And the winner of the Comic ’ s Choice is...
THE Comic’s Choice Awards 2012 rocked the Teatro at MonteCasino in northern Johannesburg with the largest gathering of the comedy industry under one roof in the city on Tuesday night.
Now in their second year, the awards have grown in stature to become an annual fixture on the country’s comedy calendar.
The event has actually become the place to see South Africa’s up-and-coming comedians perform alongside some of the finest established acts on circuit.
The well-organised show included appearances by established comedians like Casper de Vries, Dave Levinsohn, Mark Banks, Robert Whitehead and fastrising Mpho “Popps ” Modikoane.
No speeches were allowed during the show. Some of the winners had the appreciative crowd in stitches with their jokes.
One of the evening’s funniest moments was when a naked man played the piano on stage.
The night was summed up with an after party at Parker’s Comedy & Jive, where Kaya FM DJs treated guests to some funky music.
Here is a list of comedians who won top honours:
The Times Comic’s Pen Award was won by Alyn Adams who competed with heavyweights, Kagiso Lediga, Loyiso Gola and Vittorio Leonardi.
The Audience’s Choice Award went to Sifiso Nene who beat established and well-known nominees Trevor Noah, Eddie Eckstein and Deep Fried Man.
All was not lost for Noah, who is known for delivering show-stopping material, as he scooped the Comic of the Year Award. Noah beat funny men Riaad Moosa, Nik Rabinowitz and Loyiso Gola, who all went home empty-handed this year.
Dillan Oliphant took the Newcomer Award. He beat Jason Goliath, Donovan Goliath and Monique Nortjé.
The BlackBerry Breakthrough Act Award went to Tats Nkonzo.
This assured comedian, whose material is original and very funny, competed against Deep Fried Man, Robby Collins and Mpho “Popps ” Modikoane.
The Lifetime Achiever Award went to Joe Parker.