The stage may have dimmed at The Maslow in Sandton, but the punchlines are still landing.
Following a sold-out showcase on 8 February 2026, the Savanna Newcomer Comedy Showcase is taking its momentum from live spotlight to national screen — proving that South Africa’s next comedy heavyweights are no longer “up next.” They’ve arrived.
Twenty rising comics stepped onto that stage, each armed with a five-minute set and a point to prove: headline status is not a dream — it’s imminent.
Missed It Live? Don’t Stress. We Pressed Record.
The energy, the timing, the crowd reactions — it’s all coming to television.
Catch the Savanna Newcomer Comedy Showcase on:
📺 e.tv
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Saturday, 7 March at 22:00
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Repeat: Saturday, 14 March at 14:00
From crisp one-liners to bold social commentary, the showcase captures the kind of confidence that makes audiences lean forward and think, remember this name.
Hosted by Comedy Royalty
Guiding the evening was reigning Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards Comedian of the Year, Celeste Ntuli — a powerhouse presence whose own career arc reflects exactly what this platform represents: growth, grit and greatness.
Under her watch, each newcomer was given the space to shine — no gimmicks, no safety nets. Just five minutes and the mic.
What Happens Next?
The momentum doesn’t stop at the broadcast.
On 11 March 2026, five of the 20 comedians will be announced as official Savanna Newcomer Award nominees — a defining step toward industry recognition.
From there, it all builds toward South Africa’s biggest night in comedy:
🎭 2 May 2026
📍 Gold Reef City, The Lyric Theatre
🎟 Tickets available via Quicket
The stage: Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards
The venue: Gold Reef City – The Lyric Theatre
Featuring the Class of 2026
The Savanna Newcomer Comedy Showcase Class of 2026 includes:
Prince K
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
Twenty voices. Twenty styles. One platform.
Crisp. Dry. Perfectly Timed.
If you love your comedy sharp, self-aware and unmistakably South African, set your reminder.
For more information, visit: www.comicschoice.com
Tickets: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/359104-2026-savanna-comics-choice-comedy-awards/?ref=events-list#/
Savanna promotes responsible drinking. Not for persons under 18.
