Johannesburg International Comedy Festival returns

The biggest independent international comedy festival in Africa will bring together over 50 local, continental and international comedians, performing in 13 shows across six venues in a three day spectacle.

Once again, very different shows will feature a diverse spectrum of comedians providing a unique multi-sensory comedy experience of an international standard across the festival.

“Local favourites will perform alongside some of the most talented comedians on the continent, as well as across the globe right here in the City of Gold!” says festival founder and director, Takunda Bimha, “which is the manner we chose to celebrate local and continental talent on equal footing and weighting with international talent. We hope to continue in this vein and become Africa’s proud representative on the international comedy circuit."

“The vision is to create a comedy festival in the truest sense,” adds Bimha, “by creating a platform that will contribute to the continued growth and development of standup comedy, both locally and on the continent, whilst enhancing the appreciation for standup comedy as an art form.”

All the shows at the second Annual Johannesburg International Comedy Festival will be hosted by local comedians. And, the vibrant inner city district will create an atmosphere that allows people to explore and enjoy their city beyond the comedy.

The list of shows as well as their host’s reads as follows:

Stand Up Africa

The funniest comedians from across the length and breadth of the African continent. Six comedians from six different countries celebrating the very best standup comedy found in Africa today. Hosted by Tumi Morake.

League of Nations

Speaking the universal language of laughter! This show knows no borders or boundaries! Featuring six international comedians in one rocking set, a truly unique UN comedy experience! Hosted by Joey Rasdien.

Fire In The Hole

Warning: Many holy cows were injured in the making of this show! There is fire in the hole and no prisoners will be taken! No holds barred! Not for the faint hearted, this show will leave you feeling like the altar boy that got into the communion wine! No under 21’s! Hosted by John Vlismas.

Vernac Attack

All the jokes in this show are told in their mother tongue. Featuring some of the best comedians performing ‘vernac comedy’ in South Africa today. Hosted by Tips Shampoonaiza.

Live From Constitutional Hill

Celebrating trailblazing female talent both locally and internationally in one of the most iconic venues in the city! We celebrate our freedom by bringing an art form that pays tribute to our emancipation on the very grounds of the old Women’s jail. Hosted by Celeste Ntuli.

Downtown Comedy Jam

This show features six of the foremost urban comedy acts performing in South Africa today. You ain’t got street cred if you miss this one night only, stellar lineup tearing up the inner city! Hosted by Donovan Goliath.

Comedy For Change

This lineup of socially conscious comedians shed light on issues affecting our world today. This is comedy with a message in its debut showing at the festival this year. Hosted by Conrad Koch and Chester Missing.

Late Night Show

The last show of every night features an array of comedians from all the other shows and they perform with a live jazz band on stage. Hosted by Tats Nkonzo.

The second year of the festival promises to be exhilarating feast of comedy and if the tagline for this year’s campaign which is #DeclareTheFunny is anything to go by, it’s one not to be missed.

Tickets for the Johannesburg International Comedy Festival can be purchased at www.ticketpros.co.za with a variety of ticketing options.
For more information and updates, log on to www.jicf.co.za, like www.facebook.com/JICF.SA/, follow @JICF and #JICF on twitter and Instagram.