Matafeo won the Billy T Award, which recognises the potential of up-and-coming New Zealand comedians, for "The Rose Matafeo Variety Hour" in 2013, having previously been nominated for her show "Scout's Honour" in 2012. Her 2014 show at the festival was titled "Pizza Party". In 2015, she performed a duo show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with Guy Montgomery titled "Rose Matafeo and Guy Montgomery Are Friends". On 25 August 2018, Matafeo won the Edinburgh Comedy Award 2018 for Best Show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, for her show "Horndog", collecting a £10,000 prize. She was the first person of colour to win the prestigious award for a solo show, and the first New Zealander. Only four other female solo stand-up comedians had won the award before her.