The return of the Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards was a dazzling, glamorous, hilarious, unexpected, and unforgettable event. After a three-year hiatus, the 10th edition of the awards celebrated the best of the best in comedy and comedic content creators. In this article, we recap the event and list the winners in order of announcement.
The Night of the Awards
Held at The Galleria in Sandton on Saturday, 15 April 2023, the awards show was a star-studded event attended by comedians, celebrities, influencers, and comedy-loving fans. The theme for the night was “Birthday Black Tie,” and the attendees went all out dressing to impress. Some famous faces spotted include:
- Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp
- Pabi Moloi
- Nina Hastie
- Candice Modiselle
- Donald
- Mbali Nkosi
- Sandile Mahlango
- Rob Forbes
- Rozanne McKenzie
- Chris Forrest
- Kim Jayde
The Awards and Winners
The night’s highlights were the ten winners’ announcements, including a special moment to honour the Hall of Fame recipient, Alan Committie. Each winner did five minutes of stand-up in place of an acceptance speech, which kept the audience in stitches. In the order of how they were announced, the winners are:
Breakthrough Act of the Year Award
Nonto R
Savanna Newcomer Award
Wazi M Kunene
Hall of Fame Award
Alan Committie
Best Comedy Festival or Show Award
Johannesburg International Comedy Festival
Sauce of the Year Award, Presented by Mrs Ball’s
Dillan Oliphant
Funny Influencer Content Award
Robby Collins – For the campaign: Pothole FM by Joe Public & Dunlop,
Funny is Funny Award
King Price – For the campaign: #TestTickles by Freckle
UpLIFTing Comedic Content Award, Presented by LIFT
Rory Petzer
Best Solo Show Award
Kagiso KG Mokgadi
The Joe Mafela Award
Nonto R
Comedian of the Year Award
Robby Collins
Alan Committie couldn’t attend the awards show as he was performing his show at Montecasino. He accepted his trophy live from stage via video link-up between the two venues. Long-time friend Eddy Cassar presented Alan with his award, and Alan delivered a heartfelt thanks to the industry for honouring him.
The show was hosted by comedian heavyweight and Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards winner Loyiso Gola. He closed the show with fellow comedian Nina Hastie when they presented the pinnacle of the night, the Comedian of the Year Award.
Special Show Moments
The show opened with a surprising in-flight safety briefing that transformed into an entertaining live dance performance by award-winning, internationally recognised choreographer and DJ Courtnaé Paul, accompanied by comedian cum dancer Ambrose Uren.
A surprise show moment saw drag artist sensation, Edó, perform a captivating live-singing piano medley. At the same time, “flight attendants” handed out complementary Savanna Ciders and Grumpy Snacks to enthused guests to keep the festivities high.
Refreshed and Modernised Awards Trophy
The Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards trophy was also refreshed and modernized and is now lighter and sleeker. The refreshed trophy, lovingly called Waldo, was revealed at the event.
Television Specials
For those who missed the main awards or the Savanna Newcomer Showcase, Me Channel 115 will broadcast two TV specials that will allow fans to experience it for the first time or relive the moments.
The 60-minute Savanna Newcomer Showcase special will air on Me Channel 115 on Saturday, 6 May, at 19:00. The Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards special will air on Saturday, 13 May 19:00.
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