Based: Johannesburg

Khanyisa Bunu was born and raised in the Eastern Cape, South Africa — originally from Cala and later growing up in Whittlesea before moving to Johannesburg to pursue her career in entertainment. Before comedy, she worked as a school teacher, a background that would later inspire much of her humour and stage material.

Khanyisa began her comedy journey in 2009 through the reality show So You Think You’re Funny, where she reached the top six. This early exposure helped launch her stand-up career and build a reputation for clean, sharp, and relatable humour.

She has been active in comedy for over 15 years and graced stages at major showcases including Blacks Only, 99% Xhosa Comedy, and Mzansi Comedy Nights. Audiences know her for connecting deeply with everyday experiences and South African culture.

In 2015, Khanyisa made history as the first woman to win an award at the Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards, taking home the Audience Choice Award — a milestone in South African comedy.She has also performed internationally, including in New York, Botswana, Nigeria, and Swaziland, bringing her comedy to audiences beyond South Africa

Khanyisa is also known for uplifting other performers and creating platforms for talent:

• She became the first female comedian to host a comedy festival tour in the Eastern Cape, showcasing both established and emerging local talent across cities like East London, Gqeberha, and Mthatha.

• She leads her own production company, Khanyisa Bunu Productions, and has developed shows like Teacher Dropout, drawing on her teaching experience for comedic material.

Over years in the industry, she’s earned respect as one of South Africa’s most recognizable female comedians, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated space and inspiring many upcoming performers.