Johannesburg, 10 April 2018: Trailblazer and straight-talker of free speech,Gareth Cliff has a new role – Roast Master to the Comedy Central Roast of Somizi!

Fellow radio and television personality Somizi Mhlongo will be in the firing line ofCliff’s burning wit when the Comedy Central Roast of Somizi in partnership with Showmax is aired on Comedy Central (DStv channel 122) on Monday 7 May 2018 at 21:00 CAT. The extended uncensored version will be available to Showmax subscribers from Tuesday 8 May 2018.

Viewers can expect outrageous hilarity and quick-witted snaps from Roast MasterGareth Cliff, whose 18 years’ career span offer ideal preparation for this latest role. It certainly isn’t a proper Roast if things don’t go a little bit over-the-top; just how far will things go when he faces up against someone like Somizi?

Cliff says that his ultimate goal is to tell jokes that everyone can laugh at – includingSomizi.

“It’s all about entertaining people. The audience can expect dirty, nasty and funny jokes. Nobody cares, least of all Somizi. So, if you think someone is going to walk away from this hurt and saddened, then you are watching the wrong show. That’s what soap operas are for.  I don’t think I am the scariest person Somizi has come across in this industry. We are going to have lots of info, good stuff and juiciness. Some people will cry but it won’t be Somizi.”

Gareth Cliff will be the ringleader of the Roast panel which already has funny manSchalk Bezuidenhout, along with vocal and opinionated artist Ntsiki Mazwaiready to add fuel to the fire for a perfect roast.

Commented Dillon Khan, Vice President for Comedy Central & Creative Services for Viacom International Media Networks Africa: “Every low-blow-rumble needs a referee to keep things above board while sticking the boot in themselves.  We’re pleased The Roast of Somizi has someone who will give as good as they get in the form of the Roastee’s “brother from another mother” – Gareth Cliff.”

Said Candice Fangueiro, head of content: Africa at Showmax: “What’s better than a no-holds-barred Roast? An extended, uncensored, uncut Roast including everything too risqué to be screened on TV. This is something totally new and exclusive to Showmax – it’s a Roast on steroids. In the version screened on Showmax, Gareth and the rest of the panel won’t have a safety net, and if anyone steps over the line it won’t get buried in the edit. I can’t wait!”

Filming of the Comedy Central Roast of Somizi in partnership with Showmaxwill be open to the public and will take place on Thursday 26 April 2018 at The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City in Johannesburg.  The first phase of tickets are now sold out and due to demand an extra one hundred have just been released today at Computicket with prices starting from R200 per person.

For more information about Comedy Central, please go towww.comedycentralafrica.com, Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/comedycentralafrica or join the conversation with us on Twitter and Instagram @comedycentralAF. To join the conversation on social media, please use the hashtag #RoastZA or more information about Showmax, please visit our websitewww.showmax.com/eng/comedycentralroastofsomizi, Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/ShowmaxOnline and join the conversation on Twitter and Instagram @ShowmaxOnline .ENDS Contacts: For further information, please contact: Gabi Mbele Communication Manager, VIMN Africa   Gabisile.Mbele@vimn.com Tel: +2711 428 3203

Ann Toerine Total Exposure ann@totalexposure.co.za Tel: + 27 11 788 8725 NOTES TO EDITORS

About Comedy Central Africa: Comedy Central Africa, DStv channel 122, is the home of funny in Africa.  Available exclusively on the DStv pay TV platform, Comedy Central is owned by, and is a registered trademark of, Comedy Partners, a wholly-owned unit of Viacom, and is used under license in Africa by Viacom International Media Networks Africa. For more information, visit our website, at www.comedycentralafrica.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ComedyCentralAF or on Facebook www.facebook.com/ComedyCentral Africa.

About Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa:
Multimedia entertainment powerhouse VIMN Africa offers the most comprehensive international broadcast portfolio on the African continent, reaching more than 100 million viewers across 52 territories in Africa.

VIMN Africa currently comprises 15 separate TV channels and 5 consumer websites, as well as multiple mobile and social media sites.  The company’s African business interests include content production and distribution; spot sales, 360-degree sponsorships, events, mobile, digital and consumer products.

About Showmax
Showmax is an internet TV service. For a single monthly fee, get all-you-can-eat access to a huge online catalogue of TV shows, movies, kids’ shows and documentaries. Start and stop when you want. No ads. Cancel anytime – there’s no contract. Stream Showmax using apps for smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, computers, media players and gaming consoles. Showmax also works with Chromecast and AirPlay. Manage data consumption using the bandwidth capping feature. No internet? No problem – download up to 25 shows to smartphones and tablets to watch later offline.

Showmax was born in 2015 and is part of the Naspers group. Showmax is currently available in more than 70 countries. For a free, no-risk trial, visit www.showmax.com.