South Africa’s comedy industry is preparing for its most anticipated celebration of the year as nominees for the 13th Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards have officially been revealed.

The announcement took place at the stylish BlackBrick Hotel, where comedians, industry insiders and entertainment professionals gathered to hear which performers and creators had earned a coveted nomination.

Each year, the awards recognise the comedians who have shaped the country’s humour landscape — from sold-out theatre performances and national tours to viral digital content and groundbreaking creative work.

For the comedians waiting in the room, the announcement carried a familiar mix of anticipation and excitement: would their work over the past year earn them a place among the best in the business?

Celebrating the Talent That Keeps South Africa Laughing

The awards are powered by Savanna Premium Cider, long-time supporters of the country’s comedy industry.

According to Kayla Hendricks, the event remains one of the most important platforms for recognising local comedic talent.

“The Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards celebrate the incredible talent that keeps South Africa laughing year after year. At Savanna, we’re proud to support and champion the local comedy industry by providing a platform that recognises and elevates the voices shaping our comedy landscape. The nominees represent the very best in the business, and we’re excited to see who will ultimately walk away with a Waldo.”

The annual awards highlight just how vibrant and diverse South Africa’s comedy scene has become, with performers making waves across theatre stages, comedy festivals, digital platforms and international circuits.

The 2026 Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards Nominees

Savanna Newcomer Award

• #PrinceK

• Akhil Maharaj

• Nishen Pather

• Rae du Plooy

• Sjika Da Thirdborn

Headliner of the Year Award

• Celeste Ntuli

• Dillan Oliphant

• Kagiso KG Mokgadi

• Mpho Popps

• Skhumba Hlophe

Comedian of the Year Award

• Celeste Ntuli

• Dillan Oliphant

• Kagiso KG Mokgadi

• Mpho Popps

• Sifiso Nene

Best Solo Show Award

• Chester Missing & Conrad Koch – Puppet Power

• Dillan Oliphant – Masekind

• Khanyisa Bunu – Teacher DropOut

• Virgil Prins – Comedian

• Sifiso Nene – Because of Success Tour

Joe Mafela Award

• Mashabela

• Siya Seya

• Skhumba Hlophe

• Summary

• TT Phasha

Innovative Comedy Performance Award

• Céline Tshika

• Conrad Koch & Chester Missing

• Keith Juluka

• Rob van Vuuren

• Yaaseen Barnes

Beyond the Mic Award

• Kagiso Lediga – Voice of Young Rafiki in The Lion King

• Lazola Gola – Voice of Trevor in Relooted

• Trevor Gumbi – Lead role in Cop & a Half

• Tumi Morake – Role in 1st Totem Problems

• Tumi Morake – Voice of Luso in Relooted

Best Friend of Comedy Award

• Bash Daniels

• Bongani Dube

• Loyiso Gola

• Shanray

• Yaaseen Barnes

The Legacy Award

• David Kau

• Kagiso Lediga

• Loyiso Gola

• Skhumba Hlophe

• Trevor Gumbi

Comedy Fans Get Their Say

While many categories are decided by the comedy industry, fans will once again help determine winners in three public voting categories.

Best Comedy Festival or Show Award

• Armchair Comedy

• Bioscope Sundays

• Bioscope Sundays Comedy Festival

• Celeste Ntuli and The Big Dudes

• Ground Culture Comedy

• Jive Funny Championship

Breakthrough Act of the Year Award

• Chuma Bentele

• Dakes

• Linde Sibanda

• Mbali Gudazi

• Panch Gasela

Comedic Content Award

• Chester Missing & Conrad Koch

• Dillan Oliphant

• Kagiso KG Mokgadi

• Tsitsi Chiumya

• Vafa Naraghi

Fans can vote by visiting comicschoice.com or by SMSing their favourite nominee’s code to 33896. SMS votes cost R1.50, and voting closes midnight on 15 April.

Those who vote also stand a chance to win an experience to attend the awards ceremony.

South Africa’s Biggest Night in Comedy

The winners will be revealed on Saturday, 2 May 2026 at the Lyric Theatre, where the country’s top comedians will gather for an evening celebrating the very best in local comedy.

This year’s ceremony promises a special twist with a Goliath family hosting lineup featuring:

• Jason Goliath

• Donovan Goliath

• Nicholas Goliath

• Kate Goliath

Together, the four will guide audiences through a night celebrating the creativity, humour and cultural impact of South African comedy.

Tickets for the ceremony are available via Quicket.