Nominees Announced for the 13th Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards

The nominees for the 13th Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards have been revealed, marking an important moment on South Africa’s comedy calendar as the industry celebrates the performers and creators who shaped the past year of local humour.

The announcement took place at BlackBrick Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, where comedians and industry figures gathered for the annual reveal.

“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 performers making their mark through theatre shows, festivals, national tours and viral digital content.

2026 Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards Nominees

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 – Puppet Power
Dillan Oliphant – Masekind
Khanyisa Bunu – Teacher DropOut
Prins – Comedian
Sifiso Nene – 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 – Voice of young Rafiki in The Lion King
Lazola Gola – Voice of Trevor in the independent game Relooted
Trevor Gumbi – Leading role in Cop & a Half
Tumi Morake – Role in 1st Totem Problems, a 2D short produced by Giraffics in Egypt
Tumi Morake – Voice of Luso in the 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

Fans Can Vote in Public Categories

Comedy fans also have the opportunity to influence the outcome through 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 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. Terms and conditions apply.

Fans who vote will also stand a chance to win an experience to attend the Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards ceremony.

South African Comedy’s Biggest Night

The winners will be announced on Saturday, 2 May 2026 at The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City.

This year’s ceremony will 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 collaboration, the four comedians will bring their signature humour and chemistry to guide audiences through one of South Africa’s biggest celebrations of comedy.

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