The 2025 Savanna Newcomer Showcase was a sold-out success! Held on Sunday, 26 January in Sandton and hosted by award winning comedian Tumi Morake, the night saw 20 of South Africa’s freshest comedic talents delivering their best five-minute sets, all in the hope of being nominated in the newcomer category at this year’s awards.
The evening kicked off with Callum Hitchcock, last year’s Savanna Newcomer Category winner, warming up the crowd and setting the bar sky-high for the newcomers.
Each of the 20 newcomers brought their own unique flavour to the mic: razor-sharp wit, clever wordplay, beautifully awkward self-deprecation, and yes, even the occasional awkward silence (because, let’s face it, that’s also comedy gold).
But the newcomers weren’t the only ones owning the night. Some of South Africa’s biggest comedy heavyweights came out to support, including Mpho Popps, Robbie Collins, Celeste Ntuli, Sifiso Nene, Khanyisa Bunu, Mashabela Galane, Nina Hastie, Nicholas Goliath, Summary, Nonto R, Chris Mapane and many more cheering from the sidelines. Their presence not only added to the star power but also proved that even in comedy, there’s room for mentorship, camaraderie, and a few good heckles.
This wasn’t just an event, it was a career springboard wrapped in laughter. With Savanna leading the charge, Mrs. Ball’s bringing the flavor, and One-eyed Jack tying it all together, the showcase was polished, premium, and packed with energy.
The fun didn’t stop after the curtain came down. The night transitioned into a mingling session filled with music, drinks, impromptu roasts, and the kind of buzz that only a roomful of comedians and fans can create.
The Savanna Newcomer Showcase marks the start of an exciting journey for these rising stars, all vying for a nomination in the coveted Savanna Newcomer Award category at the upcoming Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards on 12 April.
For those who missed the action, fear not, highlights (and maybe some bloopers) will be available on Comedy Central soon. Keep your eyes peeled for updates!
The 20 Comedians were:
- Aiden Ho – (@aiden_.ho)
- Chantal Harris – (@chantal_harris_comedy)
- Christie van Niekerk – (@christievniekerk)
- Daniele du Plessis – (@daniele.bia)
- Dombolo – (@domboloralo)
- Dr Mathews (@_drmathews)
- Farieda Metsileng – (@pharoahfi)
- Jerry McSpanky – (@jerry.mcspanky)
- Kamaney – (@g_kamaney)
- Keketso Hutamo – (@keketso_hutamo)
- Khanyisile Ngwenya – (@khanyisilecomedy)
- Nate Levinrad – (@natevuyolevinrad)
- Ngosa Kangwa – (@ngosakang)
- Ntsundeni Ndou – (@ntsundenindou)
- QuarterLeg De Comedian – (@quarterleg17)
- Rafique Ismail – (@rafique_ismail)
- Sala – (@sala_u_joke_2_much)
- Thendo Musetha – (@thendo_m)
- Wesley King – (@wesley_king__)
- Zaheer Gaida
