The 13th year Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards nominees have been announced

The 13th year Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards nominees have been announced, the event took place at the BlackBrick Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg. The country comedy industry who’s who gathered for the annual announcement with the MC and Program directed by Summary, a nominee and internet comic sensation.

Addressing the audience, Darren Sandras, managing director at One Eyed Jack, said the awards play an important role not just for comedians but also for audiences.

“It’s a big deal for the industry, but it’s also a big deal for consumers and for your fans. It’s an opportunity for them to engage you. While the industry nominates and primarily votes, the awards show itself is where fans get to buy tickets, come see you and connect with you.”

The awards feature 12 categories, with three decided by public vote. These include Breakthrough Act of the Year, Comedic Content of the Year and Best Comedy Festival Show. Voting for these categories opened immediately after the nominees were announced.

“We have seen many of our nominees and winners perform overseas, which is a big deal. But performing on home soil remains the most important.”

Sandras also highlighted a new addition to the awards: the Legacy Award, which allows comedians to nominate a peer for recognition.

“Comedians judge each other all the time. But here, they get to vote in a system that is independently audited.”

That this year’s ceremony will be hosted by The Goliaths, who are set to bring their signature humour to the stage.

Here are all the nominees for 2026:
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 for Puppet Power
• Dillan Oliphant for Masekind
• Khanyisa Bunu for Teacher DropOut
• Prins for Comedian
• Sifiso Nene for 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 for the voice of young Rafiki, The Lion King
• Lazola Gola for voice of Trevor, Relooted
• Trevor Gumbi for the leading role in Cop & a Half
• Tumi Morake for role in 1st Totem problems
• Tumi Morake for Voice of Luso, 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

Comedy Fans Get Their Say

While the comedy industry determines most of the award winners, fans again have the chance to make their mark.

Fans can vote for their favourites in the three public voting categories:

Best Comedy Festival or Show Award

• Armchair Comedy – SMS “Show1” to 33896
• Bioscope Sundays – SMS “Show2” to 33896
• Bioscope Sundays Comedy Festival – SMS “Show2” to 33896
• Celeste Ntuli and The Big Dudes – SMS “Show3” to 33896
• Ground Culture Comedy – SMS “Show4” to 33896
• Jive Funny Championship – SMS “Show5” to 33896

Breakthrough Act of the Year Award

• Chuma Bentele – SMS “Break1” to 33896
• Dakes – SMS “Break2” to 33896
• Linde Sibanda – SMS “Break3” to 33896
• Mbali Gudazi – SMS “Break4” to 33896
• Panch Gasela – SMS “Break5” to 33896

Comedic Content Award

• Chester Missing & Conrad Koch – SMS “Content1” to 33896
• Dillan Oliphant – SMS “Content2” to 33896
• Kagiso KG Mokgadi – SMS “Content3” to 33896
• Tsitsi Chiumya – SMS “Content4” to 33896
• Vafa Naraghi – SMS “Content5” to 33896