SOMAHLAYA from Mpangeni, Celeste Ntuli, is on the verge of making history by winning the Comedian of the Year award two years in a row at the annual Savanna Comics Choice Awards which returns to Gold Reef City, Johannesburg, on May 2.
Last year Celeste, who is also an actor, defeated Kagiso KG Mokgadi, Khanyisa Bunu, Bobby Collins and Sifiso Nene.
Talking about receiving the award, he said: “It means a lot to me to receive this award because I’ve been doing comedy for 20 years, so to receive it at this time was very good. I’m actually still shocked. Thank you to everyone who supported me and everyone cheered me on. I’m at a loss for words.”
This time he was paired with Dillan Oliphant, Kagiso KG Mokgadi, Mpho Popps and Sifiso Nene.
This will be the 13th annual awards for comedians.
The show will be hosted by Jason Goliath, Donovan Goliath, Nicholas Goliath and Kate Goliath.
Voting for the three voting categories is now open on the awards website and will close at midnight on April 15.
The total list of nominees is as follows:
Savanna Newcomer Award
- #PrinceK
- Akhil Maharaj
- Nishen Pather
- Rae the Rain
- Sjika Da Thirdborn
Headliner of the Year Award
- Celeste Ntuli
- Dylan Oliphant
- Peace KG Mokgadi
- Gift Popps
- Skhuma Hlophe
Comedian of the Year Award
- Celeste Ntuli
- Dylan Oliphant
- Peace KG Mokgadi
- Gift Popps
- Big Sifiso
Best Solo Show Award
- Chester Missing & Conrad Koch – Puppet Power
- Dillan Oliphant – Ma Se Kind
- Khanyisa Bunu – Teacher DropOut
- Prins -Comedian
- Sifiso Nene – Because of Success Tour
Joe Mafela Award
- Mashabela
- Siya Seya
- Skhuma Hlophe
- Summary
- TT Party
Innovative Comedy Performance Award
- Céline Dirty
- Conrad Koch & Chester Missing
- Keith Sweat
- Rob van Vuuren
- Jasmine Barnes
Beyond the Mic Award
- Kagiso Lediga – The voice of young Rafiki, The Lion King
- Lazola Gola – Voice of Trevor, in South Africa’s first ever independent game: Relooted
- Trevor Gumbi – Leading role in Cop & a Half
- Tumi Morake – Role in 1st Totem problems, a 2D short produced by Giraffics in Egypt
- Tumi Morake – Voice of Luso, in South Africa’s first ever independent game: Relooted
Best Friend of Comedy Award
- Bash Daniels
- Thank you Dube
- Loyso Gola
- Shanray
- Jasmine Barnes
The Legacy Award
- David you
- Kagiso Vacant
- Loyso Gola
- Skhuma Hlophe
- Trevor Gumbi
Voted for by the people:
Best Comedy Festival or Show Award
- Armchair Comedy
- Bioscope Sundays
- Bioscope Sundays Comedy Festival
- Celeste Ntuli and The Big Dudes
- Ground Culture Comedy
- Jive Funny Championship
Breakthrough Act of the Year Award
- Chuma Bentele
- Bad
- Linde Sibanda
- Far Gudazi
- Panch Gasela
Comedic Content Award
- Chester Missing & Conrad Koch
- Dylan Oliphant
- Peace KG Mokgadi
- Dry hair
- Vafa Naraghi