Category Archives: Celebrities

Top Winners of the 12th Annual Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards

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South Africa’s biggest comedy night lit up The Lyric Theatre last night, as the country’s top comedic talent gathered for the 12th Annual Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards. Presented in partnership with Savanna Premium Cider, Mrs. Ball’s, One-eyed Jack, and Comedy Central, this year’s show proved that when it comes to delivering world class humour, Comics Do It Best.

Hosted by power duo Nina Hastie and Carvin H Goldstone, the show blended sharp wit, candid roasts, and heartfelt moments. From Nina’s cheeky wardrobe commentary to Carvin’s suit reveal, the evening kicked off with charm, chemistry, and just the right amount of chaos.

Show highlights included a bold parody musical performance of “Cherry Eyi’ One” by Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards winner, Vafa Naraghi and friends, turning a classic R&B love triangle into an ode to Mrs. Ball’s Chutney. Yum.

KG Mokgadi transformed the news into a comedy set that included jabs at SA politics, and refugee jokes that had the audience rolling — reminding everyone that “comics do news best.”

Mashabela Galane proved he really does it best, presenting the Joe Mafela Award after a five-minute set that reminded the audience why he’s a national treasure.

The Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Award winners for 2025 are:

  • Breakthrough Act of the Year Award: Khanyisa JamJam
  • Best Comedy Festival or Show Award: That’s Not Funny: Moveable Feast Comedy Night
  • The Eb Award, presented by Savanna Premium Cider: Khanyisile Ngwenya 
  • Best Solo Show Award: Robby Collins, Come As You Are Tour
  • Innovative Comedy Performance Award: Céline Tshika
  • Sauce of the Year Award, presented by Mrs. Ball’s: Noko Mashaba
  • Joe Mafela Award: King Flat
  • Headliner of the Year Award: Robby Collins
  • Winners’ Choice Award: Sifiso Nene
  • Comedian of the Year Award: Celeste Ntuli




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Mzansi Life and Style Meets …. DJ Doowap


				

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For South African DJ, performer, and entrepreneur Doowap, music wasn’t just a dream—it was destiny. Raised in a household where creativity thrived, she was surrounded by the sounds of iconic Kwaito acts and the energy of 90s nightlife, thanks to her parents’ ownership of legendary Johannesburg nightclubs like Morgan’s and Insomnia.





“I’ve had such a magical life already—it’s like a movie,” she says, reflecting on her early exposure to artists like Boom Shaka and TKZee. That passion for music, however, took a few detours before becoming her full-time path. Initially a springboard diver representing South Africa, Doowap later moved to Canada and the UK, where she immersed herself in underground music scenes. It was during this time that she discovered Academy of Sound Engineering (ASE) and started studying sound engineering —a decision that would prove pivotal.





“ASE stood out because their team had such a big footprint in the industry,” she explains. “They weren’t just teaching—many of them were working professionals. That meant real-world exposure, which is so important.”




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Kings & Queens of Comedy: Celebrating 13 Years of Laughter


				

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Joey Rasdien
















For over a decade, Kings & Queens of Comedy has been the gold standard of South African stand-up, uniting audiences with laughter and showcasing the best comedic talent the country has to offer. Now, as the brand celebrates 13 years, it returns with a line-up that pays tribute to its roots while embracing the evolution of comedy.





Mark your calendars for two unmissable nights of stand-up royalty on 5 April at Durban ICC and at Emperors Palace, Johannesburg on 12 April when Kings & Queens of Comedy marks this milestone with a show that blends nostalgia, legacy, and fresh, fearless humour.





Durban line-up (in association with East Coast Radio): Darren Maule, Alfred Adriaan, Darren Simpson, Trevor Gumbi, Annalakshmi, Angel Campey, Muthu Murugan, Khanyisa Bunu, Joey Rasdien, Conrad Koch & Chester Missing and Chris Forrest,





Johannesburg line-up: Darren ‘Wackhead’ Simpson, Alfred Adriaan, Annalakshmi, Angel Campey, Muthu Murugan, Khanyisa Bunu, Joey Rasdien, Tracey-Lee Oliver, Chris Forrest and Conrad Koch & Chester Missing.




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Dricus Du Plessis: The Confidence Behind Curve Fragrances


				

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Curve Fragrances, proudly marketed by Elizabeth Arden, is excited to announce its partnership with UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis for its fragrance portfolio in South Africa. As the first South African to win a UFC Middleweight championship title, Dricus embodies Curve’s bold and confident spirit, living life on his own terms and pushing beyond boundaries.






“At Curve Fragrances, we believe that confidence isn’t something you’re given—it’s something you create. It’s about moving forward, evolving, and owning your space in the world. Dricus Du Plessis embodies this spirit perfectly. His journey—from rising through the ranks to becoming South Africa’s first UFC Middleweight Champion—reflects sheer determination, discipline, and an unbreakable mindset. He is the definition of what it means to be #ConfidentWithCurve. Life is full of curveballs, and how you handle them truly defines you.”— Maggie Wang, Head of Marketing, Elizabeth Arden & CDH Fragrances.




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Vote for Your Favorite Comedian at the Savanna Comedy Awards 2025


				

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Get ready for a night of laughter, legends, and a little bit of chaos (the good kind) as we unveil the powerhouse duo steering the comedy ship at the 12th Annual Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards: none other than Nina Hastie and Carvin H Goldstone.





These two comedy titans will take the stage as your hosts, armed with razor-sharp wit, undeniable charm, and a talent for keeping audiences on their toes (and in stitches). With Nina’s fearless, no holds barred humour and Carvin’s storytelling genius, we’re in for an unforgettable night at The Lyric Theatre on Saturday, 12 April 2025.





A night like this deserves an epic cast, and in addition to our amazing MCs, we’re delivering just that. Bringing the funny are some of SA’s top comedic talents, including:





    

  • Mashabela Galane – The king of vernac comedy, ready to drop punchlines that’ll have you gasping for air.
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  • Kagiso KG Mokgadi – His deadpan delivery is sharper than your grandma’s tongue on a Sunday morning.
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  • Céline Tshika – Serving laughs, class, and a side of absolute sass.
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  • Mel Jones – A comedic powerhouse with stories so relatable, you’ll wonder if she’s been spying on your life.
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  • Thabiso Mhlongo – A fresh voice with fresh takes and a knack for turning the mundane into the hilarious.
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  • Bexta – Bringing the heat with fast-paced, punchline-packed stand-up.
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And many more still to be announced!




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