The Jive Cape Town Funny Festival’s development campaign, The Jive Funny Championship is back and on the hunt for South Africa’s next comedy star. The social entrepreneurship initiative started way back in 1997 has developed many comics still active in the industry today. Cape Community Media, who has been a sponsor of The Funny Festival for many years, will follow the Funny Championships from beginning to end.
Hosted by multi-award-winning comedian Yaaseen Barnes, a past winner himself, the annual competition aims to uncover the country’s funniest new voices and give them the opportunity to perform alongside world-renowned acts at the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival.
Barnes says, “Even in the toughest times, South Africans have proven to be some of the funniest people around. This competition is about finding the voices who can take that everyday humour and own it on stage. The Jive Funny Championship is a powerful stepping stone for young comedians ready to begin their careers.”
The competition is open to everyone – from social media content creators and natural-born jesters who keep their friends laughing, to undiscovered comedians performing on the underground stand-up circuit.
The championship has consistently launched promising careers. Previous winners include Nkosinathi Maki (2022), Mzonke Maloney (2023), Jaryd Pillay (2024) and Mbali Gudazi (2025) all of whom have gone on to perform at the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival, and who are making inroads in the comedy industry.
Barnes encourages comedy lovers to get involved: “If you think you’re funny – or know someone who is – enter and take your shot. Or come be an audience member and see the next wave of comedy in South Africa.”
This year’s judging panel features some of South Africa’s best comedians, including KG Mokgadi, Mel Jones, Dalin Oliver, Simmi Areff, Stuart Taylor, Riaad Moosa and Funny Festival director Eddy Cassar.
“I love witnessing the progress of the participants in the industry, particularly the winner, who gets to perform alongside top international artists for the entire month. The progress is magical to watch” says Cassar. “To extend the feeling of working on the Festival, we have decided to select four up-and-coming contestants to deliver a short routine at the Funny Festival, one per week”.
The Jive Funny Championships runs from 22 April to 20 May 2026 at Canal Walk Auditorium. Tickets for the heats cost R60 and can be bought through Webtickets. The Jive Cape Town Funny Festival then follows at the Baxter Theatre from 28 May through till 21 June.
Keep following both the Jive Funny Championships and the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival with Cape Community Media.
Interested in winning over the crowd? Entries open on 23 March 2026 via the official website, with auditions taking place on 18 April 2026 at the Canal Walk Auditorium.
Step up to the mic and show us what you’ve got!
For more information, visit jivefunnychampionship.co.za or WhatsApp 063 893 0823 and see funnyfestival.co.za for more details.
Media Enquiries:
Yaaseen Barnes
073 464 9526
Eddy Cassar
082 4503151