7 South African stand-up comedians that bring the laughs

South Africans are the friendliest and most down-to-earth people on the planet. Fact! What makes us easy-going and relatable is that we’ve got a great sense of humour. We know how to laugh at ourselves – we’ve been there, done that and got the Technicolor t-shirt.  

To celebrate our culture, our people and our uncanny ability to poke fun at ourselves – meet a magnificent selection of top South African stand up comedians ready to get you laughing out loud.  

1. Nik Rabinowitz 

When it comes to South African comedy legends, Nik Rabinowitz is one of the names that’s sure to come up in conversation. The comedian, actor and impressionist has international clout, having performed across several continents and appeared at The Royal Albert Hall as well as on BBC 2’s Mock the Week.  

In his comedy special Unmuted, the local stand up delivers on post-lockdown jitters as he breaks from the Zoom room to meet audiences at the Baxter Theatre after an enforced hiatus in a pink flamingo t-shirt. Talk of comedy-set censorship quickly ramps into the madness of the times. 

2. Neil Green 

A popular comedy act, Green’s infectious spirit, stage presence and boundless wit have made the radio host a rising comedy star. Known for his edgy observational comedy, or what some would call raw honesty, he tells it like it is. Having performed at uptown theatres and legendary comedy venues alongside some of the country’s top acts, he’s proven himself again and again.  

In his comedy special Last Boss, the stand-up wields the microphone like he was born with it. From his “struggle” home where he made unauthorised peanut butter and jam sandwiches, Green grapples with identity and social politics with a smile on his dial.  

3. Tumi Morake

One of the most successful female comedians in South African history, Tumi Morake has shared stages with the nation’s best, making appearances at everything from the Funny Festival to 46664. A celebrated comic with an edgy and risqué brand of comedy, she’s also branched into acting, racking up a serious number of film and TV roles. 

Arriving on the Laugh Africa stage in serious high heels and there to dance the night away, the acclaimed Morake has good reason, with a number of firsts for an African woman under her belt. Getting to grips with her audience, the charming and talented stand-up has a knack for transforming her personal experiences into side-splitting comedy. 

4. Sifiso Nene 

It’s difficult to argue with someone when they literally win a talent search competition called So You Think You’re Funny! Sifiso Nene hasn’t looked back since his dream of becoming a comedy show script writer was steered into a career in stand-up. From David Kau to Kagiso Lediga, the rising talent has continued to ply his lifelong love for comedy with some of the best. 

The comic and actor launched The Comedy Basement and has left a trail of one-man stand-up shows in his wake. In his hilarious Laugh Africa performance, Nene discusses healthcare and how living in Sandton is all that it’s cracked up to be with his trademark storytelling and sharp-witted observations. 

5. Dillan Oliphant 

When it comes to dead-pan comedy, Dillan Oliphant is one of the best – winning legions of fans over a short space of time. Oliphant is a trailblazer, having garnered the Newcomer of the Year Award at the SA Comic’s Choice Awards and landing the coveted opening spot for Trevor Noah’s best-selling comedy tour of That’s Racist. 

Known for his incisive one-liners, the provocative and one-of-a-kind local comic has gone from stage to screen with many TV appearances. Now one of the headline acts at Laugh Africa, the award-winning stand-up cleverly undresses and navigates identity and race politics with a twinkle in his eye.  

6. Conrad Koch 

Puppets are people too. Top comedy ventriloquist Conrad Koch is one of the few comedians at risk of being outperformed by his own sidekick, Chester Missing (watch their Laugh Africa performance to see why!). The first recipient of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation’s Anti-Racism Award, Missing has interviewed top politicians, written a book and become so much more than a glorified prop to the International Emmy-nominated comedian. 

The award-winning duo have tackled systemic racism and white privilege in post-apartheid South Africa, winning scores of fans through the Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola. For Koch, quitting his day job to do stand-up comedy wasn’t ever an option, having obtained a master’s degree in social anthropology.

7. Eugene Khoza 

Born short in Pretoria, it seems Eugene Khoza was destined to become a stand-up comedian. A self-confessed “outsider”, the up-and-coming talent made the semi-finals at Laugh Out Loud, won the Ricoffy Comedy Challenge and has co-hosted alongside Trevor Noah.  

Best known for co-hosting the SABC 1 sports show Countdown, Khoza has ratcheted up numerous one-man shows and made appearances at top comedy showcases, including Blacks Only, and the Heavyweight Comedy Jam. In his performance at Laugh Africa, he delivers a cutting critique on modern masculinity with an edgy and entertaining social commentary. 

Need more motivation to unleash the laugh riot that is the first season of Laugh Africa? Look no further than Celeste Ntuli, Skhumba Hlophe, Alfred Adriaan, Chris Mapane, Nonto R, Chantal Jaxx and Mashabela Galane!