WATCH: Chomi Ya Jeso wins Savanna Newcomer of the Year Award
"Comedy is not a location or the friends you keep: it's your craft." - James Mahlokwane.
JAMES ‘Chomi Ya Jeso’ Mahlokwane won the Savanna Newcomer of the Year Award at this year’s Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards at The Lyric Theatre on September 7.
He made history by being the first vernacular comedian to win this award. The awards saw an unequalled celebration of African comedy excellence in its ninth spectacular year.
It was the one night of the year where comedians, friends and fans of comedy came together to see who the comics of the continent have voted for as the best among them.
Each year the Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards sets the standard for premium comedy production.
This ninth edition, themed Funny Money, was no exception. Funny Money is an original musical where a young hero comes to Jozi to realise his dream of becoming a comedian.
He navigates the treacherous and thrilling world of clubs and corporates, managers and agents – all in pursuit of Funny Money.
The show had comedians and industry types rolling in the aisles and cheering as they recognised familiar characters and situations.
The real stars of the show, however, were the 12 magnificent Waldo statuettes, created by master craftsman David Bolam. With over 360 registered comedians eligible for the awards, taking home a Waldo means the industry has put you in the top 3.3 per cent of the profession.
This year, the Waldos went to:
1. Best Friend of Comedy – Joe Parker
2. Savanna Newcomer – Chomi Ya Jeso
3. Next Level – Tsitsi Chiumya
4. Headliner of the Year – Mpho ‘Popps’ Modikoane
5. Audience Choice Award – PelePele Mchunu
6. Savanna Pan African Comic of the Year – Long John The Comedian
7. Native Tongue – Siya Seya
8. Flying Solo – Celeste Ntuli
9. Comic’s Pen – Kagiso Lediga
10. Savanna Comic of the Year – Loyiso Gola
11. Comedy G – Celeste Ntuli
12. Lifetime Achiever – Soli Philander
Savanna Premium Cider is the main sponsor of the Comics’ Choice Awards. Lazola Dali, marketing manager for Savanna at Distell, said: “Nurturing comedic talent in South Africa is a real passion for Savanna Premium Cider, given that dry, sharp-witted humour is part of our brand’s DNA.
“Comedians are the charismatic mavericks of society, which is something Savanna can relate to, as the cider that corrupted the apple.
“We are excited about the Savanna Newcomer of the Year category for 2019, as we see it as a reflection of how the comedy industry is thriving on our continent.
“We know we will see great things from this year’s winner, Chomi Ya Jeso, soon, and I personally am looking forward to seeing his career flourish over the next few years.
“We hope to see South African comedy go from strength to strength in the coming years.”
Soli Philander, the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented with his Waldo by his childhood friend, Doreen Morris. The duo spoke nostalgically about growing up in Elsie’s Rivier and their adventures in show business.
WATCH:
Chomi Ya Jeso said he thanks all the comedians who voted for him.
“I deserved this one and you guys came through and voted for talent. Thank you to all the comics who can’t even understand vernacular, but voted and sent screenshots to show they chose to vote for me.
“To every village and township boy and girl, the doors have been opened for you. Comedy is not a location or the friends you keep: it’s your craft. Thank you South African comedians for the confidence. Thank you Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards and all the sponsors.”
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