Talent this year includes local comedians Tumi Morake, John Vlismas, Joey Rasdien, Celeste Ntuli, Kagiso Lediga, Conrad Koch & Chester Missing, Tats Nkonzo the Goliaths and many more performing alongside acts from Australia, USA, Nigeria, UK, Zimbabwe, Canada, Switzerland, Russia, Kenya, Congo and France.
The Johannesburg International Comedy Festival (JICF) announced, in August, makes its glorious return to the Joburg inner city next month. In its second year, the festival showcases some of the best local, African and international comedians hosted in various venues in the Braamfontein precinct from 4-6 November.
The tagline for the event this year is #DeclareTheFunny – so fasten your seat belts, it’s going to be a spectacular ride.
Over 40 comedians including acts are participating in the festival and promise plenty of humour and serious LOL moments to whet everyone’s appetite. So whether you like it dark, alternative, deadpan or even in vernac, there’s a little something, something for everyone. The shows are as follows;
Stand Up Africa – Host Tumi Morake, The Alexander Theatre
Celebrates the best in African comedy featuring Basketmouth (Nigeria), Eddy Kadi (Congo), Q Dube (Zimbabwe), Imran Yusuf (Kenya) and Snooze (Malawi)
League of Nations – Host Joey Rasdien, The Alexander Theatre
Featuring 6 international comedians in one rocking set with Thomas Wiesel (Switzerland), Eddy King (Canada), Eric Lampaert (France) and Katie Burch (Australia) and one other!
Fire in The Hole – Host John Vlismas, Joburg Theatre
There is fire in the hole and no prisoners will be taken! No holds barred! Not for the faint hearted, this show will leave you feeling like the altar boy that got into the communion wine! No under 21’s! Comedians include Jason Goliath (SA), Cokey Falkow (SA), Jessica Michelle Singleton (USA), Eric Lampaert (France), Martin Evans (SA)
Vernac Attack – Host Tips Shampoonaizer
You know that joke that you just can’t tell in English? Well…. ALL the jokes in this show are told in their mother tongue. Featuring some of the best comedians performing ‘vernac comedy’ in South Africa today. Featuring Roni Modimola, Kedibone Mulaudzi, Noko Moswete, Elton Mduduzi, Summary
Live from Con Hill – Host Celeste Ntuli, Constitution Hill
Celebrating trailblazing female talent both locally and internationally in one of the most iconic venues in the city. We celebrate our freedom by bringing an art form that pays tribute to our emancipation on the very grounds of the old Women’s jail. With Athena Kugblenu (UK), Angel Campey (SA), Mel Jones (SA), Katie Burch (Australia) and one other!
Downtown Comedy Jam – Host Donovan Goliath, Joburg Theatre
This show features 6 of the foremost urban comedy acts performing in South Africa today – Nina Hastie, Loyiso Madinga, Robby Collins, Tol Ass Mo, Mojak Lehoko
Late Nite Show – Host Tats Nkonzo, The Orbit Jazz Cafe
The last show of every night features a mixed line up of comedians selected from all other shows in the Festival and performing with a live jazz band on stage. Over two nights, comedians will include Conrad Koch & Chester Missing, Kagiso Lediga, Eddy Kadi, Athena Kugblenu and Cokey Falkow, Mel Jones on Friday and Neil Green, Basketmouth, Imran Yusuf, Angel Campey and Eddy King on Saturday
JICF promises to be the comedy festival of the year – one not to be missed or you’ll be left with nothing but an epic case of FOMO!
Tickets for all shows are available from www.jicf.co.za or at Ticketpros ranging from R100 – R500.
Join the conversation on social media, www.facebook.com/JICF.SA/, @JICF and #JICF on twitter and Instagram.
