Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
NIGEL Tha Slick Pastor is set to mark his first live performance in Harare at Shoko Comedy Night.
This follows a successful comedy tour of the United Kingdom.
The award-winning comedian, whose real name is Nigel Maritinyu, will headline the comedy night on September 24 at Harare Gardens as part of the 16th edition of Shoko Festival.
The Shoko Festival, which runs between September 23 and 26, is Zimbabwe’s premier arts and culture showpiece.
Over the years, the late South African Hip Hop icon AKA, Casper Nyovest, superstar Winky D and Freeman have all headlined the festival.
Nigel Tha Slick Pastor has grown into one of Zimbabwe’s most sought-after stand-up comedians, selling out shows both locally and internationally.
He has also built a loyal following across digital platforms through his rib-cracking comedy skits.
His appearance at Shoko Comedy Night comes at a time when the comedian continues to enjoy a successful run on the comedy circuit, making his homecoming performance one of the festival’s biggest attractions.
In an interview, Nigel Tha Slick Pastor said performing at Shoko Festival was an honour.
“I am so excited to be this year’s headliner at Shoko, such a big festival and prestigious stage.
“This will also be my first time performing live in Harare this year so all my fans can look forward to a very special experience and memorable night.
“There is absolutely no reason to miss out on this, I urge everyone to come through and have a good time,” he said.
This year’s Shoko Festival is running under the theme “Unmuted,” celebrating artistic creativity and freedom of expression.
The comedy night will also feature Glad Syre Chipenzi, popularly known as Chipenzi, who continues to establish himself as one of the country’s rising comedy stars.
Comedian and musician Neville Farai Nyoni, better known as Neville Bird, will also perform, entertaining audiences with his signature blend of acoustic music and comedy.
Hosting the evening will be actress and comedian Sharon Chideu, popularly known as Magi, who is well known for her work on Bustop TV and Magamba TV’s satirical programme The Week.
Shoko Festival coordinator, Natasha Sipanera, said this year’s line-up reflects the festival’s commitment to promoting both established and emerging local talent.
“This year’s line-up for the Shoko Comedy Night is a testament to Shoko Festival’s commitment to celebrating local stars and providing a platform to unheralded talent, in tandem with this year’s theme, ‘Unmuted’,” she said.
Now, in its 16th edition, Shoko Festival is Zimbabwe’s longest-running urban culture festival, celebrating alternative youth culture and freedom of expression.
The festival is a project of Magamba Network, a creative and digital media organisation that has become synonymous with championing young voices and artistic innovation.
