Johannesburg, South Africa, 25 March 2024 - With just a few weeks to go until the Showmax Roast of Minnie Dlamini, the panel set to heckle the media personality has been announced. The lineup is star-studded with two celebrated TV broadcasters, an award-winning Youtuber, an actor activist, a cut-throat journalist, a South African rapper, and two local comedy bigwigs.

At the Roast Master helm are comedy heavyweights Tumi Morake and Jason Goliath – both will ensure that the jests and jabs hit nowhere else but below the belt. The selected panelists are Trevor Gumbi, Shahan Ramkissoon, Celeste Ntuli, Lasizwe, Penny Lebyane, Da L.E.S, Siv Ngesi and Robert Marawa.

The Showmax Roast of Minnie Dlamini, which marks day one of the much-anticipated Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, will be recorded live on the 5th of April 2024, and will air exclusively on Showmax from the 26th of April 2024.

Stuart Taylor, Laugh Africa Comedy Festival Creative Director, says: “Putting this panel together has been a nail-biting yet thrilling task, a cocktail of chaos wrapped in laughter, affection, and a celebration of the one and only Minnie Dlamini. Thank you to everyone who has ridden shotgun alongside me on this rollercoaster ride!”

Laura Cooke, Head of PR & Communications at Showmax, says: “African-centred comedy and entertainment is part of what Showmax is about, so there is no doubt the roast of Minnie Dlamini will thrill our audiences all over the continent.”

3 Days of Pure Laughter
The Savanna and Showmax Laugh Africa Comedy Festival will take place from the 5th - 7th April 2024 at the Sandton Convention Centre, with over 50 comedians across three genres - English, Vernacular and Afrikaans.

The festival line-up is a melting pot for South Africa’s diverse comedy scene and features both renowned and up-and-coming fan favourites including Eugen Khoza, Alfred Adriaan, Chantal Jaxx, Chris Mapane, Conrad Koch, Trevor Gumbi, Dalin Oliver, Kate Pichuck, Kedibone Mulaudzi, KG Mokgadi, Lindy Johnson, Mashabela Galane, Mel Jones, Celeste Ntuli, Nonto R, QDube, Rob van Vuuren, Rory Petzer, Sifiso Nene, Skhumba Hlope, Thabiso Mhlongo, Devon Saunders, Dillan Oliphant, Melt Sieberhagen, Hannes Brummer, Jam Jam The Comedian, Tumi Morake and Vafa Naraghi.

Eddie Griffin comes to Mzansi
The internationally acclaimed comedian Eddie Griffin is set to headline the festival, performing on Saturday and Sunday evening. Eddie, popularly known from his hit sitcom “Malcolm and Eddie,” is known for his electrifying stage presence and unique style. With a career spanning numerous stand-up specials and over 50 film appearances, Griffin's participation is a testament to the festival's prominence.

A stage for social media comics
As a first at a comedy festival, Laugh Africa is introducing an exclusive stage for social media comics, where popular social media comedy sensations will join the traditional stand-up acts, by adding a chuckle or two to the lineup. The stage is proudly, and aptly, sponsored by chuckles.

Introducing the Festival Pass
Attendees will require only one pass to access all shows on their ticketed days, with each day consisting of 4 to 5 different acts. The Festival Pass allows you to dive into a sea of laughter brought to you by Savanna Premium Cider and Showmax.

EDITORS NOTE: More about the Roasters and the Panelists

Jason Goliath
Jason is a stand-up comedian, MC, facilitator, actor, and television presenter. He recently appeared in Laugh out Loud with Trevor Noah and is a co-presenter on the television gameshow Celebrity Game Night. A career highlight was a spot-on Kevin Hart’s special at the Just for Laughs Festival in Canada.

Tumi Morake
Tumi has steadily grown into a trailblazer for performers on the African continent. She has channelled her comedy into writing, acting, and producing. Today, she is one of the most sought-after headlines acts globally. She is the current host of the award-winning celebrity reality TV show Sunday Sexy Love.

Siv Ngesi
Siv began performing at the age of 9 as Gavroche in Les Misérables. Not only did he tour Asia with the show, but he also sang at Nelson Mandela’s birthday party. An award-winning comedian he has performed at every venue and to every audience possible in South Africa, as well as in the United Arab Emirates, UK, and USA.

Shahan Ramkissoon
Shahan is a dynamic force in the world of media, celebrated for his unwavering commitment to delivering impactful journalism. With a captivating presence as both Executive Producer and Host of The Last Word with Shahan Ramkissoon, he commands attention with his thought-provoking insights and probing interviews.

Penny Lebyane
Penny is a multi-levelled media practitioner, with over 20 years’ experience in both Radio and Television. Her career started at community radio station The Voice of Soweto, and from there she moved on to host many other shows on both TV and radio, including ETV's Sunrise, and Motswako on SABC2. She is a Global Citizen Champion of Change Ambassador.

Lasizwe
Lasizwe is a multifaceted South African media personality with a unique blend of humour and insightful interpretations of everyday human behaviour. He is a TV host, YouTuber, and social media sensation, creating and starring in the reality TV show "@Lasizwe: Fake It Till You Make It" on MTV Africa.

Robert Marawa
Robert is one of continents most iconic and decorated sports anchors, as well as an author and media personality. Robert has amassed both local and international sports awards. He has a YouTube channel called Marawa TV and, in 2022, published his first book, Gqimm Shelele: The Robert Marawa Story.

Celeste Ntuli
Celeste both starred in and produced the film Looking for Love, available on Showmax. She co-hosted the widely popular Sunday television show Our Perfect Wedding, leading to her hosting a spin-off Gift of love. She has been the recipient of numerous awards including two SA Comic Choice Awards.

Da L.E.S.
Da L.E.S. is a sought-after performer inaugurated into the South African hip hop hall of fame. He has graced stages alongside Kelly Rowland, Rick Ross, T-Pain, 2Face, Kendrick Lamar, and Big Sean. He took victory on Tropika Island of Treasure season 5, earned the title of GQs best dressed multiple times, and has received numerous music awards.

Trevor Gumbi
With his sharp wit, unmistakable charm and thought-provoking comedy style, Trevor
Gumbi has been entertaining audiences for over 20 years. A few career highlights include Netflix’s – How To Ruin Christmas as Uncle Siya Twala for three seasons. Trevor also entertained us on Rockville, Thandeka’s Diary and Black Tax.

Ticket Prices range from R340 for general access, making the festival accessible to all comedy lovers. Tickets, and the festival line up, are available on www.ticketpro.co.za or www.laugh-africa.com. The festival is open to people 18 years and older.

-- ENDS --

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 a 3-day experience that celebrates comedic artistry and connects performers with audiences in an unparalleled celebration of humor.

About Showmax
Showmax, launched in 2015 and available in more than 40 markets across the continent, is a leading African streaming service. It offers a unique combination of original African content, first and exclusive international series, popular movies, premium documentaries, and the best kids’ shows, and a mobile-only product to watch the Premier League (PL). For more information, visit https://www.showmax.com/.

To learn more about the festival, please visit www.laugh-africa.com and follow us on @Laughafricacomfest on IG, @Laughafricacom on X, @Laughafricacomfest on TikTok and on Laugh Africa Comedy Festival on FB.For media queries, please contact:
Didi Masoetsa
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
+27 81 828 7660