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.
“The Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards celebrate the incredible talent that keeps South Africa laughing year after year,” says Kayla Hendricks, Marketing Communications Manager at Savanna Premium Cider. “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
- 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 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 www.comicschoice.com 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.
Tickets to the awards ceremony are now available via Quicket. Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards Tickets
