The Comic's Choice Awards Presents: The Winners Lap Showcase.

Some of the country’s top, young, up-and-coming comedy hotshots are celebrating their Comic’s Choice Awards victories in a not-to-be-missed Winners Lap Showcase.

Featuring winners and nominees from this year’s Comic’s Choice Awards which took place in July at Montecasino, the Winner’s Lap Showcase promises an energetic, six-pack inducing romp with a brimming line-up of Dillan Oliphant, Tats Nkonzo and Sifiso Nene, along with Robby Collins, Mpho Popps Modikoane, Jason and Donovan Goliath and Monique Nortje.

Speaking to TimesLIVE in Johannesburg recently, comedians Tats Nkonzo, Sifiso Nene and Dillan Oliphant were thrilled to be part of the two-day showcase which kicks off today at the Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City in Johannesburg.

“What’s nice about the Winner’s Lap Showcase is that it is all of us, young guys. There’s gonna be energy.” said Nkonzo and adds, “ I think the common thing that I can say about the young guys is the energy.”

Nkonzo charmed the country with his inimitable brand of humor on the late night show with Loyiso Gola – The LNN Show, and from various shows around the country, winning the coveted Blackberry Break Through Award at the Comic’s Choice Award 2012.

“We’re still hungry because we still haven’t reached the places that we wanna get to. It’s gonna be funny, it’s gonna be energetic. Every act is going to bring their a-game,” he said.

Sifiso Nene burst onto the scene after his dramatic So You Think You’re Funny triumph, were he was declared the country’s funniest. Raking up a host of accolades since then, Nene counts scooping the Audience Choice Award at the Comic’s Choice Awards as his most prized statuette.

He said the audience should brace themselves for a killer set. “ I know these guys are bringing their a-game as well. Co’z everyone who’s there were either a nominee or they won a certain award. I’m bringing my Sifiso-game as well. To people who are gonna come and watch, I’m gonna bring me, I’m gonna do me – the Zulu guy coming from KZN, doing his thing in Jo’burg,” he said.

Of the line-up, Nene said it was exciting to be part of such high caliber talent.

“These are people who are still hungry. They still want to make a mark in the comedy industry. They wanna be seen by the people. Other people are relaxed because they’ve launched their careers. These people who are in the show they are still at that level where they wanna launch their careers and they have a lot to prove. So this show the energy is gonna be on another level.”

“Hi, I’m Dillan Oliphant, with a capital F,” he introduces himself and counts his first open spot among his highlights because he was so nervous he almost peed himself. Oliphant’s distinct, deadpan humor won over audiences and judges alike to scoop the Newcomer Award for making the biggest impact on the comedy industry in the past year.

The Comic’s Choice Award, he says, has opened many doors: “It finally opened my moms door. I’ve finally got to move back in her house, which is quite cool.”

“I like Jacob Zuma,” he says in his wry, deadpan demeanor, “but I like his house more. I like his kids more. I like the rest of South Africa more, but I like Jacob Zuma too.”

Speaking on what the audience can expect at the Winner’s Lap Showcase Oliphant said: “Firstly you can expect me. I’m gonna be there. Secondly, I will be making jokes.”

The Winner’s Lap Showcase is the first of its kind and takes place at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City on Dec 7th & 8th.