Robby Collins Set To Host The 2024 Savanna Newcomer Showcase

As the 11th Annual Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards returns to celebrate the very best in local comedy this April, the awards are set to host a series of events in the lead-up to the big night.

What has fast become one of the country’s most anticipated comedy events of the year, the first of the lead-up events; the Savanna Newcomer Showcase, is set to come to Sandton for the very first time.

The showcase was founded in 2013 as a platform for up-and-coming comedians to each have five minutes on stage to show the comedy industry, casting agents, talent scouts, and comedy promoters what they’re made of, all in the hope of building their careers and being nominated in the Savanna Newcomer Award Category.

This intimate event is now one of the hottest things on the comedy circuit, and is attended by the best comedians in the country, who join the media to come out and show their support and to discover the ‘next big thing’.

The 20 newcomers who are being flown in from all over the country to show off their comedic chops are: Mzonke Maloney, Wesley Paulse, Emile Alexander, Obakeng Moroe, Zachary Esau, Chuma Bentele, Céline Tshika, Molokela Makola, Sipho Luther, Thula Sithole, Kaashif Stellenboom, Nhlanhla Biokgantsho Shabangu, Khabane Moloi, Lerato Sokhulu, Nolwazi Nkwandla, Callum Hitchcock, Sarah Abraham, Mick Pillay, Vincent Joseph, and Mr Chase.

The fast-paced, two-hour show will be hosted by last year’s Comedian of the Year winner Robby Collins, who will be on hand to support the newcomers and guide the audience through an afternoon of uproarious entertainment. “There is so much great new talent coming onto the local comedy scene so I’m so excited to be hosting this year’s showcase,” Robby shares. “Get ready to laugh your socks off as we spotlight the absolute best from the fresh faces in comedy – it’s gonna be a blast!”

“This is one of the highlights of our year in Comedy”, comments Kayla Hendricks, Senior Brand Manager of Savanna Premium Cider. “The Savanna Newcomers Showcase, in particular, gives us, our partners in the industry and fans of SA comedy the opportunity to see our latest local talent shine ahead of choosing the Savanna Newcomer of the Year at the prestigious Savanna Comics Choice Comedy Awards in April. This is a partnership that holds accountability for Savanna and its contributions to SA comedy – and a legacy we are so proud and so very excited to continue this year.”

The Savanna Newcomer Showcase takes place on Sunday, 21 January 2024 at the Theatre on the Square, Sandton.

The event kicks off with a complimentary Savanna for all guests at 16h00, setting the stage for an unforgettable comedy experience.

The show begins at 17h00, ensuring a tightly packed two-hour window of non-stop laughter, concluding at 19h00. Guests are invited to rub shoulders with the comedians and enjoy drinks and a DJ after the show.

Not only is the Savanna Newcomer Showcase a night of entertainment, but it also serves a greater purpose. All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards funding an incubator workshop designed to nurture and support emerging comedic talent, ensuring a bright future for the next generation of South African comedians.