Johannesburg International Comedy Festival 2019 – League Of Nations

Laughter is, and always will be, the best form of therapy. With these wise words from an unknown human in mind, get ready for a most intense session.

The Johannesburg International Comedy Festival (JICF) is back again in the City of Gold for its 3rd leg of renowned stand-up comedy. Kickstarting this week on the 14th of March to the 16th of March at the Joburg Theater in Braamfontein, JICF will begin with an opening gala show This Is SatAfrika at 20:00.

Filled with social commentary, satire and a comedic take on where we are as a country today, This Is SatAfrika will be a snapshot of the crazy times that we are living in, complete with the events, people and happenings that make Mzansi the hilarious country that it is. The show will cover everything from sin taxes to slay queens, 20 year challenges to Idibala challenges, Bosasa cheques to elections and everything in between!

Here you can expect to see South African favourites such as Phat Joe, Donovan Goliath and Warren Masemola. Even Desmond Dube will be present, and one can only hope that he doesn’t try to sell us any insurance.

Expect nothing but laughs, giggles and gasps with well over 40 local and international comedians, in 7 shows stretched across 4 days. All of this for your consumption right in your backyard.

Fresh from his critically acclaimed Netflix debut, a show stopping appearance on Live At The Apollo (UK) and a tour of Europe, Loyiso Gola (South Africa) brings his award winning solo show – Unlearning to the Festival. Gola will be taking this very show to the Edinburgh Comedy Festival later this year so best you catch it while you can.

The League of Nations line up will feature hilarious comedians from all over the world showing that comedy really has no borders. The show will be hosted by Conrad Koch & Chester Missing (South Africa) and as announced previously, will be joined in the show by Dane Baptiste (UK), Ali Al Sayed (UAE), Tsitsi Chiumya (South Africa). Now added to complete the line-up is one of UK’s fastest rising stars – ‘the honourable’ Tom Houghton, now a resident of the famous Tower of London!

The Festival will be hosting its first ever Afrikaans comedy show in Schalk Bezuidenhout’s Snorseun. Bezuidenhout has toured this show all over the country to rave reviews and for those wishing to see this prodigious talent performing comedy in his mother tongue, this the show for you!

Stand Up Africa is a laugh out loud comedy show featuring some of the best comedians from our continent. As already unannounced, the undisputed Queen of Comedy – Tumi Morake (South Africa) will be hosting the show supported by the hilarious Daliso Chaponda (Malawi) and rising star Prins (South Africa). Added to this exciting line up are East Africa’s heavyweight champion of comedy Salvado (Uganda) and the award winning Michael Kudakwashe known as Michael K (Zimbabwe).

The Thunderbirds is an all powerful, all conquering and all female trio ofcomedians consisting of the irreverent Nina Hastie, exciting new talent Gilli Apter and arguably the best improv comedian in the country – Claudine Ullman. The Thunderbirds have been touring the country with their off the wall, unhinged, unapologetic and in your face brand of girl power comedy bring their unique show to the Festival for the first time. Fasten your seatbelts boys and girls, this show is one helluva of a ride!

Fire In The Hole is a no holds barred comedy show that’s too raw for television and carries an age restriction of no under 21. As announced, the hosting duties will be left to the dark and twisted comedy genius of John Vlismas (South Africa) supported by the very exciting young star KG Mokgadi (South Africa). Now added to this show are the irrepressible comedy force that is Katie Burch (Australia), arguably the best comedian performing in mainland Europe – Thomas Wiesel (Switzerland) and doing his most hardcore material will be Dane Baptiste (UK). With all of this on the menu, a world class feast of comedy is about to be served!

Tickets are priced between R100 and R300. All shows will be showcased at 163 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, in either the Mandela Theater or The Fringe both at Joburg Theater.

Treat yourself and go have a laugh – you deserve it!