WATCH: Savanna Newcomer Showcase at the Soweto Theatre
The comedians came from all parts of the country, showing the length and breadth of comedy talent the country has to offer.
WHAT happens when you put a bunch of eager, enthusiastic and (hopefully) funny new comedians on a stage in front of an expectant audience of hundreds? You get a comedy showcase like no other in the country.
On May 19 the Savanna Newcomer Showcase was held at the Soweto Theatre where 24 of this year’s newcomer comedians had the stage and the spotlight for five minutes each. Their job? To get the crowd laughing, hooting and clapping for them, and to show the comedy industry just how funny they are.
Hosted by longstanding comedy partner, Savanna Premium Cider, and the Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards, the showcase was for many of the newcomers their first chance to perform to a large live audience – and a way to test out their material. And while some of the jokes didn’t quite land, many of the comedians had the crowd up on their feet clapping and cheering when their five minutes was up.
Keeping time and keeping the pace up was host Tsitsi Chiumya, who went on to win 2018’s Savanna Newcomer of the Year Award. It was clear again on the night why he’s a funny man on the up.
More than half of the comedians performed entirely in vernac, a growing trend in SA comedy. “It’s encouraging to see the amount of vernac comedy that was performed at the showcase,” said Lazola Dali, Savanna SA brand execution manager.
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“Savanna is committed to showcasing comedians across all of the country’s languages, and to see the audience respond so enthusiastically to isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi and other comedy is exciting.”
The comedians came from all parts of the country, showing the length and breadth of comedy talent the country has to offer. A big shout-out to everyone who performed (in no particular order): Leah Jazz, Mfundo Mhlongo, Cyril Basker, Sandile Blackheart, Molaba Mkhulu, Ludwe Obiya, Liyabona Dyulethe, Sir Jovial, Emilio Tobias, Masibonge Mndende, Bradley van Wyk, Byron Davel, Ian Young, Robyn Dunlop, Kgomotso Kgatle, Itumeleng Adolf, Mohale, Waylene Beukes, Khaya Mdaka, Reagen Allen, Ismail Moses, Eugene Vanacore, Linde Sibanda, Chomi Ya Jeso, Sqhazolo.
It’s now up to the comedy industry to vote, and ultimately decide, who will be nominated and come out tops as this year’s Savanna Newcomer of the Year.
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The nominees across all 12 categories will be announced on July 10.
The 9th Annual South African Comics’ Choice Awards takes place on September 7 at The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City.Visit www.comicschoice.com for more information and to buy tickets.
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