Comedy Central, and Savanna are set to launch a local first this October with the debut of Comedy Central Live at the Savanna Virtual Comedy Bar. The series will transform Sunday night viewing and feature both established and up-and-coming local comedians in an exciting new virtual format tackling everything from dating to food, family, heritage, politics, and language barriers amongst others. Sunday night viewing will never be the same, so be sure to tune in to the first episode which will premiere on Comedy Central Africa (DStv Channel 122) on Sunday, 18 October at 22:00 CAT. The show will also be available on Savanna’s social media channels every Thursday night.
The Savanna Virtual Comedy Bar came to life during lockdown level 5 to show its continued support for the SA comedy industry. During this time, the Savanna Virtual Comedy Bar lived on Savanna’s social media channels and due to restrictions, no production or filming could take place. As a result, fans followed a YouTube/Facebook link on Thursday nights to receive their weekly dose of laughter when they needed it the most. With a line-up featuring much loved SA comedians, the show didn’t disappoint. This month, The Savanna Virtual Comedy Bar finds a new home at Comedy Central Africa where it will live for the foreseeable future.
Dillon Khan, Vice President for Comedy Central and Creative Services at ViacomCBS Networks Africa(VCNA) commented, “The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown months have been challenging for the entire industry and it is crucial to continue to support the great local talent our country has to offer while entertaining audiences and fans. At Comedy Central we are committed and focused on embracing innovative new formats, platforms and rising star talent which showcase local and global content. Our viewers can expect non-stop laughs and unfiltered comedy on Comedy Central Live at The Savanna Virtual Comedy Bar.”
“If there is one thing we have realised over the past 7 months is that no matter what level of lockdown we find ourselves in, there is no ban on serving unrestricted laughter. COVID-19 just forced us to think on our feet, find different ways to show our support to the comedy industry, and ways to entertain our fans when they were feeling isolated from family, friends, and fun,” says Eugene Lenford, Marketing Manager for Savanna, “And now that we are on level 1, we are thrilled to introduce Comedy Central Live at The Savanna Virtual Comedy Barto our loyal fans and an even broader audience.”
To officially kick off the festivities, three fan favourite comedians joined forces to build The Savanna Virtual Comedy Bar on Friday, the 9th of October, 2020, at Melrose Arch. The comedians who picked up the drills and paint included multi-talented Jason Goliath, the effervescent and renowned David Kau, and down to earth rising star talent, Farieda Metsileng. Adhering to COVID-19 regulations and safe social distancing practice, the talent constructed the virtual bar which will be open to the public for laughter and enjoyment of an ice-cold, non-alcoholic Savanna Cider.
“I have never before been trusted with any form of DIY project, let alone building a whole bar. Two left feet could easily turn into two left hands in this case but I am up for the challenge, and I look forward to flexing these building muscles. It is great to have the support of such a crisp and witty brand such as Savanna. We love that the brand is supporting comedic talent in South Africa and showing South Africans that, no matter the level of lockdown we find ourselves in, we can continue to serve unrestricted laughter. This is what the bar we are building represents,” says Farieda Metsileng, who is a rising star comedian and VJ at Comedy Central Africa’s sister channel MTV Base, “I am excited to make the transition from producing content focused on digital to the mainstream platform on Comedy Central Africa.”
Comedy Central Live at the Savanna Virtual Comedy Bar will be packed with laughs and entertainment with a line-up that includes Schalk Bezuidenhout, Carvin Goldstone, Lihle Msimang, Rob Van Vuuren, KG Mokgadi, Ebenhaezer Dibakwane,TsiTsi Chiumya , Prev Reddy, Muzi Dlamini, and The Black Wendy to name but a few. There is also a chance for up-and-coming comedians to audition for an opportunity to appear in season 2. Auditions will be handled by Schalk Bezuidenhout and Farieda Metsileng and will take place over Zoom. To stand a chance to secure your audition, just follow the prompts on Savanna’s social media platforms, and you might just see yourself featured in season 2 of Comedy Central Live – Savanna Virtual Comedy Bar.
Be sure to tune in on the 18th of October at 22:00 for the first episode of Comedy Central Live at The Savanna Virtual Comedy Bar on Comedy Central Africa (DStv channel 122).
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