On Sunday, 8 February, The Maslow in Sandton became more than a hotel ballroom — it became a proving ground. A room packed with comedy lovers, industry insiders, friends and family buzzed with anticipation as 20 of South Africa’s most exciting new comedians stepped into the spotlight at the Savanna Newcomer Comedy Showcase.
With only five minutes each to make their mark, the newcomers walked into a high-pressure environment where timing, confidence and originality mattered. They walked out having done exactly what the platform was designed to test: make a room laugh — loudly — and leave it convinced that South African comedy’s future is in safe hands.
Guiding the night with warmth, sharp wit and effortless authority was reigning Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards Comedian of the Year, Celeste Ntuli. Her presence anchored the evening, reinforcing the showcase’s purpose: bridging the gap between established excellence and emerging brilliance.
Setting the tone early was 2025 Savanna Newcomer Award winner Khanyisile Ngwenya, a living reminder of how quickly the word “newcomer” can give way to industry respect. From there, the stage belonged entirely to the next wave.
Each performer brought a distinct voice, perspective and comedic rhythm — confident, original sets that explained exactly why this showcase exists. It wasn’t about polish alone; it was about promise.
“They walked up as some of SA comedy’s freshest faces, and walked off leaving a packed room sure we’ve just met our next generation of headliners. The 2026 Savanna Newcomer Nominees came out swinging with sharp ideas, big confidence, and a crisp, dry point of view. Cheers to the honour and legacy of hosting a stage that brings South Africa’s next comedy headliners to the front — one punchline at a time,” said Kayla Hendricks, Senior Brand Manager at Savanna Premium Cider.
Created as a direct pipeline between new talent and the industry, the Savanna Newcomer Comedy Showcase gives agencies, casting directors and established comedians a front-row seat to South Africa’s freshest comedic voices. In simple terms, this is where the industry comes to discover who’s next — before everyone else can say, “I saw them when…”
Now, the spotlight shifts from stage to suspense. The 20 performers wait to hear which five comedians will be named official Savanna Newcomer of the Year nominees, to be announced at the Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards Nominee Announcement event, alongside nominees across all 13 award categories.
The final winners will be crowned at the Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards on 2 May at The Lyric Theatre, a yellow-carpet celebration of South African comedy. Seats are limited, and tickets are available via Quicket.
The 2026 Savanna Newcomer Comedy Showcase comedians from around the country:
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
From five-minute sets to career-defining moments, the Savanna Newcomer Comedy Showcase once again proved why it remains one of the most important launchpads in South African comedy.
