Savanna has the apples to support SA comedy
Savanna Premium Cider, an avid supporter of comedy bringing laughaholics a taste of the best medicine for the past 20 years, is a mainstay of South African stand-up and the development of new talent.
Since the launch of Savanna in 1996, comedy has been part of the brand’s DNA – not just through the left-of-centre characters in iconic TV commercials, but also by developing young comedians and supporting comedy festivals and shows throughout the country.
“There is no doubt that we South Africans all need to laugh more and Savanna certainly has the apples to make this happen!” says Tania Kotze, Savanna SA Marketing Manager.
“In the sharp-witted world of Savanna, with its signature take on intelligent humour, we are proud to be associated with the Newcomer Showcase – discovering new talent and helping young people forge their careers in comedy,” adds Kotze.
In addition to playing its part in shaping the future of South African comedy by sponsoring the Newcomer Showcase and the Comics’ Choice Awards, Savanna is a keen supporter of popular comedy venues and has been responsible for bringing top international and African stars to South African audiences. Savanna also offers comedians the opportunity to showcase their talents in their unconventional television commercials.
In March this year, Savanna brought international comedy giant Kevin Hart to local fans on his first ever visit to South Africa as part of his record breaking international “What Now?” Tour. This followed shortly on the heels Savanna’s sponsorship of the Comedy Central International Comedy Festival where local kingpins of comedy shared the stage with some of Africa’s headline performers including Ugandan comedian Salvado and Nigerian superstar Basketmouth. American stand-up legend Jeff Ross and the country’s most famous American export, Trevor Noah, were also part of the festival.
Alongside these major sponsorships, comedy fans can join Savanna Premium Cider to support local stand-up acts at regular gigs at The Cape Town Comedy Club and Parker’s Comedy and Jive in Johannesburg.
More about the Savanna Newcomer Showcase 2016
Twenty of SA’s up-and-coming stand-up comedians will compete at the Savanna Newcomer Showcase at the Soweto Theatre on Sunday, 29 May. The Savanna Newcomer Showcase is the first of several comedy events on the 6th Annual South African Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards® calendar. Each of 20 new comedians, many of whom have never performed to a large theatre audience before, will have five minutes to perform a stand-up comedy set and compete for nominations for the 2016 Savanna Newcomer Award. These acts will be interspersed with sets by past winners. The show starts at 16h30 but doors open at the Soweto Theatre at 14h30 for a pre-show shish nyama, banging house tunes from Kaya FM DJ’s and a complimentary Savanna Premium Cider on arrival. Tickets at R100 are on sale at www.webtickets.co.za, Pick n Pay stores and www.sowetotheatre.co.za.