Nonto R: Faith, Funny Bones & Viral Skits
Hailing from Mandeni in KwaZulu-Natal, Nonto R has become one of South Africa’s most dynamic comedians. Since bursting onto the scene in 2016 with a win at the South African Traditional Music Achievement Awards for Best Indigenous Comedian, Nonto’s star has only risen. By 2018, she was already earning a nomination for Best Newcomer at the Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards. Fast-forward to 2023, she clinched both the Breakthrough Act of the Year and the prestigious Joe Mafela Award at the same ceremony.
Now, Nonto R brings her signature blend of humour, truth, and heart to the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, streaming from 15 August 2025 on Showmax. The festival showcases 13 standout comedy sets from this year’s lineup, and Nonto is undoubtedly a highlight.
In conversation, Nonto shared how her comedy journey began, surprisingly, at church.
“A friend asked me to MC her 21st birthday. I prepared some topics on relationships and marriage, and people couldn’t stop laughing. That was my lightbulb moment,”.
she recalls
Initially hesitant about people laughing at her, Nonto realised that comedy was a gift from God—one meant to connect, entertain, and enlighten.
Nonto’s material often references the Bible, even while tackling topics like infidelity and “side chicks.”
“Some of the most religious people have shocking skeletons in their closets. Through my skits, I hold up a mirror—humour helps people reflect without judgment.”
She explains,
Her TikTok blind date skits have captured audiences nationwide, featuring guest appearances from Dumi Mkokstad, Limit Nala, Robot Boii, and Alphi Sipho Mkhwanazi.
“Ideas often hit me in the shower. Sometimes I plan them; sometimes they’re spontaneous. The guests’ natural reactions make it all the more hilarious.”
Nonto laughs
These skits resonate because they challenge societal expectations of women.
“The woman I portray is bold, unfiltered, a little ratchet—and that’s okay! Women deserve to take up space authentically.”
Nonto says,
While deeply faith-filled, Nonto doesn’t see herself as a full-time preacher.
“Life isn’t squeaky clean. I want to talk about struggles openly. I preach when invited, and it’s always an honour, but my calling is comedy.”
Nonto looks up to South African comedy icons like Celeste Ntuli, Thenjiwe Moseley, and Khanyisa Bunu, citing their creativity, work ethic, and authenticity. Her children sometimes find her TikToks cringe, but she uses it as a teaching moment:
“If someone triggers you, study them; there might be a message there for you.”
Catch Nonto R at the second season of Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, streaming from 15 August 2025 on Showmax, alongside a powerhouse lineup including Celeste Ntuli, Robby Collins, Khanyisa JamJam, Mark Banks, Rob Van Vuuren, Trevor Gumbi, Ntosh Madlingozi, Nina Hastie, American comedian Griff, Ugandan funnyman Patrick Salvado, and hosted by Eugene Khoza.
