The Savanna Newcomer showcase takes place on the 31st of May at the Soweto Theatre. We talked to the previous winners of the showcase about their careers in comedy.
2013 Winner: Dillan Oliphant
How has your experience in the industry been since winning the Savanna Newcomers Showcase?
It’s been awesome. Not just Jehovah Witnesses, but opportunities have knocked at my door. I have gone on to do bigger arena shows like David Kau’s Blacks Only. I’ve also appeared on TV shows, and just recently got to tour and release a DVD alongside Trevor Noah.
What advice do you have for 2015’s hopefuls at the Savanna Newcomer Showcase?
Just do what you think is funny. Believe in your material and the audience will do the same; and don’t do drugs.
What has been your greatest accomplishment as a comic?
Thus far, it’s having my debut one man show Oliphant In The Room at the Market Theatre sold out.
If you weren’t a comedian, what would you be?
I can’t imagine being anything else.
2014 Winner: Loyiso Madinga
How has your experience in the industry been since winning the Savanna Newcomers Showcase?
It has been a good confidence boost. It’s a relatively small industry of comics, but the high standards we hold mean that recognition from your peers tells you that one day you might actually get paid to do this.
If you weren’t a comedian, what would you be?
I would be an eyewitness.
What advice do you have for this year’s finalists?
If you’re not at least working as hard as the hardest worker, you know you might as well quit.
What type of comedian would you say you are?
I still hold that there are only two types of comedians; the ones who are funny and the ones who are not. Nobody cares about the latter.
