The Art of Laughter Stand-Up Show Features the Biggest Names in South African Comedy

The Art of Laughter is a night of stand-up comedy featuring the best South African comedians at the Goethe-Institut on Thursday, 31 July 2025. Here’s what you need to know about the show.

Mo Mothebe The Art of Laughter comedy shows in Johannesburg | What's on in Joburg — Skhumba Hlophe and Tats Nkonzo

The Art of Laughter boasts a lineup of stars

Hosted by Mo Mothebe, The Art of Laughter show will include the comedic stylings of Tats Nkonzo and the incomparable Skhumba Hlophe.

Host Tshireletso “Mo” Mothebe is a young comedian from Pretoria, and a refreshing voice in the local comedy scene. In September 2017, he debuted his one-man show “The Chocolate Chronicles,” which received critical acclaim and won an Ovation Award in 2019. With his own comedic success to show for, he makes the perfect host to showcase this lineup of legends.

South African stand‑up comedian Mthawelanga “Tats” Nkonzo first gained attention as a Top 24 finalist on Idols in 2005, then reached the Top 8 in SABC1’s So You Think You’re Funny? in 2008, which led to a national tour at the time. He has since built an incredible reputation which include awards such as the BlackBerry Comics’ Choice Breakthrough Act (2012) and a win at the 2014 Montreux Comedy Contest. This will be a rare opportunity to see the comic live.

Skhumba Hlophe is well-known for his sharp wit, relatable humour, and energetic stage presence. He has become a household name through sold-out stand-up shows and popular roles on television. Skhumba co-hosts a breakfast show on Kaya FM and has featured in films such as Taxi Ride and Frank and Fearless. Deeply rooted in township life, he draws much of his material from everyday South African experiences, making him one of the country’s most beloved comedic voices.

Cost: R200pp, book via Quicket

When: Thursday, 31 July 2025 from 7pm to 9:30pm
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg

What's on in Joburg Goethe-Institut Art of laughter Mo Mothebe — Mo Mothebe

More about the Goethe-Institut

The Goethe-Institut aims to cultivate international and local cultural exchange through the arts, sciences and languages. With over 100 institutes worldwide, and 14 in the sub-Saharan region, including the one in Johannesburg, the Goethe-Institut is committed to fostering transnational diversity, understanding and trust.

The Johannesburg institute’s Language department offers German lessons in the Goethe-Institut and otherwise, supporting German teachers in the country and working closely with the South African Department of Education.

Their Library and Information Department works in partnership with libraries and other institutions involved in book and reading promotion in South Africa and encourages exchanges between information specialists and publishers in South Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and Germany.

And their Cultural Programmes Department focuses on a variety of different artistic approaches from the visual arts to drama, dance, literature, film, and others to support the local cultural scenes and strengthen pan-African dialogue through the arts.