Laugh Africa Comedy Festival to Make History with Eddie Griffin and a Diverse Line-up of 50 Acts

The South African entertainment scene is set to light up with laughter as the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, brought to life through a partnership between Savanna Premium Cider and Showmax, prepares to open its doors from April 5th to 7th, 2024, at the prestigious Sandton Convention Centre. This groundbreaking event will feature Eddie Griffin, the American comedy giant, as its headliner among an eclectic roster of 50 local and international comedy acts.

As the first of its kind, the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival embraces South Africa's linguistic and cultural diversity by featuring performances in English, Setswana, Sepedi, IsiZulu, and Afrikaans. This decision not only caters to a broader audience but reinforces the festival's commitment to giving a louder voice to South African artists in an industry often dominated by English-language content.

The comedy fest will stretch over three creatively designed stages, promising an unforgettable experience for festival-goers, as emphasized by creative director Stuart Taylor. According to Taylor, the festival aims to go beyond a traditional comedy show format, offering a full-fledged journey of humor that connects attendees with the sheer breadth and diversity of comedic talent.

Fans can look forward to uproarious sets by South African stars such as Celeste Ntuli, Trevor Gumbi, Tumi Morake, Chris Mapane, and Mashabela. The homegrown comedian Alfred Adriaan and a selection of social media comedy content creators will take their talents from the digital realm to the live stage, enriching the festival's dynamic program.

In addition to stand-up acts, one of the highlights is anticipated to be the roasting of Minnie Dlamini, a renowned South African TV presenter and actress, adding variety and an element of surprise to the event's content.

Savanna's senior brand manager, Kayla Hendricks, emphasized the brand's legacy of nurturing local comedic talent. She declared the festival to be the latest initiative in their ongoing efforts to support and elevate African comedians. The Laugh Africa Comedy Festival is not only a celebration of the art of comedy but also a platform for launching emerging comedians into the international comedy scene.

Moreover, Showmax is capitalizing on this one-of-a-kind festival by securing its spot as the official streaming partner. After the conclusion of the festivities, Showmax will release a comprehensive 13-part comedy stand-up series, much to the delight of entertainment enthusiasts who are unable to attend in person. Laura Cooke, the head of PR and communications at Showmax, underscored the significance of delivering this unique comedy special to their subscribers throughout the continent, expanding the reach of African comedy to new heights.

Together, Savanna and Showmax are pioneering a comedy festival that promises to celebrate African humor, unveil new comedic voices, and provide an inclusive platform where laughter knows no boundaries. With Eddie Griffin leading the troupe and the blend of languages and cultural nuances, the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival is set to be a monumental event in the South African entertainment calendar.