In partnership with Savanna Premium Cider, LIFT, Mrs. Ball’s, Me Channel 115, One-eyed Jack
The highly-anticipated 10th Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards returned with a bang this year at a star-studded event at The Galleria in Sandton on Saturday 15 April 2023. Comedians, celebrities, influencers and comedy-loving fans came together to celebrate Mzansi’s incredible talent.
Hosted by comedian heavyweight, himself a Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards winner a few times over, Loyiso Gola carried the show and brought it all together. The awards also included show-stopping performances and hilarious skits.
For those who weren’t able to attend the glamorous affair in Johannesburg, Me Channel 115 will broadcast two TV specials next month for fans to experience the incredible journey this year’s Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards embarked on.
The Savanna Newcomer Showcase airs on Me Channel 115 on Saturday 6 May at 19:00
The first special will put a spotlight on up-and-coming comedians who were given a chance to showcase their skills as part of the Savanna Newcomer Showcase. The showcase was the first in a series of build-up events ahead of the Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards and has become a staple on the annual comedy calendar.
The platform was created a number of years ago to introduce the newcomers to the rest of the industry so that they’d know who to vote for in the newcomer category for the awards. This year, the Savanna Newcomer Showcase made its way to Cape Town for the very first time and was hosted by two-time award winner Schalk Bezuidenhout, who won the Savanna Newcomer Award in 2013 as well as the Intermediate Award in 2015.
The newcomers who showed off their comedy chops included Wandile Waka Zwane, Dakes, Wazi M Kunene and Mbali Gudazi from Gauteng, Prince M’Baya, Ntobeko, Ayabonga Kene, Supa Mario, Tumi Mkha’, JamJam, Candace, Arlene Petersen, Mira, Vision Masango and Vafa Naraghi from the Western Cape, Moe Latif from the North West and Felicia Pillay, Thami Dlamini and Annie Botha from KwaZulu-Natal.
These newcomers were shortlisted to perform by the local comedy industry and were rated on drive, delivery, confidence, their jokes from an entry video and if they managed to stand out of the crowd. The platform was created to shine a light on up-and-coming talent and give them a platform to shine on.
Fans will be able to catch 60-minute Savanna Newcomer Showcase special on Me Channel 115 on Saturday 6 May at 19:00.
The Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards air on Me Channel 115 on Saturday 13 May at 19:00
This year’s main event was certainly a night to be remembered. Mzansi’s best comedians and comedic content creators were celebrated at the grand affair and ensured that audience members were in stitches throughout the ceremony.
This year’s production also included a live dance performance by award-winning, internationally recognised choreographer and DJ, Courtnaé Paul, accompanied by comedian cum dancer, Ambrose Uren.
Additionally, a surprise show moment saw drag artist sensation, Edó, perform a captivating live-singing piano medley, while “flight attendants” handed out complementary Savanna Ciders and Grumpy Snacks to enthused guests to keep the festivities high.
Catch up on the glitz, the glamour and all the winners by watching this year’s Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards special on Me Channel 115 on Saturday 13 May at 19:00.
