Laugh Africa Comedy Festival returns - bigger, bolder, funnier!

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.

The lineup is star-studded with 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, and Robbie Collins as comedy acts. Added to this stellar lineup are Griff from the USA, Salvado Ombokolo from Uganda and Eric Lu Savali from 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 speculations.

The festival is a dazzling showcase of laugh-out-loud comedy and promises a weekend of side-splitting performances. From Friday, 2 May to Sunday, 4 May 2025, the Sandton Convention Centre - set in the heart of Johannesburg’s bustling business and entertainment district - will once again come alive as a vibrant hub of belly-laughs and festivities. The three-day festival will include a two-night international headline act who will be announced in due course, the roast of a well-known media personality whose identity will also be revealed soon, and other comedy shows across a variety of comedic styles. Fans will see the return of firm favourites along with new acts. A special focus on African acts brings together the continent’s top comedic talent, celebrating diverse cultures, voices, and stories through the universal language of laughter.

In 2024, to take the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival to a wider audience, Showmax released an exhilarating 13-episodes series that featured performances by local comedy darlings and included candid behind-the-scenes content. The festival has clearly won the joy of South Africans, as it has been nominated for Best Comedy Festival/Show at the 12th Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards, which will be held in April 2025. This is another great nod to South African Comedy.

Stuart Taylor, Laugh Africa Comedy Festival Creative Director, says: "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 undertaken 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 personality is still to be announced but judging from last year’s act – a braai will be served.

African comedy for a South African stage

Added to the lineup are two of Africa’s biggest comedians - Salvado Ombokolo from Uganda, and Eric Lu Savali from Kenya.

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 the absurdities of modern living. His magnetic stage presence makes him one of the continent’s most sought-after comedians.

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.

Supporting comedy for African viewers

Tracy-Ann Van Rooyen, Executive Head of Content at Showmax, adds, "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 the 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 even bigger moments, more unforgettable performances, and, of course, plenty reasons to laugh." Secure your ticket to laughter at www.ticketpro.co.za or www.laugh-africa.com.

The festival is open to persons 16 years and older.