Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Who knew Umahlekisa Entertainment director Ntando Van Moyo could hit a few notes? Well, the comedian, who hosted the Cross-Border Comedy Show at the Large City Hall in Bulawayo on Saturday night, did more than crack jokes and introduce acts — he sang.
It may sound far-fetched, but it happened. Hilarious as the performance was, the mere attempt at music had the crowd in stitches. With no rehearsal and plenty of discord, Ntando belted out songs suggested by the audience, sending the hall into fits of laughter.
His musical interlude, aptly dubbed “Break Time”, featured his band, Iband Yethu, and included fellow comedian General Lesley. Together, they performed a comical medley of Soul Brothers’ hits Isithothobala and Bazobuya, complete with periodic Hololo chants, made famous by the late Soul Brothers frontman David Masondo.
Calling himself “UHaaland weComedy”, Moyo unapologetically butchered lyrics, adding to the hilarity of the night.
On the comedy front, Bulawayo’s finest — Zwe Hlabangana, Mbongeni Ignatius Ndlovu, D’Juni, Ble Mutandwa, and General Lesley — stepped up to the plate, delivering side-splitting sets in both vernacular and English. Their jokes poked fun at familiar personalities like Babongile Skhonjwa, photographer SaDee, and Ma9 Nine, leaving the audience gasping for breath.
The elephant in the room was the absence of South African comedian Siyanda Maphumulo. Moyo explained that unforeseen circumstances had kept him away but promised to make it up in October, with Maphumulo set to feature at the Roast of Saimon “Mambazo” Phiri.
Headliner Khanyisa Bhunu was a crowd favourite. The pint-sized South African comic literally mingled with the audience before delivering a high-energy set that had the hall roaring.
Another highlight was the auctioning of Bhunu’s portrait, drawn by local artiste and podcaster Sincominkosi Khumalo, who shared the heartfelt process behind her work.
“It was special for me because I pour my heart into my craft. I leave a piece of myself on paper, so my hope is for people to see themselves in my work. It was interesting balancing art and podcasting, but I worked under pressure, and like I always say, the Holy Spirit inspires me,” Khumalo told this publication.
With a strong turnout, the show demonstrated how Bulawayo’s comedy scene is evolving — blending music, art, and laughter to create a vibrant cultural experience. — @MbuleloMpofu
Londile Moyo