Showmax Presents the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival
Showmax presents the return of Laugh Africa Comedy Festival in May 2025. The 2024 festival was immensely popular, and the 2025 festival will build on that success with an even bolder lineup, more laughter, and an expanded showcase of top comedic talent from across Africa and beyond.
Last year’s festival brought the house down with a stellar lineup of the country’s funniest comedic favourites and rising stars, headlined by the razor-sharp American comedian and actor Eddie Griffin. This year, the festival is throwing the net wide to include comedy heavyweights from across the African continent.
Star-Studded Comedic Lineup
The lineup features an incredible mix of top-tier comedians from South Africa and beyond:
South African Comedy Icons
- Felix Hlophe
- Trevor Gumbi
- Eugene Khoza
- Celeste Ntuli
- Nina Hastie
- Angel Campey
- Allan Committie
- Rob Van Vuuren
- Jam Jam the Comedian
- Kagiso ‘KG’ Mokgadi
- Mark Banks
- Nonto R
- Robbie Collins
International Comedy Stars
- Griff (USA)
- Salvado Ombokolo (Uganda)
- Eric Lu Savali (Kenya)
The international headline act to top Eddie Griffin’s wildly explosive performance is yet to be revealed, and the rumour mill is spinning with speculation.
A Weekend of Laughter and Entertainment
The Laugh Africa Comedy Festival is a dazzling showcase of laugh-out-loud comedy and promises a weekend of side-splitting performances.
Event Details
- Dates: Friday, 2 May to Sunday, 4 May 2025
- Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
- What to Expect:
- A 2-night international headline act (announcement coming soon)
- The Roast of a well-known media personality (identity to be revealed soon)
- A variety of comedic performances across different styles
Fans will see the return of firm favourites along with exciting new acts. A special focus on African comedians brings together the continent’s top comedic talent, celebrating diverse cultures, voices, and stories through the universal language of laughter.
Laugh Africa Comedy Festival: A Recognized Success
In 2024, Showmax released an exhilarating 13-episode series showcasing performances by South Africa’s comedy darlings, including exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
The festival’s success has been acknowledged with a nomination for Best Comedy Festival/Show at the 12th Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards, set to be held in April 2025—a major milestone for South African comedy.
Stuart Taylor on the Festival’s Growth
Stuart Taylor, Creative Director of Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, shares:
“Following the amazing success of last year’s festival, we knew we had to come back bigger, bolder, and funnier. This year, we’re casting the net wider, bringing together some of the best comedic talent from across Africa to create a truly continental celebration of laughter. From household names to rising stars, the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival is set to be an unforgettable showcase of humour that unites us all.”
An Unforgettable Roast
The Laugh Africa Comedy Festival has been touted as the biggest, most ambitious comedy festival on the continent and will yet again host the much-anticipated Roast of a prominent South African media personality.
Last year’s roast of Minnie Dlamini delivered jests, jabs, and rollicking humour that was as cringeworthy as it was entertaining. This year’s mystery guest has yet to be revealed, but if last year was anything to go by—a braai will be served!
African Comedy Takes Centre Stage
The festival welcomes two of Africa’s biggest comedians:
Salvado Ombokolo (Uganda)
With a natural gift for comedy, Salvado Ombokolo has taken his uniquely Ugandan comedic flair to global stages, earning acclaim for his hilarious takes on everyday life, cultural quirks, and modern absurdities. His magnetic stage presence makes him one of the continent’s most sought-after comedians.
Eric Lu Savali (Kenya)
Kenya’s own Eric Lu Savali is known for his high-energy performances, quick wit, and bold punchlines. With a career spanning over a decade, he has solidified his place as one of East Africa’s top comedians, blending satire, personal anecdotes, and social commentary into his act. His ability to navigate cultural nuances with humour makes him a crowd favourite.
Showmax Supports African Comedy
Tracy-Ann Van Rooyen, Executive Head of Content Strategy at MultiChoice, states:
“After the huge success of last year’s festival and our 13-part comedy series, it’s clear that African audiences have a massive appetite for homegrown humour. At Showmax, we’re proud to continue supporting and showcasing incredible talent across the continent, bringing even more laughter to our viewers. Comedy is a powerful connector, and this year’s Laugh Africa Comedy Festival promises to deliver **bigger moments, more unforgettable performances, and of course, plenty of reasons to laugh.”
Get Your Tickets Now!
Secure your ticket to laughter at:
Age Restriction: 16 years and older.
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