Need a bit of a pick-me-up?

We all do. It’s an election year and things are tough out there.

Luckily, Showmax has you covered with their latest original series, Funny People Africa, which showcases some of the best comedic talents that Africa has to offer.

Each episode features three comedians from different parts of the continent, who will keep you laughing through short, punchy sets that cover everything from politics to chickens.

Here’s an intro to five of our favourites:

Eddie Kadi

Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo but raised in London, Kadi was named Best Comedy Newcomer at The Black Entertainment Comedy Awards in 2006.

Since then, he’s sold out the O2 Arena in London, been a presenter on BBC 1Xtra, and appeared on QI. Last year, the BBC hailed Eddie as a “global king of comedy” and asked, “Could he be the funniest man in Africa?”

Robby Collins

Once a lanky, long-limbed actor on the Durban theatre circuit, Robby is now an award-winning comic, loved for his ability to find the funny in otherwise painful experiences.

A 2018 Comics’ Choice Comic of the Year nominee, Robby has opened for everyone from Dave Chappelle to Trevor Noah.

Glen Biderman-Pam

Glen Biderman-Pam is often the sidekick, whether he’s Rael Rosen, the groom’s best man and business partner in Tali’s Wedding Diary; the barman in #WTFTUMI; or the in-studio comedian in Larger Than Life with Jason Goliath.

So it’s great to see him centre stage in Funny People Africa.

Carl Joshua Ncube

Carl was nominated as the Comics’ Choice Pan African Comic Of The Year for the last two years in a row. To quote Comedy Central Africa, “Carl Joshua Ncube has to be the funniest comedian Zimbabwe’s ever produced”.

Carl’s been featured as “the new face of Zimbabwean comedy” on CNN African Voices and has performed in 15 countries on four continents.

Dillan Oliphant

Straight out of Eldorado Park, Dillan won Newcomer Of The Year at the Comic’s Choice Awards in 2012. Having opened for Trevor Noah and featured on the International Emmy-nominated Late Nite News With Loyiso Gola, Dillan has built his brand on deadpan one-liners that make you not only laugh but think as well.

These comedians represent just five of the many big names that’ll grace the stage on Funny People Africa.

And TBH, if the above clips didn’t get you chuckling, then you’re clearly dead inside.

A little tip – download the episodes onto an iPad, phone or laptop, and then watch them when Eskom cuts the power.

Catch these funny people and more local and international content on Showmax, which is free for DStv Premium subscribers.

Don’t have DStv? Sign up for a free two-week trial, to get those endorphins going.

Laughter is, as they say, the best medicine.