Trevor Noah’s literary profile continues to rise with his next book scheduled for release in November

By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
He may have left the Daily Show after enthralling a global audience as a host, but Trevor Noah’s star continues to rise as he continues to embark on several projects around the world. And that is besides his continuous work as a top-notch stand-up comedian who makes audiences both laughing angry with his punchy lines on stage.

Yesterday his local publisher Pan MacMillan revealed that they have acquired the rights to the South African entertainer’s new book. This is after the same publisher acquired the rights to his debut book, Born a Crime, which sketches the comedian’s complex life growing up in apartheid South Africa as a mixed race child born of a black mother and a white man at a time when such marriages were frowned upon by a then untransformed society.
Noah who started his comedy gigs only a few years ago, grew in stature alongside a generation of young South African comedians who did not shy away from poking fun on a democratic South African society grappling with new issues that provided most of the material used by these comedians. He is part of a generation that include Kagiso Lediga, David Kabuuka, Loyso Gola, David Kau and Skhumba to name but just a few.
However Noah’s rise to the top on the international entertainment scene happened when he took a leap of faith a few years ago and relocated to the US. His talent was soon noticed by power brokers in the US’ competitive entertainment business and he was snapped to be the host of the Daily Show when the position became vacant. That prime spot in international entertainment not only made him a fortune, suddenly, but propelled his profile to the top internationally. He is currently reaping the rewards with his current projects.
“Pan Macmillan South Africa is delighted to announce that it will publish renowned stand-up comedian, former host of The Daily Show and bestselling author of Born a Crime, Trevor Noah’s illustrated fable book, Into the Uncut Grass, in November 2023.

Into the Uncut Grass is a gorgeously illustrated and moving modern fable about forgiveness, acceptance, and the secret to solidarity that is suitable for readers of all ages. Evocative of allegories and fables like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, The Little Prince and The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse, this book will deliver the wit and wisdom that the South African comedian is known for in every medium,” says the publisher in a media release sent to CITYLIFE/ARTS.

Noah’s debut Born a Crime: And other stories, as well as editions for younger readers in English and Afrikaans, are currently available in South Africa and continue to sell steadily. Over 2 million copies of Born a Crime have been sold globally.

Terry Morris, Managing Director of Pan Macmillan South Africa, added: ‘Trevor Noah has crafted a magical story inspired by his childhood, his ever-present mother and his remarkable journeys. Pan Macmillan couldn’t be more proud to partner with Trevor once again with his new book; Into the Uncut Grass is sure to delight young and old readers alike.’

Pan Macmillan South Africa acquired southern African rights from Peter McGuigan at Ultra Literary in an exclusive submission. In the US, One World Executive Vice President and Publisher Chris Jackson, who also edited Born a Crime, acquired North American, translation, and audio rights. UK and commonwealth (excluding southern Africa) rights were acquired by Nick Davies, MD, and Georgina Laycock, Non-Fiction Publisher, at John Murray Press.

‘Few memories in my life bring me more joy than the first few books I read as a child,’ says Trevor. ‘Either with my mom or reading alone, those simple stories shaped so much of how I saw the world. I hope this story can bring a little bit of that same joy to readers of all ages.’

Trevor Noah is a globally beloved comedian best known as being the host of the Emmy® and Peabody Award-winning The Daily Show on Comedy Central for seven years. The Daily Show with Trevor Noah broke free from the restraints of a 30-minute linear show, producing engaging social content, award-winning digital series, podcasts and more for its global audience.

Trevor served as the Grammy Awards host for three consecutive years, and his stand-up special ‘Trevor Noah: Son of Patricia’ received a Grammy nomination for best comedy album in 2020. He has written, produced, and starred in 12 comedy specials, including 2022’s Emmy-nominated ‘I Wish You Would’, and has sold-out stand-up comedy shows, including his current ‘Off The Record’ World Tour.

Trevor is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood. The book received the Thurber Prize for American Humor and two NAACP Image Awards.

He is now developing and producing diverse, high-quality creative content with Day Zero Productions, his joint venture with Paramount Global. He has also launched the Trevor Noah Foundation to improve equitable access to quality education for underserved youth in South Africa.

Trevor’s future projects include hosting Amazon Prime Video’s first South African original series called LOL: Last One Laughing, serving as executive producer for the long-running British comedy series Mock the Week, and hosting an original Spotify weekly podcast.