South Africa’s comedy scene is gearing up for one of its biggest nights as the nominees for the 13th Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards have officially been revealed. The announcement marks a major moment in the local entertainment calendar, shining a spotlight on the performers and creators who kept Mzansi laughing over the past year.
The industry gathered at BlackBrick Hotel for the annual nominee reveal, where comedians, producers and comedy insiders waited with serious anticipation to hear whether their work had earned them a coveted nomination. As the names were called out, the room was filled with excitement, nerves and a few proper celebratory cheers — because in South African comedy, landing on this list means you’re doing something right.
The awards are proudly supported by Savanna Premium Cider, a long-time champion of local comedy. According to Savanna’s Marketing Communications Manager Kayla Hendricks, the awards celebrate the incredible talent that continues to push the comedy industry forward.
She says the nominees represent the very best in the business, and the brand remains committed to providing a platform that elevates the voices shaping South Africa’s comedy landscape. In other words, this is where the real heavy hitters pull through to see who’s taking home the famous Waldo trophy.
This year’s nominee list reflects just how far the comedy scene has grown, with performers dominating theatre stages, major comedy festivals, national tours and viral digital platforms. From seasoned comedy giants to fresh voices bringing new flavour to the stage, the lineup proves that South Africa’s humour game is still strong.
Among the most competitive categories are the Headliner of the Year and Comedian of the Year awards, featuring big names like Celeste Ntuli, Dillan Oliphant, Kagiso KG Mokgadi, Mpho Popps and Skhumba Hlophe, all of whom have been making serious waves across the country’s comedy stages.
The Savanna Newcomer Award introduces a fresh crop of rising talent including PrinceK, Akhil Maharaj, Nishen Pather, Rae du Plooy and Sjika Da Thirdborn — proof that the next generation of comedy stars is already knocking loudly on the door.
In the Best Solo Show Award category, nominees include Conrad Koch and his famous puppet Chester Missing for Puppet Power, alongside Dillan Oliphant for Masekind, Khanyisa Bunu for Teacher DropOut, Prins for Comedian, and Sifiso Nene for the Because of Success Tour.
The Joe Mafela Award, which celebrates comedians who consistently deliver laughs across platforms, includes nominees Mashabela, Siya Seya, Skhumba Hlophe, Summary and TT Phasha.
Other categories highlight innovation and influence beyond traditional stand-up. The Innovative Comedy Performance Award features talents like Céline Tshika, Keith Juluka, Rob van Vuuren and Yaaseen Barnes. Meanwhile, the Beyond the Mic Award celebrates comedians expanding their craft into acting, voice work and gaming, including notable nominations for Kagiso Lediga, Trevor Gumbi, Lazola Gola and Tumi Morake.
The Legacy Award honours comedians who have made a lasting contribution to the industry, with nominees including David Kau, Kagiso Lediga, Loyiso Gola, Skhumba Hlophe and Trevor Gumbi — all names that helped shape the modern South African comedy scene.
While many awards are decided within the comedy industry, fans also get their chance to have their say. Public voting will determine winners in three categories: Best Comedy Festival or Show, Breakthrough Act of the Year, and Comedic Content Award. Fans can cast their votes online through the official Comics Choice website or via SMS before voting closes at midnight on 15 April. As an added bonus, those who vote also stand a chance to win an experience to attend the main awards ceremony.
The winners will be announced at South Africa’s biggest comedy celebration on 2 May 2026 at The Lyric Theatre. This year’s ceremony promises extra laughs thanks to a special hosting lineup featuring Jason Goliath, Donovan Goliath, Nicholas Goliath, and Kate Goliath.
In what’s being dubbed a rare Goliath family takeover, the four comedians will guide the audience through the evening with their signature chemistry and comedic firepower. If past ceremonies are anything to go by, fans can expect big laughs, unforgettable moments and a proper celebration of the comedians who keep the country entertained.
For South Africa’s comedy lovers, this is the night where the jokes hit harder, the punchlines land bigger, and the industry gathers to crown the funniest in the game. And with such a stacked list of nominees this year, the competition for that famous Waldo is going to be seriously tight.
Tickets to the awards ceremony are now available via Quicket. Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards Tickets
For more information, visit www.comicschoice.com
