Faizon Love steps up: comedy festival gets a new headliner after Deon Cole's unexpected exit

US comedian Deon Cole will no longer be coming to South Africa for the highly anticipated Laugh Africa Comedy Festival.

Cole, who was announced as the international headliner on March 27, has unfortunately withdrawn from the comedy festival.

The event organisers announced on Wednesday, April 30, that the comedian has withdrawn from the event due to an unforeseen medical emergency.

Cole will be replaced by the 56-year-old US actor and comedian, Faizon Love, who’s popularly known for appearing on South Africa’s beloved “Mr Bones”.

Love is the new headliner for the three-day comedy festival, and will headline two nights as the international act this coming weekend at the Sandton Convention Centre.

The creative director of Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, Stuart Taylor, said that they are excited to welcome Love as the new headliner of the festival.

“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,” Taylor said.

As part of the announcement, Showmax also revealed the roast panel of the highly anticipated “The Showmax Roast of Helen Zille”. 

Tumi Morake and Trevor Gumbi are the co-roast masters and will be joined by some of South Africa’s popular faces, such as Londie London, Zwai Bala, Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, etc.

The streaming platform also announced and included a line-up of local comedians that will be performing at the festival. Felix Hlophe, Eugene Khoza, Celeste Ntuli and Nina Hastie are among the comedians who will perform.

The Laugh Africa Comedy Festival will take place from Friday, May 2, until Sunday, May 4, at the Sandton Convention Centre.

Tickets are available for purchase at TicketPro.