Pasifika comedians named among 2027 Billy T Award finalists

Pasifika storytellers Jonjon Tolovae and Richie Fa’avesi lead a group of comedy talent for the 2027 Billy T Award.

Next year, the New Zealand International Comedy Festival’s (NZICF) will mark 30 years of the award.

Tolovae and Fa’avesi were selected alongside Joel McCarthy (Māori), Annie Guo, and Evie Orpe after an applicant showcase at The Civic Theatre in Tāmaki Makaurau on Saturday night.

The Billy T Award is one of the major prizes for emerging comedians. Previous winners include household names like Taika Waititi, Rose Matafeo, Kura Forrester, Jemaine Clement and Angella Dravid.

Tolovae, a Tāmaki Makaurau-based Fa’afafine poet and artist, brings a distinctive perspective rooted in Moana storytelling, identity, and performance.

“Does this mean I get extra mayo next festival?” Tolovae joked in a social media post after the announcement.

South Auckland stand-up Fa'avesi is known for his raw, unfiltered storytelling style drawn from lived experience, family, relationships and daily community life.

The five finalists will each perform a solo hour during the 2027 New Zealand International Comedy Festival, before the winner is announced at the Last Laughs Gala.

The winner will receive Billy T’s famous yellow towel and a $5000 grant.

The award is marking its 30th anniversary in 2027. The inaugural finalists in 1997 included Mike King, Brendhan Lovegrove, Te Radar, Raybon Kan, Cal Wilson and Ewen Gilmour.

Rae Baker, General Director of the NZ Comedy Trust, said in a statement the latest group reflected the depth of new comedy talent coming through.

“The Billy T has always been about spotting comedians at that magic point where something big is starting to happen, and this year’s nominees really show just how much brilliant new comedy is coming through in Aotearoa.”

The 2027 New Zealand International Comedy Festival will run from 30 April to 23 May 2027. Tickets and venue details are yet to be announced.

See the full list of previous Billy T Award winners here.