GALLERY: A grand comedic gala

The red carpet was lined with stars at the inaugural Comedy Central International Comedy Festival held at Silverstar Casino on 4 December. Not only was it coated with some of Africa’s best comedians, it also had some fantastic international comedians.

The main feature of the night was the gala performance by Jeff Ross. Known for his no-holds-barred attitude to roasting, the audience expected nothing less than enormous comedic blows aimed at the jugular. Ross even called upon some very brave audience members to be roasted by him.

The aim of the gala was to shine a light on African comedy

Among the stellar list of comedic artists who were in attendance were Trevor Gumbi, John Vlismas, Basketmouth, Celeste Ntuli, Darren Simpson, Kurt Schoonraad and Simmi Areff.

Head of Comedy Central Africa, Evert van de Veer said it was awesome to see talent from across Africa.

“It is the first time such an event is taking place and it’s absolutely awesome that it happens first here in South Africa,” said Van de Veer.

John Vlismas, said it was a great festival and it was well curated.

“The standard of South African comedy is quite high,” said Vlismas.

Ross, who was dressed in a shweshwe shirt that had the late former president Nelson Mandela’s face imprinted on it, jokingly said that it was sad that he never got the chance to roast the stalwart.

The night’s biggest winner – who walked away with the title of roast master, bulldozing other comedians with his double-edged one-liners that left everyone in stitches – was Dillan Oliphant. He went up against Dusty Rich who clearly was no match for his quick comedic rebuttals.

Details: Silverstar Casino 011 662 7300.

Related Stories:

SA’s golden boy Trevor Noah returns for comedy festival