SANDTON was buzzing with laughter as some of Mzansi's funniest men and women gathered at BlackBrick for the announcement of the nominees for the 13th Savanna Comics' Choice Comedy Awards on Wednesday, 11 March.
Top comedians, industry insiders and media came together to celebrate the growing local comedy scene ahead of the prestigious awards ceremony.
Multi-award-winning comedian Summary, whose real name is Thabo Kgaphola, kept guests entertained as the master of ceremonies.
Among the stars spotted at the event were Tumi Morake, Mpho Popps, Nonto R, Mojak Lehoko, Sifiso Nene and Dillan Oliphant.
Comedy trio The Goliaths will host the awards ceremony when the industry's biggest night takes place on 02 May at the Gold Reef City Lyric Theatre.
A big moment for the comedy industry
Managing director of One Eyed Jack, Darren Sandras, said the awards play an important role in growing the local comedy industry.
"This is a big deal. It's a big deal for the industry, but it's also a big deal for consumers and fans. It's an opportunity for them to engage with comedians," he said.
He added that although the industry nominates and largely votes for the winners, the awards night gives fans a chance to attend the show and support their favourite comedians.
"It helps build the industry and ensures that South African comedy continues to grow and gain global recognition. Many of the nominees and winners perform internationally, but performing on home soil is the most important," he said.
Platform for emerging comedians
Nipho Shongwe, brand manager for Savanna Premium Cider, said the partnership helps create opportunities for up-and-coming comedians.
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"It's an important collaboration because it gives emerging comedians a platform and an opportunity to be heard and seen.
"We've seen time and time again that the next big headliner could be someone who is just five minutes and one microphone away from changing their career."
Nominees announced across 12 categories
The awards recognise excellence in comedy across 12 categories, celebrating both rising stars and established performers.
Newcomer Award
#Prince K
Akhil Maharaj
Nishen Pather
Rae De Plooy
Sjika da Thirdborn
Breakthrough Act of the Year
Chuma Bentele
Dakes
Linde Sibanda
Mbali Gudazi
Panch Gasela
Best Comedy Festival or Show
Armchair Comedy
Bioscope Sundays
Bioscope Sundays Comedy Festival
Celeste Ntuli and the Big Dudes
Ground Culture Comedy
Jive Funny Championship
Best Solo Show
Conrad Koch & Chester Missing
Dillan Oliphant
Khanyisa Bunu
Prins
Sifiso Nene
Joe Mafela Award
Mashabela
Siya Seya
Skhumba Hlophe
Summary
TT Phasha
Comedic Content Award
Conrad Koch & Chester Missing
Kagiso KG Mokgadi
Dillan Oliphant
Vafa Naraghi
Tsitsi Chiumya
Innovative Comedy Performance
Conrad Koch & Chester Missing
Keith Juluka
Rob Van Vuuren
Yaaseen Barnes
Celine Tshika
Beyond The Mic Award
Kagiso Lediga
Layiso Gola
Trevor Gumbi
Tumi Morake (two nominations)
Best Friend of Comedy
Bash Daniels
Bongani Dube
Loyiso Gola
Shanray
Yaaseen Barnes
Headliner of the Year
Celeste Ntuli
Dillan Oliphant
Kagiso KG Mokgadi
Mpho Popps
Skhumba Hlophe
The Legacy Award
David Kau
Kagiso Lediga
Loyiso Gola
Trevor Gumbi
Skhumba Hlophe
Comedian of the Year
Celeste Ntuli
Mpho Popps
Dillan Oliphant
Kagiso KG Mokgadi
Mpho Popps
Sifiso Nene
The awards night is expected to bring together the country's top comedians for a celebration of talent, laughter and the continued rise of South Africa's comedy industry.
