Global comedy icon Trevor Noah is officially coming home, but he isn’t just bringing a new set—he’s bringing an entire movement. In a surprise media briefing that caught the industry off guard, Noah, alongside comedy veterans Eugene Khoza and Ntosh Madlingozi, announced a massive nationwide initiative: South Africa’s Festival of Comedy.
Partnering with Savanna, the project is designed as a “renaissance” for the local industry, aiming to revitalize live stand-up after the lingering effects of the pandemic.
The “National Team” of Comedy
This isn’t your standard comedy tour. The festival introduces a unique, sports-inspired structure dubbed “Bafunny Bafunny,” treating South African comedy like a national squad:
- Lead Curator: Trevor Noah
- Vice Captain: Eugene Khoza
- Coach: Ntosh Madlingozi
The goal is to blend household names with the “finest comedians you don’t know yet,” providing a massive platform for emerging talent to shine alongside international stars.
Tour Dates & Vision
Noah’s vision is to recreate the visceral, “can’t breathe” laughter that only a live, large-scale comedy show can provide. The festival will roll out over several months, culminating in massive arena shows:
- September 2026: Opening at SunBet Arena, Pretoria.
- Late 2026: Major showcase at GrandWest Casino, Cape Town.
- Format: 5 Shows across 3 Cities.
“It’s all about stand-up comedy. A physical comedy show… there is nothing like it. A grand scale of stand-up comedy that leaves you laughing until you cannot breathe,” Noah shared during the briefing.
Supporting the Ecosystem
While the arena shows are the headline, the “Bafunny Bafunny” team is urging South Africans to support the entire comedy food chain. Eugene Khoza emphasized the importance of attending smaller club gigs and supporting rising performers to truly “make comedy funny again.”
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, 29 April 2026.
