As the deadline for entries to the Jive Funny Championship looms on Thursday, April 16, a record number of more than 115 aspirant comedians are ready to present their routines to the panel of judges on Saturday, April 18.
At stake is a prestigious spot on the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival bill, working alongside some of the world’s top performers. Each performer has no more than three minutes to present their work to funny festival director, Eddy Cassar, and former Jive Funny Championship winner and event organiser, Yaaseen Barnes.
“Saturday is going to be a long day, as we get to see all the entrants perform at the Canal Walk Auditorium,” said Mr Cassar.
“It’s long but thrilling to witness the creativity, vision, and courage of the entrants.”
Former winner of the Jive Funny Championship, Yaaseen Barnes, who now organises the talent search, says winning changed his life.
“I am living my dream."
There are so many avenues one can follow in the comedy space, performing is just one of them, said Mr Cassar.
”Learning from the past Jive Championships, it is very difficult to find just one winner, so we decided to select another four top performers and introduce their acts, one per week, to the Funny Festival audience."
“We are excited for the championship because every year has brought fresh talent and has given a platform to aspiring comedians. The weekly shows, which run from 22 April to 20 May, are going to be exceptional,” said Mr Barnes.
From all the entries, twenty-four comics are selected and organised into four groups of semi-finals. Each week, one finalist goes through to the finals on Wednesday, May 20.
Each semi-final is held at the Canal Walk Auditorium at 8pm. Tickets are available through Webtickets.