Learnmore Jonasi joins Trevor Noah for BaFunny BaFunny South Africa’s National Team of Comedy
A comedian who once entertained audiences with stories inspired by life in rural Chimanimani is now preparing to share a stage with one of Africa’s biggest entertainment exports.
Zimbabwean stand-up comedian Learnmore Jonasi has been announced as one of the newest members of Trevor Noah’s “BaFunny BaFunny South Africa’s National Team of Comedy, joining an all-star lineup for the South Africa Festival of Comedy 2026.
The announcement marks another major milestone for the comedian, whose career has gathered remarkable international momentum over the past few years.
Being selected by Trevor Noah, arguably Africa’s most recognisable comedian, places Jonasi among a carefully curated roster of performers expected to headline one of the continent’s biggest comedy events.
The BaFunny BaFunny National Team of Comedy tour will visit Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town across five performances in September 2026, with additional dates already added after strong early demand.
The Trevor Noah Connection: Why This Is a Massive Deal
For African comedians, there are few endorsements more significant than one from Trevor Noah.
The former Daily Show host has spent more than a decade proving African comedians can compete and succeed on the world’s biggest stages.
His career has become the benchmark for comedians across the continent hoping to break into international markets.
That is why Jonasi’s inclusion in Noah’s comedy squad carries weight beyond a single festival.
Announcing Jonasi’s selection, Noah praised the Zimbabwean comic’s originality.
“Every great team needs players who can change the game in one moment. Learnmore is that. He’s original, he’s fearless, and he’s got the kind of timing you can’t coach. South Africa is going to love him.”
The praise represents a significant public endorsement from one of comedy’s most influential figures.
Rather than assembling only South African household names, the festival has also looked beyond its borders, signalling its ambition to become a continental showcase for African stand-up.
Who Else Is on the Comedy Roster?
The “BaFunny BaFunny” lineup features:
- Trevor Noah (Captain)
- Eugene Khoza (Vice Captain)
- Ntosh Madlingozi (Coach)
- Lindy Johnson
- Thabiso Mhlongo
- Mbali Gudazi
- Panch Gasela
- Learnmore Jonasi
Organisers have indicated that more comedians will be announced as the festival approaches.
From Viral Star to Global Stages
Jonasi’s rise has been anything but ordinary.
Only a few years ago, he was primarily known within Zimbabwe’s comedy circuit. Today, he is one of Africa’s fastest-rising stand-up exports.
His breakthrough came after impressing audiences on America’s Got Talent, where his energetic storytelling and physical comedy earned him the coveted Golden Buzzer before eventually finishing among the competition’s finalists.
Before that, he had already been building international credibility, winning the 2023 Boston Comedy Festival and earning the Audience Choice Award at the Jersey City Comedy Festival.
He has also appeared at New York’s legendary Apollo Theater, performances that introduced his uniquely Zimbabwean humour to wider audiences.
Unlike many comedians who adapt their material for international audiences by abandoning local references, Jonasi has built his reputation by doing the opposite.
His routines remain deeply rooted in Zimbabwean culture.
Whether he is recounting stories about growing up in Chimanimani, village life, family traditions or the humorous misunderstandings that arise between African and Western cultures, his comedy retains an unmistakably Zimbabwean identity.
His exaggerated facial expressions, energetic movement across the stage and carefully timed storytelling have become his trademark.
It is precisely this authenticity that has helped audiences from New York to Los Angeles—and now South Africa—connect with his material.
What This Means for Zimbabwe’s Comedy Industry
Jonasi’s latest achievement is about more than personal success.
For Zimbabwe’s comedy scene, it represents another indication that local stand-up is becoming increasingly exportable.
For years, comedians largely performed at pubs, restaurants and corporate dinners around Harare and Bulawayo.
Today, Zimbabwean comics are increasingly appearing at international festivals, streaming platforms and major comedy clubs abroad.
Jonasi’s success helps create visibility for fellow Zimbabwean performers such as King Kandoro, Doc Vikela, Tinaye, Carl Joshua Ncube and several emerging acts working to expand beyond domestic audiences.
His selection also challenges long-held assumptions that international comedy audiences may struggle to understand humour rooted in Zimbabwean experiences.
Instead, Jonasi has shown that local stories, when delivered effectively, can resonate across cultures.
For younger comedians entering the industry, his journey offers evidence that a career no longer has to end at local comedy nights.
Global audiences are increasingly willing to embrace African voices.
Event Details: How to Watch the Festival
The South Africa Festival of Comedy (BaFunny BaFunny) will be staged across multiple South African cities during September 2026.
Confirmed Dates
| Date | Venue | City | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 September 2026 | SunBet Arena | Pretoria | New date added |
| 5 September 2026 | SunBet Arena | Pretoria | Low tickets |
| 19 September 2026 | Suncoast Casino | Durban | New venue added |
| 25 September 2026 | GrandWest | Cape Town | New date added |
| 26 September 2026 | GrandWest | Cape Town | Low tickets |
Organisers have also indicated that Durban forms part of the broader tour, with additional details expected to be confirmed.
Ticket Information
Tickets are already available through official ticketing partners, with prices beginning from approximately R465, depending on the venue and seating category.
Will Zimbabweans Be Able to Stream It?
As things stand, organisers have not announced any streaming agreement with Netflix or another digital platform.
The festival is currently being promoted as a live touring event, although selected performances could be recorded for later release. Fans should watch for official announcements closer to the festival dates.
Why This Matters Beyond One Festival
Trevor Noah’s decision to include Learnmore Jonasi is more than another booking.
It signals that Zimbabwean comedy has become part of the wider African entertainment conversation.
For years, Zimbabwe has exported musicians, writers and visual artists. Stand-up comedy is increasingly joining that list.
Jonasi’s journey, from performing in local venues to appearing on America’s Got Talent and now joining Trevor Noah’s National Team of Comedy, illustrates how African comedians are finding international audiences without abandoning their cultural roots.
For Zimbabwean fans, it is another reminder that homegrown talent can compete alongside the continent’s biggest names.
And for aspiring comedians, it offers perhaps the strongest message of all: the next international breakthrough may begin with stories told in a Zimbabwean accent.
