Sweet talker Sugar Sammy keeps getting invited to South Africa - and just does not know how to say no.

The Canadian comedian launched his "Down with the Brown" tour on Thursday at the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World in Durban. He will be there until October 12.

Sugar Sammy, whose real name is Sam Khullar, began his career in comedy at the age of 19. He quickly rose to prominence on the Canadian comedy circuit.

He said his experiences as a Punjabi growing up in Quebec influenced much of his early work.

His current routine sees him touch on issues such as arranged marriages in Indian communities, sex, drugs and modern relationships.

His stage name originates from his time as a party organiser during his university days and was used by female admirers as a reference to his charm.

"I would always have sweet lines for the girls, so they started calling me Sugar Sammy and it sort of stuck. So I started to use the name to promote the parties I would organise on campus," said Khullar.

His comedy journey started at the age of 8 with a visit to a video store. "The store kept only Hindi films and I insisted that my parents allow me to rent an Eddie Murphy video, the only English video they had," he said.

The video was Delirious, a classic recording of Murphy at his raucous stand-up comic best. "I knew then that was what I wanted to with my life," said Khullar.

Much of the Sugar Sammy style is influenced by African American acts such as Murphy and Chris Rock.

He also draws on his appreciation of more subtle British comedy and moves with ease between the two styles.

He travels often, having performed for audiences in the US, Britain, Europe, Dubai, the Philippines and Hong Kong. This year alone, he has clocked up more than 180 000km.

The askmen.com website has called him the "rock star of comedy". While he admits the lure of rock star life is tempting, Khullar remains committed to his work.

He said Facebook helped him to connect with his fan base across the world.

"I love South Africa - it has a different vibe from North America, and I enjoy the challenge of adjusting to a completely different audience," Khullar said.

"They keep asking me to come out to South Africa and I can't say no. Everyone I meet here seems to be Indian."

COPYRIGHT 2009 Independent News & Media PLC.