Following the unfortunate withdrawal of Deon Cole due to an unforeseen medical emergency, the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival has announced that legendary American comedian and actor Faizon Love will now take the spotlight as the event’s international headliner.
Famous for his unforgettable roles in cult classics such as Friday, the holiday favourite Elf, and hit comedies like Couples Retreat, Money Talks, and The Perfect Holiday, Faizon Love brings over three decades of comedic excellence to South Africa’s biggest comedy celebration. His dynamic career includes standout appearances in Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood, Blue Crush, The Parent ‘Hood, Real Husbands of Hollywood, Black-ish, and The War with Grandpa alongside Robert De Niro.
“Faizon brings a unique blend of sharp wit, cultural commentary, and undeniable stage presence that perfectly aligns with the spirit of the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival. We’re incredibly excited to welcome him to the lineup.”
says Stuart Taylor, Creative Director of the festival
Love will headline the festival on Saturday, 3 May, and Sunday, 4 May 2025, at the Sandton Convention Centre, closing out the three-day festival with his signature brand of unfiltered humour and larger-than-life charisma.
What to Expect at the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival
Spanning three days, the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival is the continent’s premier comedy event, uniting a mix of local legends, breakout stars, and global icons across a range of comedic styles and formats.
One of the major drawcards is the Showmax Roast of Helen Zille, hosted by co-Roast Masters Tumi Morake and Trevor Gumbi, who will lead a blistering panel featuring:
- Loyiso Gola
- Bongani Bingwa
- Rian van Heerden
- Zwai Bala
- JJ Tabane
- Mel Viljoen
- Coconut Kelz (virtual)
- Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh
- Londie London
- A surprise wildcard appearance by Patricia de Lille
The festival also proudly highlights African comedic excellence with performances by:
- Felix Hlophe
- Eugene Khoza
- Celeste Ntuli
- Nina Hastie
- Angel Campey
- Alan Committie
- Rob Van Vuuren
- Jam Jam the Comedian
- Kagiso “KG” Mokgadi
- Mark Banks
- Nonto R
- Robbie Collins
International comedians joining Faizon Love include Griff (USA), Salvado Ombokolo (Uganda), and Eric Lu Savali (Kenya).
Get Your Tickets
Tickets are now available at www.ticketpro.co.za and www.laugh-africa.com. The festival is open to ages 16 and older.
Don’t miss this chance to witness Faizon Love live in Johannesburg and experience the best comedy Africa (and the world) has to offer.
