Media release

LAUGH TILL YOU CRY AT THE 2009 COMEDY NINE NINE FESTIVAL

September 22nd sees the Mandela Theatre come alive with the side-splitting Comedy Nine Nine festival featuring some of South Africa's most talented comedians.

The Comedy Nine Nine festival forms part of the 2009 Joburg Arts Alive Inernaitonal Festival and will take comedy fans through the most recent three generations of South African comedy, spanning the past 20 years. Now an annual event Comedy Nine Nine, also takes as its starting point the other meaning of "Nine Nine' - "the real thing" - showcasing a line-up of comedians who take real life issues, situations and dynamics and turn them into on-the-mark humour that anyone living in South Africa today can relate to!

Representing the 90s is highly acclaimed comedian Kagiso Lediga who is set to thrill audiences with his hilarious antics and dazzling stage presence. Not only is Kagiso considered one of the best comedians in the country with an impressive body of work behind him, but he is also celebrated as one of South Africa's most pioneering and recognisable black comedians.

Alongside the brilliantly talented Kagiso, the Comedy Nine Nine Festival will also include a performance by Trevor Noah, host of The Real Goboza, (a South African celebrity gossip and entertainment magazine show aired on SABC 1) who is widely-seen as one of South Africa's most versatile and gifted comedians. Kedibone Mulaudzi will also be joining the line-up, proving why, like Noah, the masters of the 2005 generation are capable of standing alongside some of the comedy world's biggest names, like Chris Rock whom Kedibone supported druing his recent visit to South Africa.

Rounding off the Comedy Nine Nine Festival lineup is hilarious newcomer Eugene Khoza along with Tall-Ass Mo and S'khumba. Described by those in the know as a new age comedian who breaks down boundaries, challenges prejudices and inverts stereotypes, Eugene truly makes the audience come alive with his vernacular references and vivid characterisations. Currently one of the presenters of SABC 1's "Build up to 2010", this young man is fast earning a name for himself in the industry and is certainly a talent to watch out for in the near future.

The 2009 generation comics will also be represented by Tall-Ass Mo and S'khumba. Considered the future of stand-up comedy Tall-Ass Mo certainly lives up to this ideal with his smart, talented and hilarious performances. And the fact that he is super humanly tall certainly helps leave quite an impression. Ladies man, man's man, man-about-town, Mr Nice Guy AKA S'Khumba is incredibly passionate about comedy. Chilled on stage, soft-hearted and sarcastic every now and again, he always delivers a hilarious show. Tickets for the Comedy Nine Nine Festival cost just R80.00 and are available at Computicket. Doors open at 19H30.

The Comedy Nine Nine Festival is part of the 2009 Joburg Arts Alive International Festival which runs from September 3rd to September 27th. It features a brilliant and diverse programme of theatre, music, film, visual arts, and much more. For the full programme go to www.artsalive.co.za

Venue: Mandela Theatre Braamfontein
Ticket Price: R80.00
Tickets available at Computicket
Doors open at 19h00
Contact info: 011 886 0502

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Jacky Cresteil
coolindustry
media and marketing solutions
011 640 5758
083 461 0970
coolindustry@lantic.net

Arts Alive tickets can be bought from Computicket or call 083 915 8000.
TICKETS FOR THE 969 FESTIVAL EVENTS CAN BE BOUGHT FROM STRICTLYTICKETS OR CALL 073 725 7381.
For information or media-related queries contact Rami Nhlapo 011 886 0502 or email rami@zanusi.co.za.
Programme is subject to change.