Nominees across 12 categories revealed for the 13th Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards

The nominees for the 13th Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards have been announced, marking a major moment in the South African comedy calendar as the industry recognises the performers and creators who shaped the past year of local humour.

At BlackBrick Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, the country’s comedy industry gathered for the annual nominee announcement, an event filled with anticipation as comedians waited to hear whether their work over the past year had earned them a coveted spot on the nominee list.

Kayla Hendricks, Marketing Communications Manager at Savanna Premium Cider, says:

“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.”

This year’s nominees reflect a comedy scene that continues to grow and evolve, with stand-out performers across sold-out theatre shows, major festivals, national tours and viral digital content.

And the 2026 Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards nominees are…

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 for Puppet Power
  • Dillan Oliphant for Masekind
  • Khanyisa Bunu for Teacher DropOut
  • Prins for Comedian
  • Sifiso Nene for 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 for The voice of young Rafiki, The Lion King
  • Lazola Gola for Voice of Trevor, in South Africa’s first ever independent game: Relooted
  • Trevor Gumbi for Leading role in Cop & a Half
  • Tumi Morake for Role in 1st Totem problems, a 2D short produced by Giraffics in Egypt
  • Tumi Morake for Voice of Luso, in South Africa’s first ever independent game: 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 the comedy industry determines most of the award winners, fans once again have the chance to influence the outcome in three categories.

Fans can vote for their favourites in the three public voting categories:

Best Comedy Festival or Show Award

  • Armchair Comedy – SMS “Show1” to 33896
  • Bioscope Sundays – SMS “Show2” to 33896
  • Bioscope Sundays Comedy Festival – SMS “Show2” to 33896
  • Celeste Ntuli and The Big Dudes – SMS “Show3” to 33896
  • Ground Culture Comedy – SMS “Show4” to 33896
  • Jive Funny Championship – SMS “Show5” to 33896

Breakthrough Act of the Year Award

  • Chuma Bentele – SMS “Break1” to 33896
  • Dakes – SMS “Break2” to 33896
  • Linde Sibanda – SMS “Break3” to 33896
  • Mbali Gudazi – SMS “Break4” to 33896
  • Panch Gasela – SMS “Break5” to 33896

Comedic Content Award

  • Chester Missing & Conrad Koch – SMS “Content1” to 33896
  • Dillan Oliphant – SMS “Content2” to 33896
  • Kagiso KG Mokgadi – SMS “Content3” to 33896
  • Tsitsi Chiumya – SMS “Content4” to 33896
  • Vafa Naraghi – SMS “Content5” to 33896

Fans who cast their vote will also stand a chance to WIN an experience to attend the main Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards event.

Comedy fans can vote by visiting the website or by SMSing their favourite nominee’s unique code to 33896. SMSs cost R1.50 and voting closes at midnight on 15 April. Ts & Cs apply.

Winners will be revealed at South African comedy’s biggest night on Saturday, 2 May 2026 at Gold Reef City, The Lyric Theatre, where the country’s top comedians will gather for an evening celebrating the very best in the business. This year’s ceremony will also feature a special hosting line-up, with Jason Goliath, Donovan Goliath, Nicholas Goliath and Kate Goliath joining forces to host the evening. In a rare Goliath family affair, the four comedians will bring their signature chemistry and comedic firepower to South Africa’s biggest night in comedy, guiding audiences through an unforgettable celebration of local humour.

Awards Details:

  • Date: 2 May 2026
  • Venue: The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City
  • Tickets: Available from R220
  • Bookings: Available online from Quicket here.

Key Times:

  • 18:00: Red carpet arrivals. (Nominees and industry)
  • 19:30: Red carpet closes.
  • 20:00: Show starts.
  • 22:00: Show ends.

About the Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards:
Now in its 13th year, the Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards is one of South Africa’s key comedy platforms built to grow the industry, spotlight the legends, and back the next wave of talent. For Savanna Premium Cider, it’s a long-standing partnership with the people who keep South Africa laughing, and a commitment to making sure comedy has the stages, spotlight and support it needs to keep growing.

It’s not just about trophies. It’s about elevating careers: helping comedians sell out shows, putting them on corporate radars as MCs and hosts, and building a comedy ecosystem strong enough to export local talent to international festivals, while attracting major acts to tour here too.

Connect with Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards on social media:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok

Connect with Gold Reef City on social media:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Hashtag: #GRCThrills

For more information, follow Savanna’s social media channels:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Hashtag: #SavannaCCCA #CrispDryComedy

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