Showmax brings the laughs with 13 stand-up comedy specials

Showmax is bringing the laughter this September with 13 brand-new stand-up comedy specials. These include Sifiso Nene, winner of the Joe Mafela Award and Best Solo Show at the 2024 Savanna Comics Choice Awards, not to mention previous Comedian of the Year winners Skhumba Hlope and Tumi Morake, as well as the queen of Zulu comedy Celeste Ntuli. The full lineup includes Alfred Adriaan; Chantall Jaxx; Chris Mapane; Conrad Koch; Eugene Khoza; Dillan Oliphant; Q Dube; Mashabela Galane; and Nonto R. 

Watch the trailer for Laugh Africa Comedy Festival

The stand-up comedy specials were recorded live at The Laugh Africa Comedy Festival (LACF) earlier this year, which also hosted The Showmax Roast of Minnie Dlamini. 

With the Laugh Africa stand-up comedy specials available to binge on Showmax from this Friday, 20 September 2024, Zibuyile Dladla chats to Nene, who has also won the Audience Choice twice at the Comics Choice Awards, as well as the reality show So, You Think You’re Funny? 

What’s the one thing you appreciate about the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival?

I appreciated the idea behind the entire concept and how it was executed – everything from the actual live festival to the stand-up episodes now being available to stream on Showmax. 

It’s rare to see local comedy content being executed and packaged like this; it encourages comedians to bring their A-game on stage. 

And having a legend such as Eddie Griffin as the headline performer was huge for South African comedy. 

I can only hope that such festivals will change people’s mindset so they realise that it is worthy of funding and putting it out there.

Who were your fave sets at LACF?

I enjoyed what everyone had to offer; the standard was high and everyone brought their A-game.

What’s the biggest challenge you face as a comedian?

The biggest challenge is that comedy isn’t considered an art form that is worth funding. People in high places still don’t understand comedy or that it’s an art form that has monetary potential and value. You’ll come across certain events where government departments will come to the party and sponsor various art forms but, when it comes to comedy, I don’t seem to see the same level of support and interest. It is not well funded. It’s very much a “by-the-way” form of entertainment for some people. 

How important is it to you to use comedy as a tool for social commentary?

It’s always been important, and now more than ever. Our job as comedians is to talk about and make light of the uncomfortable subjects and social issues that people are afraid to discuss.

Is there a subject you think should be off-limits in comedy, or is everything fair game?

I honestly think no subject is off limits, especially when a comedian has an experience with a particular topic. But it all depends on how you approach each situation that you turn into a joke, so that, even if you are talking about a sensitive subject, people still find the humour in your delivery, rather than feel offended.

What’s the most unexpected place you’ve found comedic inspiration?

It isn’t easy to pinpoint a specific place because everyday life is where I get comedic inspiration. I find content everywhere – from doing my groceries to just observing the news. Inspiration is everywhere for me. I’ll even find inspiration in a hospital. Can you imagine finding inspiration in a place filled with sickly people? But I do. I don’t have an inspiration limit. My job is to be in the know, and that’s what people will experience with my episode.

How do you test your new material? And how do you know people will take an interest in it?

In the comedy scene, we have something called club gigs. These are small live shows where we test our raw material. This is the best way for me to hone my skills and to see if a joke sticks or not.

Once I’ve tested the material and feel that the audience responded to my jokes, I then decide to perform to larger audiences. 

What do you think makes a good comedian stand out from the rest?

What makes a comedian stand out is their originality and relatability. Even if you may talk about one subject as comedians, your take should always be different from everyone else. Be unique and find your style.

Why should audiences watch the Laugh Africa comedy specials on Showmax?

It’s some of the best work that you’ll ever see from the South African comedy industry!

The Showmax Roast of Minnie Dlamini, which was also hosted at The Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, is also available to stream on Showmax.