The team at Dannywired attended the Savanna Newcomer Comedy Showcase, and one thing was clear—South African comedy is in excellent hands. Twenty carefully selected comedians had just five minutes each to prove themselves, putting their hearts, nerves, and punchlines on full display. While some sets landed stronger than others, the overall standard was undeniable. The Maslow Hotel in Sandton became a comedy pressure cooker, packed with laughter from fans, industry insiders, and proud supporters alike—showing exactly why this showcase remains one of the country’s most important launchpads for rising comedic talent.
With a crisp, dry taste and an even drier sense of humour, Savanna Premium Cider has spent 13 years backing bold voices in South African comedy, championing comedians brave enough to step up and deliver the punchline.
For those who missed the live event, you can catch the showcase on eTV on Saturday, 7 March at 22:00, with a repeat on Saturday, 14 March at 14:00.
The evening was hosted by reigning Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards Comedian of the Year, Celeste Ntuli, who brought warmth, humour, and a winning presence to a night focused on emerging talent. 2025 Savanna Newcomer Award Winner Khanyisile Ngwenya set the tone for the evening, showing how quickly a “newcomer” can become a respected voice in South African comedy.
Each of the 20 newcomers had five minutes to showcase their original material, winning over the audience with sharp ideas, confident delivery, and unique comedic perspectives. Kayla Hendricks, Marketing Communication Manager at Savanna Premium Cider, said, “The 2026 Savanna Newcomers came out swinging with sharp ideas, big confidence, and a crisp, dry point of view. This is where South Africa’s next comedy headliners take their first steps on stage—one punchline at a time.”
The showcase gives industry agencies, casting directors, and established comedians a front-row seat to discover tomorrow’s stars, and judging by the excitement in the room, nobody wanted to miss it. Celeste Ntuli added, “Comedy needs spaces where new talent can learn, grow, and find their voice. The Savanna Newcomer Comedy Showcase does exactly that.”
The 20 performers now await news of which five will be named official Savanna Newcomer Award finalists, to be announced at the Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards Nominee Announcement event. Winners across all 12 award categories will be crowned at the Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards on 2 May at Gold Reef City, The Lyric Theatre. Tickets are available via Quicket.
2026 Savanna Newcomer Comedy Showcase Performers:
#PrinceK, Akhil Maharaj, Di Frost, John Jay, Kevin Lindsay, Kingsbuda, Liam Whitcher, Mat Maluks, Modipane Alister, Mzwa Seme, Tristan Perry, Nathan Kalala, Nishen, Rae du Plooy, Rowen Clegg, Sacre Kayemba, Sjika Da Thirdborn, SQ Mangcu, Uncool.Tea, Yerik Jomei
The ultimate winners will be crowned at the Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards on 2 May at The Lyric Theatre, promising a yellow-carpet celebration of South African comedy at its finest. Seata are limited so get your tickets via Quicket now Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards Tickets
