He Bombed. He Won. He’s Back: Khanyisa Jam Jam Opens Up in Laugh Africa Comedy Club Special
This June, Showmax takes viewers inside the world of African comedy with Laugh Africa Comedy Club, a four-episode series showcasing raw laughs, behind-the-scenes moments, and stand-out performances from the continent’s fastest-rising comedic voices. All episodes are now available to binge from 13 June on Showmax.
Among the standout acts is Khanyisa Jam Jam, recently crowned the 2025 Comics’ Choice Breakthrough Act of the Year. In a candid interview, Jam Jam opens up about his comedic journey—from struggling early on to becoming one of South Africa’s most exciting comedy talents.
The Moment He Knew He Was Funny
Khanyisa recalls his turning point in 2023, when he received a Comics’ Choice Newcomer Award nomination.
“That’s when I thought, ‘Oh, I can actually be a professional stand-up comedian.’ It felt like real validation.”
The Worst Bomb—And A Lesson Over KFC
Jam Jam shares his most painful on-stage failure, opening for his mentor, Kagiso ‘KG’ Mokgadi, at the National Arts Festival.
“I bombed so badly, I thought my career was over. I was crushed. But KG just said, ‘Hey bra… let’s go get some KFC.’ That moment showed me bombing happens to everyone, and you have to move on.”
Comedy In The TikTok Era
With digital platforms packed with comedic content, Jam Jam focuses on staying true to himself.
“If I find it funny, I post it. If it goes viral, cool. If not, I won’t lose sleep.”
Cancel Culture & Comedy
“It’s complicated. People can cancel who they want, but it can be selective. You hear R Kelly at a wedding and people still dance. It’s tricky—but we all have to navigate it.”
On cancel culture, Jam Jam says,
How He Handles Criticism
Jam Jam is selective about the feedback he takes to heart.
“I’m protective of my stand-up. If it’s constructive feedback from an audience member, I listen. If it’s just social media noise? I scroll past.”
If Life Was A Sitcom?
Jam Jam would love Cedric the Entertainer to play him in a sitcom about juggling comedy and a 9-to-5 job.
“That alone was a comedy show,”.
he laughs
Funniest In The Family
Though Jam Jam is now an award-winning comedian, he admits his older brother holds the crown for funniest in the family.
“He doesn’t write jokes, but he’s just naturally hilarious.”
Laugh Africa Comedy Club Line-Up
The series also features top comedic talents including 2024 Comics’ Choice Breakthrough Act of the Year Vafa Naraghi, 2025 Headliner of the Year nominee Kagiso ‘KG’ Mokgadi, Sauce of the Year nominee Rory Petzer, and fan-favourites like Hannes Brümmer, Kate Pinchuck, Lindy Johnson, Melt Sieberhagen, and Thabiso Mhlongo—plus US comedian Griff.
Don’t miss Africa’s biggest comedy celebration—Laugh Africa Comedy Club—now streaming on Showmax.
