Online Reporter
Gift Moyo, [email protected]
Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi has revealed how American television host and comedian Steve Harvey played a decisive role in helping him secure a United States green card, a move that ultimately changed the trajectory of his career.
Speaking on the One54 Africa podcast hosted by Akbar Gbajabiamila and comedian Godfrey Daneschman, Jonasi, 2024 America’s Got Talent grand finalist, detailed how a chance encounter turned into life-changing support.
“When I was in South Africa pursuing comedy, there was a show where people would enter their names and I ended up winning it. The reward was getting to meet Steve Harvey. We got to spend the day together when he was on set shooting Family Feud.
“I was with him and his family when I told him that I really wanted to go to America because I felt that my comedy would do well over there. He told me to keep in touch with his team. After he went back to the States, I kept in touch with his team and I began writing content for his social media as a way to raise money to get me to the states.
“I managed to raise the money, but I needed a letter from influential people that I’ve worked with in the past in order to qualify for my green card. Steve didn’t even think twice about it, he wrote the letter, signed it and I got my green card,” said Jonasi.
Jonasi said Harvey’s willingness to write and sign the recommendation letter was the critical step that enabled him to legally relocate to the United States. Without that endorsement from a globally recognised figure, he would not have met the requirements needed to secure permanent residency.
Now based in America for the past five years, Jonasi’s career has flourished. His breakthrough moment came when he received the golden buzzer from Terry Crews and went on to finish in the top five on the popular television show America’s Got Talent.
Podcast hosts Akbar and Godfrey commended Harvey for using his influence to uplift emerging talent, highlighting how his intervention helped open international doors for the Zimbabwean comedian.
