Showmax and Laugh Africa Comedy Festival are proud to announce headline act Deon Cole

Hailing from the South Side of Chicago, USA, the inimitable Deon Cole will be bringing his sharp-witted, comedic, deadpan style to the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival stage.

Known for his standout performances on Black-ish and Grown-ish, where he plays the eccentric yet lovable Charlie Telphy, Cole is a massive name in the comedy and film industries. On the TV show Black-ish, his character’s quirky commentary and unpredictable behaviour brought a fresh dynamic to the ensemble. He carried that same energy into Grown-ish, reprising his role as Charlie in the spin-off, where he continued to deliver laughs with his signature off-kilter wisdom.

Cole’s South Side upbringing has been a huge influence on his comedic perspective and storytelling style. His unique blend of deadpan delivery with observational humour has earned him a dedicated following. As both an actor and a writer, he is well-respected in the film industry and has numerous accolades to his name. For his work on Black-ish, Cole is a 10-time NAACP Award winner and a two-time SAG Award nominee. For his work as a writer on Conan, Cole is a three-time WGA Award Nominee and one time Emmy nominee. He was also nominated for two Emmys for his work as a writer on The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien. In 2022, he hosted the BET Soul Train Awards.

On the comedy stage, Cole brings a refreshing honesty, often drawing from personal experiences, pop culture, and everyday absurdities. His sharp comedic presence has graced some of the biggest stages in the industry, including the prestigious Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal, and the Chicago Comedy festival.

Offstage, Cole’s style and charisma have made him a lifestyle icon in his own right – effortlessly bridging the gap between comedy, culture, and cool. Whether he’s commanding a comedy club or turning heads at fashion events, he always keeps it real and hilarious.

“I love South Africa – the energy and vibe are pure magic, and I’m beyond excited to be the headline act at the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival,” says Deon Cole. “Trust me, we’re going to make some unforgettable memories together!”

Stuart Taylor, Creative Director, Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, says: “Deon Cole is a standout performer in modern comedy. He has cemented his reputation both in the United States and internationally, and we are thrilled to have him as our headline act at the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival this year. He’s not only one of the sharpest comedic voices of our time, but he brings a style and presence that truly resonates with our audience. We’re immensely excited to welcome him to the continent – it’s going to be an exhilarating experience!”

Tracy-Ann Van Rooyen, Executive Head of Content Strategy at Showmax, adds: “Deon Cole is a powerhouse – effortlessly funny, wildly original, and instantly relatable. His unique comedic style has captivated audiences globally, and we’re thrilled to be part of bringing him to South Africa for the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival. It’s moments like these that showcase Showmax’s commitment to world-class entertainment that resonates with local audiences.”

Celebrating comedy

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, at the Sandton Convention Centre, the three-day festival will include Deon Cole’s two-night international headline act, five other comedy shows across a variety of comedic styles, and the roast of a well-known personality whose identity will be revealed soon. Secure your ticket to laughter at www.ticketpro.co.za or www.laugh-africa.com.

About Laugh Africa Comedy Festival

The Laugh Africa Comedy Festival is a groundbreaking new event in the comedy landscape. It transcends borders, languages, and cultures under the banner of laughter, providing a unique platform for both established and emerging comedians from around the world. This festival is not just an event; it’s an experience that celebrates comedic artistry and connects performers with audiences in an unparalleled celebration of humour.

Dive deeper into what’s brewing at the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, visit our website at www.laugh-africa.com. Also, follow the laughter on Instagram (@laugh_africacomedyfest), X (@LaughAfricaCom), TikTok (@laughafricacomedyfest), and Facebook (@LaughAfricaComedyFest).