Every great comedy career has a moment where everything is on the line — one mic, one crowd, and a few minutes to prove you belong. For South Africa’s rising comedians, that moment arrives at the Savanna Newcomer Comedy Showcase, a defining event that returns on Sunday, 8 February 2026, at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton.
Presented in partnership with Savanna Premium Cider and One-eyed Jack, the showcase forms a key part of the 13th Annual Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards, bringing together comedy lovers, media, and industry decision-makers for an evening dedicated to fresh perspectives, fearless voices and undeniable talent.
Now firmly established as a cornerstone of the awards calendar, the Savanna Newcomer Comedy Showcase is more than a show — it’s a launchpad. Built to uncover the next wave of South African comedic talent, it does so loudly, boldly and unapologetically.
Five Minutes. Twenty Comedians. One Shot.
The format is simple, ruthless and electrifying.
Twenty newcomer comedians. Five minutes each. No filler. No fluff.
Performers take the stage back-to-back in a rapid-fire comedy gauntlet where punchlines matter, first impressions count, and fearlessness is non-negotiable. The pace is fast, the energy unpredictable, and the stakes sky-high.
It’s where future stars are born.
From these 20 rising voices, five top performers will be voted through as official Savanna Newcomer Award nominees, earning serious bragging rights and a fast track into South Africa’s comedy big leagues. The ultimate winner will be crowned on 2 May 2026 at the Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards at The Lyric Theatre.
Think of it as comedy’s version of speed dating — except everyone’s funny, the laughs are louder, and one person walks away with a trophy.
Hosted by a Comedy Powerhouse
The evening will be hosted by 2025 Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedian of the Year, Celeste Ntuli, whose commanding stage presence and comedic authority bring weight and excitement to the showcase.
Opening the night is a set by 2025 Savanna Newcomer Award winner Khanyisile Ngwenya, setting the tone for an evening packed with standout performances and fearless humour.
Where New Talent Meets Big Opportunity
The Savanna Newcomer Comedy Showcase is not just about one night on stage — it’s about building careers.
The top five performers earn coveted nominations for the Savanna Newcomer Award, placing them firmly on the industry’s radar and positioning them for the main awards ceremony on 2 May 2026 at The Lyric Theatre.
Beyond the spotlight, the initiative continues with a dedicated Comedy Workshop on Monday, 9 February, hosted at Artistry in Sandton. This workshop gives newcomer comedians the opportunity to engage closely with established performers and industry professionals, sharpening their craft, gaining insights and demystifying the business of comedy — a crucial step in nurturing long-term careers.
Meet the 2026 Savanna Newcomer Line-Up
Comedians from across the country will take the stage, bringing diverse voices, styles and perspectives:
PrinceK
Akhil Maharaj
Di Frost
John Jay
Kevin Lindsay
Kingsbuda
Laura Kelly
Liam Whitcher
Mat Maluks
Modipane Alister
Mzwa Seme
Nathan Kalala
Nishen
Rae du Plooy
Rowen Clegg
Sacre Kayemba
Sjika Da Thirdborn
SQ Mangcu
Uncool.Tea
Yerik Jomei
Event Details at a Glance
The event kicks off with pre-drinks at 16h00, setting the tone for the evening. The showcase begins promptly at 17h00 and runs until 19h00, delivering a tightly packed two-hour window of non-stop laughter. Guests are welcome to stay on afterward for drinks and mingling.
Tickets are priced at R150 and are available via Quicket. Each attendee will receive a complimentary Savanna Premium Cider on arrival. Tickets are limited, and early booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.
For comedy fans, industry insiders and anyone who loves discovering talent before it explodes, the Savanna Newcomer Comedy Showcase is unmissable — a night where bold voices rise, laughter rules, and careers begin.
