Since Trevor Noah took over as the host of The Daily Show in 2015, he has not only risen to gain all the necessary attention in the United States, but he has also drawn attention to South African comedians both in the country and in other parts of the world. People want to know who they are and follow them, believing their materials have to be so good. They are, indeed.
The country has risen through a very painful past, with music and laughter as a balm for it all. Today, the country has arguably the most successful “humor industry” in the whole of the African continent. Trevor Noah may be the biggest name out there, but he is not the only success we have to show:
See The Richest South African Comedians
1. Trevor Noah
- Net worth: $40 million
- Age: 40 years old
- Other income sources outside comedy: Actor, television host, and radio DJ
- Notable works: The Daily Show
Born in South Africa, Trevor Noah is one of the most successful individuals in the comedy business all over the world he was listed by Forbes as the 4th highest-earning comedian in the world with $28 million in 2018 only after Kevin Hart, Jerry Seinfeld, and Jim Gaffigan.
He started his career as a TV show host and actor in 2002, and by 2010, he was already the contributor and host of Tonight with Trevor Noah on M-Net and DStv. This and other outstanding stand-up performances paved the way for him to land a job on The Daily Show in 2014 as a Senior International Correspondent. In 2015, he was named as a replacement of the show’s long-time host Jon Stewart.
The Primetime Emmy Award-winning comedian has also published his autobiography, Born a Crime, which has received so much praise worldwide. Trevor Noah has, among other things, interviewed the former president of the United States, Barack Obama.
2. David Kibuuka
- Net worth: $19 million
- Age: 43 years old
- Other income sources outside comedy: Career as a writer and producer
- Notable works: The Daily Show
The highly talented David Kibuuka has been around for quite a long time, and so it is not surprising to realize that he has a net worth estimated at $19 million. He first gained recognition in 2011 for his work, David Wasn’t Built in a Day, which earned him much respect and a Standard Bank Ovation award.
A South African of Ugandan origin, he is a standup-comedian who first made a name for himself at home before taking on the international scene, where he now works as a supervising producer and writer for the Daily Show with Trevor Noah having first joined in 2015.
Before joining the show, he graced many stages in different parts of the world, including London, Toronto, and New York, and has been a part of many shows such as Blitzpatrollie and Bunny Chow. He also used to be a comedy writer and reporter for Late Night News.
3. Kagiso Lediga
- Net worth: $13 million
- Age: 45 years old
- Other income sources outside comedy: Acting, Writing, and Directing
- Notable works: Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola, Queen Sono, and Catching Feelings
Kagiso Lediga has been around since the mid-1990s. A comedian, actor, and director, it is not surprising that he is one of the South African comedians that have held their grounds for more than two decades and has many accolades to show for all his efforts.
In 1997, he got recognized for his role on The Phat Joe Show. By the other side of the 90s, his career had already stabilized, and he started taking up roles as an actor among other things. He made appearances in works such as the Pure Monate Show in 2004, Mary and Martha in 2013, and in 2017, he was on Catching Feelings and Wizard.
Mostly recognized for Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola, he started his show on Netflix, Queen Sono, which was written, directed, and produced by him in 2019. The drama series featured stars, including Pearl Thusi and Vuyo Dabula. Recognized as the first Original African show on Netflix, it was renewed for a second season in June 2020 but was unfortunately canceled in November of the same year due to the challenges of Covid-19.
4. Tumi Morake
- Net worth: $7 million
- Age: 42 years old
- Other income sources outside comedy: Acting, TV Career, Writing
- Notable works: WTFTumi
The place of Tumi Morake among the most successful and respected South African comedians is secured. She is well-known as the first African woman to have her own set on Netflix, as well as the first to host Comedy Central Presents in Africa.
Born in the Free States, Tumi is also among many other things, an actress, TV personality, and writer. She started her comedy career in 2005, and since then, she has not had a pause or a period of slowing down. She has been on several films and TV shows such as Seriously Single and Tumi or Not Tumi on Netflix. Tumi has won many awards since she started her career, including the YOU Spectacular Awards and Savanna Comic Choice Awards.
5. Riaad Moosa
- Net worth: $7 million
- Age: 46 years old
- Other income sources outside comedy: Career as a film and TV actor
- Notable works: The Second Opinion – with Dr. Riaad Moosa and Riaad Moosa Doctor’s Orders
Moosa is the one who has seen it all and done it all. He is more than just a comedian; he is also an actor and a medical doctor. Although he has always had an interest in the humor and creative industry, that did not stop him from going to school and becoming a medical doctor. In fact, he practiced medicine for three years before he left. He started performing in 1999 when he was still studying to become a medical doctor.
He entered the “One City, Many Comics Talent Competition” that year and won. In the next year, he gained fame on the comedy-club circuit. From then on, Moosa has continued to dominate as one of the best comedians in the country with many shows to his name, including Strictly Halaal and Riaad Moosa for the Baracka. His other popular show is Riaad Moosa Doctor’s Orders. As an actor, Riaad has made appearances in Crazy Monkey Straight Outta Benoni, Material, and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, among others.
6. Loyiso Gola
- Net worth: $6 million
- Age: 40 years old
- Other income sources outside comedy: Acting
- Notable works: Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola on e.tv and eNCA
Loyiso is in a class of his own as far as comedy is concerned in South Africa. He has gained fame as a standup comic and also as an actor and TV show host. The Gugulethu born comedian had his path first charted when he was 17 years old by his drama teacher who saw the talent in him and introduced him to the Cape Comedy Collective.
After he matriculated in 2002, he started his career on a professional level on SABC 1 in the Phat Joe Live Talk. That became the break for him as more gigs continued coming. He has been on many shows, including The Pure Monate Show (2003), Dinner with the President – co-host with Pieter-Dirk Uys (2007), Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola – host (2010), and Comedy Central Presents Loyiso Gola Live at Parker’s (2012). The award-winning comedian has also appeared on several film and TV productions.
7. Nik Rabinowitz
- Net worth: $6 Million
- Age: 47 years old
- Other income sources outside comedy: Acting and Writing
- Notable works: The Week that Wasn’t
Nik became a success both as a comedian and an actor. Born and raised in a Jewish family in South Africa, he grew up having an interest in the creative business. He would pretend to be calling rugby games or be involved in other performances.
For someone who has been in the entertainment business for much more than two decades, he has been involved in a lot of things, including films, TV show hosting, and book writing and publishing. Nik has made appearances in different parts of the world such as Australia, Canada, Holland, the United Kingdom, the USA, and Zimbabwe.
8. Celeste Ntuli
- Net worth: $5 million
- Age: 45 years old
- Other income sources outside comedy: Acting
- Notable works: Seriously, Celeste
Celeste Ntuli is a multitalented individual who has made it very easy for people to love her. She may be known more as a comedian, but she is also a success as an actress for works such as Isibaya and Looking For Love. The entertainment technology graduate from the Durban University of Technology also doubles as an MC and presenter.
Topping the list of female South African Comedians, she started her career with a comedy performance in her church in 2005. However, it was until 2010 that she turned professional. The 2019 Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards winner has had many shows to her name, including Trippin with Skhumba and Seriously, Celeste. She is famously referred to as the queen of the Zulu comedy.
9. David Kau
- Net worth: $5 Million
- Age: 46 years old
- Other income sources outside comedy: Career as an actor and director
- Notable Works: The Rainbow Nation Tour
Davi Kau is one of the comedians one cannot ignore. He is one of the most fascinating individuals in the business. He started his career in 1996 after he dropped out of school, where he was previously studying to become an electrical engineer. After he dropped out in ’95, he started studying acting the following year at the University of Cape Town. It was while he was there that he had his first one-man show, The Rainbow Nation Tour.
By the time he was rounding up on Comedy Blackout in 2004, he had already created a great audience for himself, thanks to shows like Heavyweight Comedy Jams and his play, Introducing The People’s Comic. He was also on The Phat Joe Show, among many others. Also a filmmaker and influencer, he has received some important awards, including the Stars of Mzansi comedy award. More so, he has performed on many stages around the world, including in Canada and the United States. He has been on the Black Only Comedy Show for many years.
10. Marc Lottering
- Net worth: $2 million
- Age: 56 years old
- Other income sources outside comedy: Career as an actor
- Notable works: So You Think You’re Funny! – Season 1
Marc Lottering is yet another South African comedian that started his career in the second half of the 1990s when he was in his late 20s. Born in Cape Town, he was first recognized in 1997 when he started what would come to be his first show, “AFTER THE BEEP.” It was successful that it made him an overnight success in the industry while also opening doors to more opportunities for him.
He has performed in many shows, including Blacks Only and King & Queens of Comedy, just as on many one-man shows he has come up with. Marc is known for shows such as I Don’t Work on Sundays, a one-man show he started in 2012. The comedian has performed in different places, including London, Sydney, Perth, Toronto, Melbourne, Auckland, and Dubai, and has recorded many awards to his name, including the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards.
Even though comedy is what he is recognized for, he has also done a lot of other things in his career, including acting and hosting. He has appeared in shows such as the SABC3 sitcom Loitering in Jozi, in which he portrayed a fictional version of himself, and he was also on David Kramer’s musical comedy Some like It Vrot.
11. Trevor Gumbi
- Net worth: $1-5 Million
- Age: 43 years old
- Other income sources outside comedy: MCing, Acting
- Notable works: Headline
SAFTA nominated Actor and Stand-up comedian, Trevor Gumi needs no introduction of any sort. He has been in the South African comedy scene even before 2005, but that was the year things took off for him in a positive light. He has been able to transform all the battles he has passed through and the pains he has endured into humor.
Even though he is mostly recognized for his career as a comedian, he is also a multitalented entertainer who has been into much more. As an actor, Trevor has appeared in many productions, including Jozi Zoo as a voice artist and Rented Family. He has also had many comedy performances, including at Arts Alive Comedy Festival, Blacks Only, and Comedy Central Presents… Live at Parker’s.
12. Skhumba Hlophe
- Net worth: $2 million
- Age: 48 years old
- Other income sources outside comedy: His career as a radio presenter and actor
- Notable works: Trippin with Skhumba
Skhumba Hlophe has earned his place today as one of South Africa’s most talented comedians. Raised by his mother, he was always interested in telling jokes since he was little. After he was through with his early education, failing many classes because he was mostly restless and naughty, he opted not to go to the university because his mother could not pay, and he was not interested.
He first worked with the South African Police Service (SAPS) before deciding to make a living by making others laugh. He was paid R100 when he took his first gig, but as time went by, he started earning even more. By 2015, he was netting in as much as R8000 per gig. His current net worth is estimated at more than $2 million.
Apart from comedy for which he is mostly known, Skhumba has also delved into acting and has appeared in several roles such as Thandesi’sDiary.
13. Julia Anastasopoulos
- Net worth: $100,000 to $1 million
- Age: 40 years old
- Other income sources outside comedy: Acting
- Notable works: Ridiculousness with Suzelle DIY
Julia Anastasopoulos is a comedian that one may simply describe as an individual of many parts. She is also an artist, illustrator, designer, and actress, as well as a YouTube star whose channel has amassed more than 30 million views already.
While she may not be a standup comedian like others on the list, she is also recognized among the top comedians in the country with a net worth that is said to be between $100,000 to $1 million. She has her own show on Comedy Central, Ridiculousness with Suzelle DIY.
14. Tats Nkonzo
- Net worth: $1 Million – $5 Million
- Age: 39 years old
- Other income sources outside comedy: Career as a singer, musician, and television personality
- Notable works: SA’s Got Talent
Tats Nkonzo is another great comedian who can easily be recognized by many as the host of South Africa’s Got Talent and also for his segment on Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola. He is also a musician and an actor.
He was in the comedy business for three years before he had his first one-man show, Can’t Tats This. Since then, there has no slowing down for him as he continues to make waves in the comedy business while also trying his hands on singing.
15. Deep Fried Man
- Net worth: $1 Million
- Age: 43 years old
- Other income sources outside comedy: Career as a musician and writer
- Notable works: Comedy Showdown
Born Daniel Friedman, Deep Fried Man is another comedian that has got his place among the top comedians in the country. The son of famous newspaper columnist Steven Friedman, Deep Fried Man is also into journalism. However, he seems to be more drawn to comedy, and he describes his style as “stand-up comedy with a guitar.”
He decided to start comedy on a full-time basis in 2010 after he emerged as the winner of Comedy Showdown. He has performed in many shows, including Jew Must Be Joking and Blacks Only and has had his one-man show, Deeply Fried in 2011. In addition to that, he has been on several TV shows such as Laugh Out Loud and Opening Guys, as well as Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola and Tonight With Trevor Noah.
16. Barry Hilton
- Net worth: $900,000
- Age: 59 years old
- Other income sources outside comedy: Acting, TV Career, and Motivational speaking.
- Notable works: The Generation Game
Barry Hilton has earned his place as one of the most successful South African comedians because of how long he has sustained in the industry and also because of all he has been able to accomplish and achieve in the process. One of the biggest names, he is also an actor, television personality, and motivational speaker.
He first started his career as an electrician, but after only 6 years, he decided his true calling may be in comedy. He decided to give it a try and many decades later, he is still there and doing well. He started his career in 1983 and later left the country to pursue his career before he returned finally in 1990. By that time, he had already achieved so much success.
In the years that followed, he got involved in everything including TV show hosting (including Catch A Wake Up and Funny You Should Say That), commercials, TV film acting, and many more. Although he may not be as active as he used to be a few years ago, he is still not out of business.
17. Shimmy Isaacs
Breaking News Cape Town it’s a Blue Friday🤦🏽♀️ calling all wet wipe companies to order Madam Speaker pic.twitter.com/nQB7GBFwwa
— Shimmy Isaacs (@shimmyisaacs) November 20, 2020
- Net worth: $800,000
- Age: N/A
- Other income sources outside comedy: Her career as an actress and social media influencer
- Notable works: Ellen: Die Storie van Ellen Pakkies
Shimmy is yet another woman making waves in the male-dominated comedy business. The award-winning entertainer was born and raised in Worcester, Cape Town, she first had an interest in writing and acting. Her dreams started coming true when she was offered a scholarship to the African Film, Television, and Live Performance University.
She would go on to have many productions under her belt, including HOWZIT MY BRA, which was highly acclaimed and earned her the Klein Karoo Arts Festival (KKNK). As a comedian, she has performed alongside some of the finest South Africa has to show, including David Kau. Shimmy was tagged the 7th funniest comedian and actress in the country by Showbiz Reports. Since then, she has not slowed down as a decade later, she is still among the best that South Africa has to show.
The amazing actress has a net worth that is estimated at $800,000. She made her fortune from her career as an entertainer who is involved in many things beyond just comedy.
18. Anne Hirsch
- Net worth: $500,000
- Age: 39 years old
- Other income sources outside comedy: Career as an actress, content director, and writer
- Notable works: The Anne Hirsch Show
Anne Hirsch is more than just a comedian; she is also an actress, content director, and writer. She began her career as an entertainer after she was through with her Masters Degree from UCT in Theatre and Performance. Before then, she studied Drama at the University of Stellenbosch. She is a highly creative individual whose works have won many awards in the past. Her writing on ZANEWS earned her a SAFTA for Best Comedy Writing.
She has also won 11 awards with her work, Vagina University, which she wrote and directed. She also has a radio show on Jacaranda FM, OFM, and Algoa FM. With 3 co-written one-woman shows to her name, she has gained a massive audience because she performs both in English and Afrikaans. Although the actual net worth of the comedian is not known, it is believed that she might be worth more than $500,000.
19. Angel Campey
- Net worth: N/A
- Age: 38 years old
- Other income sources outside comedy: Career as an actress, voice-over artist, writer, and radio host.
- Notable works: Yes Really Angel
There was a time when Angel Campey was named by Mail & Guardian among its 200 Young South Africans. She is a comedian, actress, voice-over artist, writer, and radio host. As a comedian, she has risen to become of the finest in South Africa and has performed in different parts of the world through the years. She started out in 2011, and since then, she has handled many interesting gigs.
Although no words have been given as regards her net worth, it is speculated that she might have a net worth of more than $1 million. She made her fortune from her comedy performances that have taken her to different parts of the world, including New York City, Montreal, Canada, and Lagos. Angel has also performed at the Gotham Comedy Club, New York Comedy Club, and the iconic Dangerfields.
20. Sifiso Nene
- Net worth: N/A
- Age: 40 years old
- Other income sources outside comedy: Career as a TV show host and actor
- Notable works: Taxi Ride
Sifiso Nene is not the biggest or most successful South African comedians, but he is definitely one of the most loved. The Kwazulu-Natal-born comedian hit the scenes in 2009 when he emerged the winner of the first season of South Africa’s So You Think You Are Funny competition. Since he got his break from the show, he has continued to be relevant in the comedy business thanks to his relatable sense of humor.
Before delving into comedy, he made an attempt at becoming a scriptwriter but was told that his work would better suit stand-up comedy, propelling him to give it a shot in 2008. In 2019, he started his one-man show in Cape Town. He also has his comedy club, which was previously known as The Goliath Comedy club but has since changed to The Comedy Basement in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Beyond just the comedy business in which he has excelled over a decade after he started, Sifiso is also an actor, MC, and a presenter. He is recognized with awards such as the Annual South African Comics Choice Awards.
