music

In 1982, Schuster was approached by Decibel Records to compile a series of sports songs which resulted in his first record entitled, *Leon Schuster*, having sold 10,000 units. His second album, *Broekskeur* ('trouser-tearing'), sold in excess of 40,000 units. This was then followed by *Briekdans and Leon Schuster – 20 Treffers*, which sold more than 270,000 copies.

His hit CD *Hier Kom Die Bokke* ('Here Come The Boks') garnered an FNB Sama Music Award for Biggest Selling CD of 1995. His following CD, *Gatvol in Paradise*, sold in more than 125,000 units and gave rise to the unofficial Gauteng anthem, "Gautengeleng". Hey Bokke! was re-released in 2019 - an adaptation of the 1960s song Hey Baby in the hope that lightning might strike twice. South Africa won the World Cup. South African songwriter, Don Clarke, co-wrote the lyrics.

### Film

Schuster's first feature, *You Must Be Joking!*, produced in collaboration with Johan Scholtz and Elmo de Witt, became popular with South African audiences and gave rise to the sequel *You Must Be Joking Too!*.

These films were candid camera sketches and Schuster made many more of these films as well as slap-stick films, including *Mr Bones*, his most successful film, which earned more than R33 million at the South African box office.

On September 16, 2011 it was reported that Schuster's next movie, *Mad Buddies*, would be partly financed by the Walt Disney Company, which would also handle the distribution and marketing of the film. The film was released in 2012 and starred Schuster opposite funnyman Kenneth Nkosi. It received poor reviews, and garnered R4.5 million in the opening weekend from a budget of R20 million.

## Controversy

Six Leon Schuster films were targeted overseas for racial sensitivity issues.

### Comedic style and blackface

According to Schuster, his appeal to the public stems from him making "them used to a certain style of comedy that they seem to like. They like trouble, and they know when Schuster is there, there is trouble. They also like me to rip off the topical stuff be risky and take chances... and get moered!".

In 2018, the comedian was "unapologetic about playing on every racial stereotype in his films", but openly admitted that he "does have some regrets about having profited from blackface". He further stated: "I'm so sorry that I can't make *Mama Jack 2*. If I had a dream come true, my next movie would be *Mama Jack 2*. But especially on Twitter they said stay away from the blackface, it's not on. It was black people talking to me and you've got to listen. I can't do it because I'll be heavily criticised. In the olden days it troubled nobody. But I won't go blackface now, I can't do it. There's not one actor in the world that will. It's just racist".

### Showmax film removals

On June 19, 2020, South African streaming service Showmax removed over six of Schuster's films, citing his content as being "racially insensitive", considering he has used blackface in many of his films for "comedic effect". This came during the heightened Black Lives Matter protests. Schuster reacted, saying he was "shocked" and "can't believe that the content of his films does any harm". He said his work is "innocent" and just him "pranking people".

*Frank and Fearless* (2018) was returned to the circuit after review.

## Discography

### Albums

* Wat Kan Lekkerder Wees - Vinyl album with Cora Marie
* *Leon Schuster* (1982)  Re-released on CD in 1993
* *Broekskeur* (1983)
* *Waar En Wolhaar* (1983) Re-released 2009 EMI Music South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
* *Briekdans* (1984)
* *Rugby* (1985) Including songwriters C Pops (Daisyblom), L. Carstens (Doring Van Despatch-co-write), B. Louw (Bokbusters-co-write), Symile, Delancray (Ekke Boo co-write), H. Bierman (Lekker In Suid-Afrika co-write), B. Louw (Rugbyklanke co-write)
* *You Must Be Joking!* (1986)
* *Dasiefoutie* (1988)
* *"Shakin" Schuster En Sy Opkikkers* (1992)
* *Hie' Kommie Bokke* (1995)
* *Gautvol in Paradise* (1997)
* *Die Vrypostige Mikrofoon, Volume 1* (1998)
* *Die Vrypostige Mikrofoon, Volume 2* (1998)
* *Baas Funny Plaas* (1999)
* *Springbok Rugby Hits - Bring It Home* (1999)
* *My Beste Jare* (2001) Including songs by Steve Hofmeyr, David Kramer, Patricia Lewis, The Bats, Zoon Stander and PJ Powers
* *My Mates – Die Bokke* (2001)
* *Groen, Goud En White* (2002) Compilation album with Steve Hofmeyr, Johnny Clegg, Claire Johnston, Jeff Maluleke, Zoon Stander, Pieter Smith, Patricia Lewis, Guillaume, Pieter Koen, Mandoza and Boet Pretorius
* *Catchup Song And Every Cricket Hit* (2003) CD released 2005
* *Oh Schuks... I'm Gatvol* (2004) Feat Dig a Little Deeper (Don Clarke) re-released in 2015 for Musicians Against Xenophobia
* *Op Dun Eish* (2006) Feat songs written by Don Clarke and Mike Valentine
* *Hie' Kommie Bokke 2!* (2007)
* *Dra Die Bok* (2008)

## Singles

* Hou Jou Bek (Dolce/Schuster) / Ek Was Op Jou Troue (Robinson/Schuster/Rautenbach) (1981)
* She Sells Sea Shells / Dis Lekker Innie Army (1982)  7" single on vinyl
* Hey, Bokke!(2019) With Don Clarke, performed with Drakondale Girls' Choir and Michaelhouse Choir Digital

## References

1. ↑ Leon Schuster. *IMDb*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
2. ↑ A perfect prankster. *Get It Online Bloemfontein* (March 16, 2016). Archived from the original on March 16, 2016. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Powers, Angus (2012). Rugby in Our Blood. Tafelberg.
4. ↑ 10 Things You Didn't Know About Leon Schuster. *M-Net - 10 Things You Didn't Know About Leon Schuster*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
5. ↑ Die Vrypostige Mikrofoon - Vol.1 — Leon Schuster. *Last.fm*. Retrieved on July 28, 2020.
6. ↑ Leon Schuster - Vrypostige Mikrofoon Vol.1 [CD]. *Echo's Record Bar*. Retrieved on July 28, 2020.
7. ↑ Drum. *Google Books*. African Drum Publications (2002).
8. ↑ WATCH These Leon Schuster Movies Online. *SAPeople - Your Worldwide South African Community* (March 8, 2019). Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Gautvol in Paradise - Leon Schuster. *AllMusic*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
10. ↑ Schuster adds Vocals to Bok Anthem. *The Witness* (September 3, 2019). Retrieved on July 22, 2020.
11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 You Must Be Joking!. *IMDb*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 You Must Be Joking Too!. *IMDb*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
13. ↑ Watch: Leon Schuster's Mad Buddies trailer. *Channel*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
14. ↑ *Mad Buddies*. *IMDB.com*.
15. ↑ Leon Schuster films removed from Showmax. *Capetown, Etc.*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Eloff, Herman (June 19, 2020). Leon Schuster movies removed as Showmax reviews all content for racial insensitivity. *Channel 24*. Retrieved on June 19, 2020.
17. ↑ Eloff, Herman. Leon Schuster: 'I don't want us to laugh at each other, I want us to laugh with each other'. *Channel 24*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
18. ↑ Eloff, Herman. Showmax removing 7 titles from its platform after concluding review of racially insensitive content. *Channel 24*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
19. ↑ Oh Schucks... It's Schuster!. *IMDb*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
20. ↑ Kwagga Strikes Back. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
21. ↑ Oh Schucks, Here Comes U.N.T.A.G. (1990). *BFI*. Archived from the original on September 24, 2021. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
22. ↑ SWEET 'N sHORT 1993. *IMDb*. Retrieved on July 23, 2020.
23. ↑ Sweet 'n Short. *IMDb*. Retrieved on July 23, 2020.
24. ↑ Yankee Zulu 1993. *IMDb*. Retrieved on July 22, 2020.
25. ↑ Panic Mechanic. *IMDb*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
26. ↑ The Millennium Menace. *IMDb*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
27. ↑ The Millennium Menace (1999) - IMDb. *IMDb*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
28. ↑ Mr. Bones. *IMDb*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
29. ↑ Oh Schuks, I'm Gatvol. *Channel*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
30. ↑ Mama Jack. *IMDb*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
31. ↑ Mr. Bones 2: Back from the Past. *IMDb*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
32. ↑ Don Clarke. *IMDb*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
33. ↑ Schuks Tshabalala's Survival Guide to South Africa. *IMDb*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
34. ↑ Leon Schusster. *Muhaz.org*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
35. ↑ Mad Buddies. *IMDb*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
36. ↑ Schuks! Your Country Needs You. *Amazon.co.uk*. Retrieved on July 26, 2020.
37. ↑ Schuks! Your Country Needs You (2013). *IMDb*. Retrieved on July 27, 2020.
38. ↑ Schuks! Pay Back the Money! (2015). *IMDb*. Retrieved on July 28, 2020.
39. ↑ Schuks! Pay Back the Money!. *IMDb*. Retrieved on July 28, 2020.
40. ↑ Frank & Fearless. *IMDb*. Retrieved on July 27, 2020.
42. ↑ Cora Marie, Leon Schuster - Wat Kan Lekkerder Wees. *Discogs*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
43. ↑ Leon Schuster. EMI South Africa (June 21, 1993). Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
44. ↑ Leon Schuster - Broekskeur - Vinyl LP Record - Opened - Very-Good- Quality (VG-). *C-Plan Audio*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
45. ↑ Leon Schuster: Waar En Wolhaar - Music on Google Play. *Google Play*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
46. ↑ Leon Schuster - Briekdans (LP) Vinyl Records. *Bidorbuy.co.za*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
47. ↑ Vinyl Album: Leon Schuster - Rugby (1985). *45Worlds.com*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
48. ↑ Leon Schuster - You Must Be Joking! (LP). *Bidorbuy.co.za*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
49. ↑ Leon Schuster - Dasie Foutie - Vinyl LP Record - Opened - Very-Good Quality (VG). *C-Plan Audio*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
50. ↑ "Shakin" Schuster en sy opkikkers. Decibel Music (1992). Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
51. ↑ Hie' Kommie Bokke! by Leon Schuster on Amazon Music. *Amazon.co.uk*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
52. ↑ Release "Die Vrypostige Mikrofoon - Vol. 1" by Leon Schuster - MusicBrainz. *Musicbrainz.org*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
53. ↑ Release "Die vrypostige mikrofoon, vol. 2" by Leon Schuster - MusicBrainz. *Musicbrainz.org*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
54. ↑ Leon Schuster, Baas funny Plaas - 1h 14m 18s - Music CDs and CD Cover Arts @ Online Music CD Database. *Tagtuner.com*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
55. ↑ Bring It Home '99: Springbok Rugby Hits: Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming: Internet Archive. *Archive.org*. Retrieved on July 27, 2020.
56. ↑ My Beste Jare. EMI South Africa (November 26, 2001). Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
57. ↑ My Mates Die Bokke (CD). *Loot*. Retrieved on August 2, 2020.
58. ↑ Groen, Goud En White (CD). *Loot*. Retrieved on August 2, 2020.
59. ↑ Leon Schuster - Catchup Song & Every Cricket Hit (CD). *Bidorbuy.co.za*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
60. ↑ Oh Schuks I'm Gatvol • Leon Schuster • cdtrrracks. *CDTrrracks.com*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
61. ↑ Soundtrack - Oh Schuks I'm Gatvol [CD]. *Echo's Record Bar*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
62. ↑ Durban musicians unite against Xenophobia - Dig a Little Deeper. *Durban ICC - Events and Entertainment Venue* (April 28, 2015). Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
63. ↑ Welcome to the Dodgy Mind of Don Clarke. *Don Clrke*. Retrieved on July 22, 2020.
64. ↑ Album Op Dun Eish!. *AllMusic*. Retrieved on July 22, 2020.
65. ↑ Hie Kommie' Bokke, Vol. 2 - Leon Schuster | Songs, Reviews, Credits. *AllMusic*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
66. ↑ Dra Die Bok by Leon Schuster on Amazon Music - Amazon.co.uk. *Amazon.co.uk*. Retrieved on August 3, 2020.
67. ↑ Leon Schuster - Hou Jou Bek. *45Cat.com*. Retrieved on July 28, 2020.
68. ↑ Leon Schuster - She Sells Sea Shells. *45Cat.com*. Retrieved on July 28, 2020.
69. ↑ Hey Bokke! – Leon Schuster's new song. *RugbyRocks.com*. Retrieved on July 27, 2020.
70. ↑ Schuster adds vo­cals to Bok an­them. *PressReader*. Archived from the original on July 1, 2020. Retrieved on July 27, 2020.

## External links

* Leon Schuster at Wikipedia
* Leon Schuster at the Internet Movie Database