Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE’S longest-running urban culture festival, Shoko Festival, has unveiled a star-studded line-up for its Comedy Night set for September 24 in Harare.
Headlining the comedy showcase will be popular stand-up comedian Nigel Maritinyu, better known as Nigel Tha Slick Pastor, who is expected to bring his trademark humour to the festival’s stage.
The Comedy Night has become one of the festival’s most anticipated attractions, drawing comedy lovers keen to experience some of the country’s leading comedic talent.
This year’s edition will run under the festival theme, “Unmuted”, which celebrates artistic creativity, free expression and the power of young creatives to speak freely through their art.
Nigel Tha Slick Pastor heads into the event on the back of a strong run that has seen him take his comedy from local stages to international audiences, including sold-out shows. His growing popularity has also been driven by his digital presence, where his comedic content has earned him a substantial following.
His Shoko appearance will come shortly after his United Kingdom comedy tour, making the event a homecoming of sorts for the comedian and marking his first live performance in Harare this year.
“I’m 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,” said Nigel Tha Slick Pastor.
“There’s absolutely no reason to miss out on this. I urge everyone to come through and have a good time.”
Also joining the line-up is Glad Syre Chipenzi, popularly known as Chipenzi, who has been steadily carving out a name for himself on Zimbabwe’s comedy scene.
Neville Farai Nyoni, better known as Neville Bird, will add a different flavour to the night, combining acoustic guitar performances with comedy in a style that blends music and humour.
The Comedy Night will be hosted by actress and comedian Sharon Chideu, popularly known as Magi, who has established herself as a familiar face in Zimbabwe’s comedy and television space.
Magi has featured on Bustop TV and recently appeared on Magamba TV’s satirical weekly programme The Week, which tackles topical issues ranging from politics to climate change.
Shoko Festival co-ordinator Natasha Sipanera said preparations for the festival were progressing well, with the Comedy Night line-up reflecting the event’s commitment to giving local creatives a platform.
“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.
Shoko Festival is now in its 16th edition and continues to champion alternative youth culture, creative expression and artistic freedom. The festival is a project of Magamba Network, a creative and digital media organisation that has played a key role in Zimbabwe’s urban arts and youth culture movement. – Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire
