Laugh Africa Comedy Festival 2025: Laughter, Legends & the Helen Zille Roast You’ll Never Forget

The Laugh Africa Comedy Festival 2025 had Sandton Convention Centre echoing with roars of laughter from 2 – 4 May 2025. This second edition wasn’t just a sequel—it was a full-blown comedic blockbuster. Designed to unite cultures, crack borders, and deliver non-stop entertainment, Laugh Africa is more than just a comedy festival—it’s a global comedy movement.

The festival brings together a diverse range of comedic voices—from international legends to rising local stars—under one roof. Think Comic Con, but swap the cosplay for comedians and the superpowers for savage punchlines.

Headliner Shuffle: From Deon Cole to Faizon Love at Laugh Africa Comedy Festival 2025

Originally, the international spotlight was meant to shine on Deon Cole, known for his razor-sharp wit on Black-ish and Grown-ish. However, due to a last-minute medical emergency, Cole had to bow out. Stepping in? None other than Faizon Love—the man whose face you know even if the name didn’t ring a bell. You’ve seen him in Mr. Bones, Friday, and Real Husbands of Hollywood. Spoiler: the man delivered.

Laughter, Local Legends, and One Roasted Politician

Day 1 of the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival 2025 was nothing short of fire (the good kind). The line-up brought a diverse mix of comedy styles, unapologetic humour, and moments that had us laughing until our stomachs hurt.

Opening Stand-Up Acts That Slayed

• Isaac Gampu had us rolling with his sketch on being a rich black man adopting a white child—basically flipping the script in the most hilarious way.
• Griff bridged cultural gaps with a witty breakdown of life in South Africa vs. America. (Yes, he clocked us on the pap-eating form.)
• Rob van Vuuren, back with his own show after MCing last year, brought physical comedy mastery and bizarre brilliance to the stage.
• Celeste Ntuli, our comedic queen, closed the segment with her take on modern dating (or “mjolo” in 2025). She walked off with a standing ovation—and rightfully so. She is the Savanna Comedian of the Year, after all.

The Showmax Roast of Helen Zille: An Instant Classic

Now for the main event. If comedy was war, The Showmax Roast of Helen Zille was a nuclear strike. Hosted by roast masters Tumi Morake and Trevor Gumbi, the panel was stacked with a hilarious mix of entertainers, intellectuals, and reality TV icons—because why not?

The Roast Panel

• Loyiso Gola – Emmy-nominated and sharp as ever.
• Bongani Bingwa – Journalistic precision with a comedic jab.
• Rian van Heerden – Outrageously unfiltered.
• Zwai Bala – Kwaito royalty turned roaster.
• JJ Tabane – Politics and punchlines? Check.
• Mel Viljoen – Real Housewife meets real hot takes.
• Londie London – Glam and sass with a side of smoke.
• Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh – Dropped knowledge and jokes in equal measure.
• Coconut Kelz (virtually) – Still problematic, still hilarious.
• Patricia de Lille – Surprise guest and surprise slayer.

But let’s talk about the woman of the hour: Helen Zille. She didn’t just take the jokes—she served them back on a silver (possibly colonial) platter. Her comebacks were smart, savage, and spectacular. Who knew the former Mayor of Cape Town could throw hands in roast format?

This roast? Legendary. Helen Zille may have just secured her spot as the funniest aunty in SA politics.

Want More Laughs?

Catch up on all the action and see what’s coming next at Laugh Africa Comedy Festival. Whether you’re a die-hard stand-up fan, for the giggles, or just in it for the chaos of a roast, Laugh Africa Comedy Festival 2025 has firmly earned its spot as the continent’s premier comedy showcase.