Felix Hlophe
Image: Supplied
In May 2025, Showmax is bringing back the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, and this time, it’s even louder, sharper, and packed with an unstoppable wave of comedic talent. If last year’s festival was a riot, this year promises a full-on comedy coup.
The 2024 edition left audiences gasping for air, headlined by the razor-sharp Eddie Griffin, who delivered a performance so electric it practically rewired Johannesburg’s entertainment scene.
Now, 2025 is raising the stakes, widening its reach, and amplifying the laughter with a lineup that’s stacked with some of Africa’s finest comedic minds—plus a few international surprises.
This year’s festival brings the who’s who of comedy royalty in South African comedy. The line up includes heavyweights like Felix Hlophe, Trevor Gumbi, Eugene Khoza, Celeste Ntuli, Nina Hastie, Angel Campey, Allan Committie, Rob Van Vuuren, Jam Jam the Comedian, Kagiso ‘KG’ Mokgadi, Mark Banks, Nonto R, and Robbie Collins.
But that’s not all—international acts Griff from the USA, Salvado Ombokolo from Uganda, and Kenya’s Eric Lu Savali are joining the lineup to bring their own brand of humour to South African audiences.
The international headline act, set to top Eddie Griffin’s 2024 performance, remains a well-guarded secret. Speculation is already running wild, and anticipation is at an all-time high.
From May 2nd to May 4th, the Sandton Convention Centre—Johannesburg’s epicentre of glitz, business, and entertainment—will transform into comedy’s ultimate playground.
The festival promises a three-day marathon of laughter, featuring a two-night international headline act, a roast of a mystery media personality (last year’s brutal and brilliant takedown of Minnie Dlamini set the bar high), and a variety of performances spanning different comedic styles.
Fans can expect the return of their favourite comedians alongside fresh new acts, all while celebrating Africa’s comedic diversity. With a special emphasis on African talent, the festival aims to bring together the continent’s best and brightest to share stories, voices, and cultural nuances—all through the universal language of laughter.
If there was any doubt about the impact of the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, its nomination for Best Comedy Festival/Show at the 12th Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards puts it to rest.
Following the festival’s 2024 success, Showmax capitalized on its momentum by launching a 13-episode comedy series that mixed electrifying performances with behind-the-scenes antics.
It was a hit, solidifying the festival’s place as a premier comedy event in South Africa.
Stuart Taylor, the festival’s Creative Director, is clear about the vision: bigger, bolder, and funnier. “Following the amazing success of last year’s festival, we knew we had to come back bigger, bolder, and funnier.
This year, we’re casting the net wider, bringing together some of the best comedic talent from across Africa to create a truly continental celebration of laughter.
From household names to rising stars, the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival is set to be an unforgettable showcase of humour that unites us all.”
And it’s not just about the laughs—this festival is about representation. With standout acts like Uganda’s Salvado Ombokolo and Kenya’s Eric Lu Savali, the event highlights African comedy’s ability to cross borders.
Ombokolo’s satirical takes on everyday life and cultural oddities have made him one of Africa’s most sought-after comedians, while Lu Savali’s quick wit and fearless punchlines have cemented his status as one of East Africa’s best.
Together, they bring a fresh energy that blends satire, personal experiences, and social commentary.Tracy-Ann Van Rooyen, MultiChoice’s Executive Head of Content Strategy, sees this as more than just a festival—it’s a movement.
“After the huge success of last year’s festival and our 13-part comedy series, it’s clear that African audiences have a massive appetite for homegrown humour. At Showmax, we’re proud to continue supporting and showcasing the incredible talent across the continent, bringing even more laughter to our viewers.Comedy is a powerful connector, and this year’s Laugh Africa Comedy Festival promises to deliver even bigger moments, more unforgettable performances, and, of course, plenty reasons to laugh.”
With its unfiltered humour, an all-star lineup, and a growing reputation as Africa’s biggest comedy event, the 2025 Laugh Africa Comedy Festival is set to be nothing short of legendary. The only question left: Who’s ready to laugh till it hurts?
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