It is believed that South African comedians are very funny but the truth is not all of them can make you laugh. The South African comedy industry has seen a lot of promising young talents gain so much recognition and rise to stardom.
Through this post, we will be taking a look at the best comedians in South Africa. They are not just only the top best comedians in South Africa but also one of the richest comedians in the country.
Here are the top 10 best comedians in South Africa today and some of their achievements.
1. Trevor Noah
This is the man South Africans love so much and really look up to. Trevor Noah is a radio and television host and is also a worldwide recognized comedian. Since he became the host of “The Daily Show”, an American satirical news programme on Comedy Central, he has gained international recognition. He became the first South African comedian to appear on the “The Tonight Show” and has also made so many other international appearances. He has also won many numerous awards for Outstanding Literary Work in the Biography/Auto-Biography, South Africa’s comic choice award and Daily Show Best Host.
2. Barry Hilton
Barry can boast of a comedy career spanning a whopping three decades and six continents. After six years of working as an electrician, he decided to take on something different which led to him becoming a comedian in South Africa.
He is regarded as an influence in the South African comedy industry and has contributed a lot in shaping the comedy scene. Barry was awarded the Lifetime Achiever Award by local comedians at the annual Comic’s Choice Awards.
3. Riaad Moosa
Moosa has really achieved so much in his career as a comedian. He performed at the Baxter Theatre in January and February 2013, with a show called “What’s Next”. Moosa was also famed for being a doctor as well as starring in the film Material. He has also gone on tours throughout South Africa, Africa and the United Kingdom.
4. Mpho Popp
Mpho was one of the contestants on the “So You Think You Funny” show. In 2015, he launched a one-man show Exhibit A at the Gold Reef City’s Lyric Theatre and he has also participated in the dancing show on SABC 3 “Strictly Come Dancing”.
5. Deep Fried Man
Deep Fried Man is a well-known South African musical comedian and writer that is based in Johannesburg. His real name is Daniel Friedman and he adopted his stage name because “it went along with the kind of musical comedy I wanted to do, which was an unhealthy kind of comedy”.
6. David Kau
While studying at the University of Cape Town, David discovered that he had the ability to make people laugh. He decided to follow his passion which actually paved the way for him to become South Africa’s representative at the 2001 “Just for Laughs” Comedy Festival in Montreal, Canada.
7. Tats Nkonzo
This is a man South Africans should watch out for as he is set to break out and establish himself as a comic force to be reckoned with. Nkonzo actually brings a flavour to comedy in South Africa which is unrivalled and this is done with intellect and a guitar.
8. Marc Lottering
Marc has been in the comedy business for over 13 years and has never stopped making audiences laugh across the country and abroad. He is considered an all-time South African favourite and his self-scripted one-man shows which often feature his unique and popular characters continue to play to packed houses.
9. Skhumba Hlophe
Skhumba Hlophe who is also known as Big Banger is a popular South African comedian, radio presenter and actor. He is best known for his role as Dlamini in the feature film Taxi Ride and its spin-off series which also bears the same name.
10. Tumi Morake
She is the only lady on our list of best South African comedians. Tumi is multi-talented as she is an actress, writer, presenter and also a comedian. She won a Golden Horn award in achievement in Scriptwriting in Television Comedy. Tumi Morake graduated from Wits University where she studied Drama.
