Dazzling. Glamourous. Hilarious. Unexpected. Unforgettable.
These are just some of the words to describe last night’s return of the Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards. After a three-year hiatus (and lots of changes and hard work behind-the-scenes), the 10th edition of the awards announced, honoured and celebrated the best of the best in comedy and comedic content creators.
Held at The Galleria in Sandton on Saturday 15 April 2023, comedians, celebrities, influencers and comedy-loving fans went all out, dressing to impress for the “Birthday Black Tie” theme. Just some of the famous faces that were spotted included Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp, Pabi Moloi, Nina Hastie, Candice Modiselle, Donald, Mbali Nkosi, Sandile Mahlango, Rob Forbes, Rozanne McKenzie, Chris Forrest, Kim Jayde and more.
From camera flashes popping on the red carpet to live DJ sets, world-class production and staging to electric performances and unstoppable energy, it was a night to remember. Happy 10th birthday, Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards! It’s back!
Of course, the highlights of the night were the announcements of the 10 winners – and a very special show moment to honour the Hall of Fame recipient, Alan Committe.
The 2023 winners are (in order of how they were announced during the awards show):
Breakthrough Act of the Year Award
Nonto R
Savanna Newcomer Award
Wazi M Kunene
Hall of Fame Award
Alan Committie
Best Comedy Festival or Show Award
Johannesburg International Comedy Festival
Sauce of the Year Award, Presented by Mrs Ball’s
Dillan Oliphant
Funny Influencer Content Award
Robby Collins – For the campaign: Pothole FM by Joe Public & Dunlop
Funny is Funny Award
King Price – For the campaign: #TestTickles by Freckle
UpLIFTing Comedic Content Award, Presented by LIFT
Rory Petzer
Best Solo Show Award
Kagiso KG Mokgadi
The Joe Mafela Award
Nonto R
Comedian of the Year Award
Robby Collins