Durban - An American model has taken to TikTok to get the attention of South African comedian Trevor Noah.
Elyse Cizek, who is also a poet, writer, singer-songwriter and actress, has now gained over 40 000 followers on her account.
In her videos, Cizek is seen preparing pap and mogodu “tripe meat”. Cizek was hoping to go on a date with Noah.
Speaking to the Sunday Tribune, Cizek said her new South African followers had advised her that it was through food that she could get Noah’s attraction.
She said her first “pap” attempt did not go as planned.
“The first pap I bought was absolutely disgusting. It was very fine, very over-processed, and tasted like glue! I threw the whole thing in the trash.
A few people had commented and tagged me in other posts that shared the brand name IWISA, so I googled it and found some I could special order to my house.
“It turned out great, and I've honestly made it again since the video and kind of played with different ways of preparing it. It's so good,” she said.
Cizek said it was only after reading Noah’s published book “Born a Crime” that she realised that she had a crush on the comedian.
“This is funny. I read ‘Born a Crime’ last year while I was working on writing my third book. My book is about growing up mixed race in the USA and how challenging it was to find my own identity, so I found myself really identifying with Trevor’s experience. Plus he’s so cute. I’ve always wanted to meet him or even just talk to him about his life and his work,” she said.
Asked whether she had started her social pages to get Trevor’s attention, Cizek said: “I’ve posted a little bit about having a crush on him on Instagram, but no, my TikTok and Instagram pages are most certainly just for me. They’re my personal accounts, my personal thoughts and ideas and my own work.
“I never expected to suddenly gain an incredible and supportive audience that would call me Makoti and beg Trevor Noah to go out with me. I mean, I’m so grateful and I’m along for the ride, for sure. But this was definitely not planned.”
Cizek said her new followers have given her a South African name, Makoti, which she is truly humbled and grateful for.
“I’ve been reassured that I’m welcome and supported in South African Xhosa culture and I get emotional thinking about it. Growing up the way I did, I never felt like I fit in and I certainly never have had anyone tell me I’m a ‘part of’,” she said.
She said even though chances of dating Noah were slim, she would love to visit the country one day.
Cizek added that should the opportunity prevail itself she would definitely take Noah on a road trip.
“I love food and adventures, so maybe a road trip to a unique dinner spot just outside of LA, or, if he’d let me, I’d happily cook for him. Any time,” said Cizek.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE