Comedy in South Africa has never been stronger! The nominees for the 12th Annual Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards have been officially announced by two icons at opposite ends of their comedic journeys. The 2024 Hall of Fame winner Marc Lottering and 2024 Newcomer Award winner Callum Hitchcock, a perfect blend of seasoned excellence and fresh talent, prove that South African comedy is in great hands. The awards presented by Savanna since 2012 is seen as the pinnacle of comedy excellence in the country.

Set to take place at The Lyric Theatre on Saturday, April 12, the awards promise an unmissable night of electrifying performances, side splitting comedy, and jaw dropping surprises. This is the biggest night in South African comedy, where industry legends and rising stars come together to celebrate the best in the business. Don’t miss out, get your tickets now! https://www.quicket.co.za/events/301939-savanna-comics-choice-comedy-awards/#/

With nine fiercely contested categories, and one new award category addition for 2025, the highly coveted Winners’ Choice Award makes its debut. There are no nominees in this category, just one incredible winner voted for by past winners to recognise a comedian who consistently delivers and earns the respect of their peers. This award is the highest honour, celebrating a performer whose influence and consistency have left a lasting impact on the industry.

Of the nine award categories, three are now open to public voting: Breakthrough Act of the Year Award, Best Comedy Festival/Show Award, and Sauce of the Year Award, presented by Mrs. Ball’s. Mrs. Ball’s, a new sponsor that has been investing in the local comedy scene for the past three years.

Vote for your favourite nominee and stand a chance to win a VIP experience to the awards! You can vote once per category online and up to 50 times via SMS, so show some love for your favourite comedian.

Visit https://comicschoice.com/ to cast your vote.

Voting closes 27 March at Midnight. Have your say! Vote for your favourites now!

And now, drumroll please… the nominees for the 12th Annual Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards are:

Savanna Newcomer Award
Daniele Du Plessis
Keketso Hutamo
Khanyisile Ngwenya
Ngosa
Wesley King

Breakthrough Act of the Year Award (Public Vote)
Callum Hitchcock
Khabane Moloi
Khanyisa JamJam
Linde Sibanda
Mbali Gudazi

Headliner of the Year Award
Celeste Ntuli
Kagiso KG Mokgadi
Robby Collins
Sifiso Nene
Tsitsi Chiumya

Comedian of the Year Award
Celeste Ntuli
Kagiso KG Mokgadi
Khanyisa Bunu
Robby Collins
Sifiso Nene

Best Solo Show Award
Ambrose Uren for African-Ish
Dalin Oliver for 90 Day Comedian
Khanyisa JamJam for Sorry For The Weight
Prins Comedian for Prins Live Comedy Tour
Robby Collins for Come As You Are

Best Comedy Festival or Show Award (Public Vote)
Bioscope Sundays
Celeste Ntuli and The Big Dudes
Laugh Africa Comedy Festival
Mpho Popps Birthday Comedy Special
That’s Not Funny: Moveable Feast Comedy Night

Joe Mafela Award
King Flat
Summary
Thabang ER
TT Phasha
Zicco Sithole

Innovative Comedy Performance Award
Céline Tshika
Keith Juluka
Phil de Lange
Rob van Vuuren
Sophie Joans

Sauce of the Year Award, presented by Mrs. Ball’s (Public Vote)
Carvin H Goldstone
Céline Tshika
Dalin Oliver
Kagiso KG Mokgadi
Mpho Popps
Noko Mashaba
Rory Petzer