“All we are prepared to say at this point,” says a usually talkative John Vlismas, “Is that we have top, top comedy names involved, we have some intricate safety issues, some very talented dancers, and a disclaimer we are still trying to word … It’s shaping up to be another spectacular evening, just try not to get any on your bowtie … ”

The SA Comic’s Choice Awards allows the majority of professional local comedians to register, vet each other and vote for who they believe should be honoured with one of six magnificent Waldo statuettes.

The show itself is unique, with no speeches allowed, only short comedy sets by each winner, as well as a mental concoction of comedy variety that won’t be seen anywhere else.

“I’m not the creative side if this team, but I do know that once you put one of the best comedians in the country together with his award-winning sister, and let them collaborate with the acts they love and admire … and add to that the budget provided by Savanna, the official drink of funny – you are bound to be part of something very special … we are on the edge of our chairs, but from what we’ve heard and seen so far, book now,” says Taffia Keight.

This year, the team also presents a preliminary event – “The Grilling Of A Lifetime” where a “board of directors” chaired by Mel Miller, will deliver a lambasting second to none, tearing the 2012 Lifetime Achiever recipient apart at Parkers on 26 June.

“This is a new addition to the Comic’s Choice Award itinerary”, says Keight. "We wanted to honour the Lifetime recipient in the most loving way possible for the comedy industry – we have gathered a board of comics who have made a name for themselves by being outspoken, controversial and uncensored. This event is rated R, not for the faint of heart, but promises to be unforgettable.”

The Nominees for 2012

The Times Comic’s Pen Award
Kagiso Lediga
Alyn Adams
Loyiso Gola
Vittorio Leonardi

The Audience Choice Award
Sifiso Nene
Trevor Noah
Eddie Eckstein
Deep Fried Man

The Newcomer Award
Jason Goliath
Dillan Oliphant
Donovan Goliath
Monique Nortjé

The BlackBerry® Breakthrough Act Award
Deep Fried Man
Robby Collins
Tats Nkonzo
Mpho “Popps” Modikoane

The Comic of the Year Award
Riaad Moosa
Trevor Noah
Nik Rabinowitz
Loyiso Gola

The Lifetime Achiever Award
Joe Parker

For more information, visit the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sa.comics.choice.awards; Twitter account: twitter.com/comicschoice (hash tags #sacomic #nominees #SAcomedy) #Savanna; YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/ComicsChoiceAwards?feature=watch or official website: www.comicschoice.co.za.

Don’t forget: Grilling Of A Lifetime on 26 June at Parkers Comedy Club, Montecasino – show starts at 20:00 – tickets R220.
The awards show is on 10 July at Teatro, Montecasino – show starts 20:00, tickets from R230, bookings at Computicket.

Sponsor Savanna is the presenting partner, while BlackBerry® and The Times will each sponsor an award. The Times, Kaya FM and Mzansi Magic are the official media partners for 2012.