Popps, Naraghi, Lottering big winners at comedy awards
MPHO “Popps” Modikoane, Vafa Naraghi and Sifiso Nene were some of the biggest winners at the 11th Annual Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards.
Held over the weekend at Gold Reef City’s Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg, the ceremony saw some of Mzansi’s most celebrated comedians awarded in categories such as stand-up comedy, comedic writing and content creation.
Modikoane, who was also the event’s host, won the coveted Comedian of the Year Award.
Naraghi received the Breakthrough Act of the Year Award and the Sauce of the Year Award, presented by Mrs Ball’s.
Nene received the Best Solo Show Award for his comedy segment and the Joe Mafela Award.
Other winners included Robby Collins, who took the Headliner of the Year Award; Callum Hitchcock, who won the Savanna Newcomer Award; and Kagiso Lediga, who won the Best Comedic Writer Award.
Industry veteran Marc Lottering won the prestigious Hall of Fame Award and Costa Carastavrakis the upLiFTing Comedic Content Award.
Insurance company King Price was awarded the Funny is Funny Award for their Generating Gees advertising campaign and Bioscope Sundays won the Best Comedic Show/Festival Award.
Each winner received a Waldo trophy as well as a R10 000 cash prize.
The ceremony blended comedy with music. It kicked off with Mojak Lehoko, who was the awards show’s writer.
Attendees were also entertained by Modikoane, who opened the show and highlighted South Africa’s recent triumphs on global and local stages, with shout-outs to the likes of Grammy Award-winning musician Tyla and Dricus du Plessis, the first South African to win an Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Another memorable moment during the ceremony was when Alfred Adriaan awarded Lottering with the Hall of Fame Award. This recognises the comedian’s immense contributions to the industry over the decades.
Lottering has written over 20 oneman shows and created three critically acclaimed musicals.
The awards will be aired on Comedy Central (DStv Channel 122) on May 18.