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

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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Unveiling Titanic’s Secrets: Digital Resurrection Documentary on National Geographic

Actual Titanic

14 April 2025 marks the 113th anniversary of the R.M.S. Titanic’s sinking – an event that has fueled global fascination for over a century. National Geographic presents TITANIC: THE DIGITAL RESURRECTION, a groundbreaking 90-minute documentary that offers an unprecedented look at history’s most infamous maritime disaster. Using exclusive access to cutting-edge underwater scanning technology, including 715,000 digitally captured images, the special unveils the most precise model of the Titanicever created: a full-scale, 1:1 digital twin, accurate down to the rivet. From award-winning Atlantic Productions, TITANIC: THE DIGITAL RESURRECTION premieres across Africa on Sunday, 13 April at 21:00 (CAT) on National Geographic (DStv 181 and Startimes 220).

View the trailer here

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Mzansi Life and Style Meets …. DJ Doowap

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

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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Empowering Young Dancers: Joburg and Gqeberha Program

Joburg Ballet and Gqeberha’s Carl-Lee of Feet on Fire are proud to announce an extraordinary collaboration with Brown Ballerinas Global (BBG), an internationally-acclaimed initiative dedicated to redefining ballet by championing diversity and inclusion.

This partnership marks a monumental step in South Africa’s ballet landscape, offering young ballet dancers of all cultures, genders and races in both Johannesburg and Gqeberha an unparalleled opportunity to train with world-renowned professionals. Adding to the exemplary opportunity, 10 exceptional dancers from the programme will be selected to travel to the United States for the BBG USA Summer Programme, furthering their exposure to global ballet standards.

Founded by Paula Brown, a celebrated dancer, actress, choreographer, and singer with an illustrious career spanning Broadway, television, film, and global ballet education, BBG was born out of the need to create opportunities for dancers of colour. The organisation first launched at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., through the Social Impact Programme, and in 2023, successfully facilitated a cultural exchange that brought 33 South African dancers to the U.S. to experience world-class ballet training.

“The Brown Ballerinas Global summer intensives were created to foster diversity and inclusion in ballet. By offering these programmes, we empower young dancers, provide mentorship, and create access to world-class training that they may not have otherwise. Our collaboration with South Africa is a natural extension of our mission and an exciting step towards furthering cross-cultural exchange in the ballet world,” said Paula Brown, BBG Founder and Artistic Director.

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