Daliso Chaponda, a comedian known for his insightful performances, recently discussed his approach to blending humor with complex subjects like religion during an interview related to his participation in the BBC’s “Pilgrimage” program. This seventh installment of the series promises to be particularly compelling as it chronicles a new cohort of celebrities embarking on a challenging three-part journey – “Pilgrimage: The Road Through the Alps.”
The upcoming broadcast will feature Chaponda alongside a diverse group of individuals, each with unique spiritual perspectives. Among them are:
- Daliso Chaponda, raised in a Christian household but currently exploring the Baha’i faith.
- Jay McGuiness, an agnostic participant.
- Helen Lederer, whose heritage encompasses both Jewish and Protestant backgrounds.
- Harry Clark, a devout Catholic.
- Jeff Brazier, who attended Catholic schools before embracing his own spiritual path as a Christian.
- Stef Reid, a practicing Christian.
- Nelufar Hedayat, identifying as a modern Muslim.
The celebrities’ journey will take them along a meticulously restored medieval pilgrimage route, commencing just outside Innsbruck in Austria and culminating near the shores of Lake Zurich in Switzerland. Chaponda addressed concerns about potential sensitivities within comedy during a recent media event with GB News and other press outlets.
“My aim is to satirize everything, but always with respect,” he stated emphatically. “I’ve tackled jokes relating to faith – encompassing church, synagogues, the Baha’i faith – and it’s been met without issue. The key is a respectful approach; I recognize and adhere to boundaries.” He added, “It’s crucial to mock *people* of faith, not the faith itself.”
“I believe entertainment should be grounded,” Chaponda explained, “and my faith provides that anchor. It’s about resisting superficiality and ego-driven pursuits – I simply strive to be a genuine individual.”
Prior to the pilgrimage, Chaponda openly acknowledged potential physical challenges. “Given my predominantly sedentary lifestyle—typing is the extent of my exertion—I anticipate significant discomfort, fatigue, and likely, being among the slowest members of the group,” he admitted with humor.
Regarding his evolving spiritual beliefs, Chaponda shared: “I hold a belief in God, understanding that there are countless ways to express that faith. This pilgrimage is intended to help me clarify my own path. Having spent formative years across fourteen different countries within a religious family, I’m still seeking definition; I don’t yet subscribe to one particular faith – rather, I find myself drawn to elements of many. I feel closest to Baha’i, Quaker, and Unitarian thought, but haven’t settled on any single label. Perhaps by the end of this journey, I can confidently declare, ‘This is who I am.’”
“Pilgrimage: The Road Through the Alps” will premiere on BBC Two and iPlayer on Sunday, April 20th at 9pm, with two subsequent episodes airing on April 21st and 22nd also at 9pm.
