Even in the toughest times, South Africans have proven to be some of the funniest people around, and the hunt is on for the next comedy star who can take that everyday humour and own it on stage, says multi-award-winning comedian and past Jive Funny Championship winner Yaaseen Barnes.
This year, Cape Community Media (CCM) is proud to extend its partnership with the Jive Funny Festival by joining as the official media partner of the Jive Funny Championship, which is back for another year of discovering fresh comedic talent.
The competition aims to uncover the country's funniest new voices and allow them to perform alongside world-renowned acts at the main festival.
"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," Mr Barnes said.
The social entrepreneurship initiative, which started in 1997, has developed many comedians still active in the industry today.
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, last year, all of whom have gone on to perform at the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival and are making inroads in the comedy industry.
“If you think you’re funny or knowsomeone 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, whogets to perform alongside top international artists for the entire month. The progress is magical to watch,” said Mr Cassar, adding that to extend the feeling of working on the festival, four up-and-coming contestants will be selected to deliver short routines, with one performing each week.
The Jive Funny Championships run from Wednesday, April 22, to Wednesday, May 20, 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 Thursday, May 28, through to Sunday, June 21.
Keep following both the Jive Funny Championships and the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival with Cape Community Media.
Entries open on 16 April 2026 via the official website, with auditions taking place on Saturday, April 18, at the Canal Walk Auditorium.
For more information, visit jivefunnychampionship.co.za or WhatsApp 063 893 0823.