Nigerian comedy superstar Basketmouth is set to appear at the first ever Comedy Central International Comedy Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa. The annual, super-sized comedy extravaganza, staged by comedy channel Comedy Central and Savanna Premium Cider will bring African and international comedy stars together under one roof for a hilarious, world-class celebration of comedy genius.
Playing to packed audiences at the Silverstar Casino, Johannesburg, South Africa from 26 November-5 December 2015,the Festival will combine spectacular gala concerts with more intimate Late Night Comedy shows and side-splitting Open Mic sessions, themed specials, late-night sketch shows, spontaneous street theatre and Improved comedy “happenings”.
Representing Nigeria, Basketmouth will bring his own distinctive brand of funny to the Festival in the form of a star-packed Best of Africa comedy showcase (5 December) that promises to emulate the success of his sell-out comedy spectacular “Comedy Central Presents Lord of the Ribs” Ugandan comedian Salvado will also join the line-up.
Trevor Noah, fresh from his hosting duties at The Daily Show, will kick off the Festival with gala performances of his upcoming SA tour, NationWild, at The Globe (26-28 November), while US stand-up legend and Comedy Central’s “Roastmaster General” Jeff Ross will make his first ever trip to South Africa to head The Roast Gala (Friday 4 December). Representing South African comedy will be Schalk Bezuidenhout, who will feature in The Afrikaans Comedy Show (Saturday 5 December), and Goliath & Goliath. Further comedians will be announced at a later date.
Trevor Noah commented ‘It’s always so much fun performing with this many amazing comedians and Comedy Central Africa has done an amazing job of putting on this world-class festival.” Jeff Ross Quipped about the upcoming festival, “I’m so excited to be performing in South Africa for the first time that not even the vuvuzelas can drown me out.”
Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa commented,
“As we celebrate Viacom International Media Networks Africa’s tenth anniversary, we are excited to launch this definitive comedy festival on the continent. The Comedy Central International Comedy Festival provides a great platform for African and international comedians to showcase their amazing talent to comedy fans”.
The Comedy Central International Comedy Festival Brought to you by Savanna produced by Comedy Central (Africa) in association with Creative Director and renowned South African comedy producer and entrepreneur Ryan Harduth.