AFRICA'S COMEDIANS TO BRING CONTINENTAL LAUGHTER TO ESWATINI

By: Nonophile Khumalo

Eswatini is set to host comedians from across Southern Africa as the Eswatini International Comedy Festival returns for its third edition on September 25, 2026, at SibaneSami Hotel in Ezulwini.

The festival brings together performers from seven countries, Eswatini, South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia, creating a regional entertainment platform that places Eswatini at the centre of a cross-border comedy experience.

Speaking ahead of the festival, comedian Bonginkhosi “Dr Shakes” Dlamini said the event continues to draw comedians from across the region, many of whom return year after year.

“The event brings comedians from seven countries, and they always want to come back again,” said Dlamini.

He added that the festival’s growth mirrors the expanding comedy industry across the region, with performers using such platforms to connect with audiences beyond their home countries. The opportunities it creates also extend beyond Eswatini’s borders. Following this year’s edition, two comedians are scheduled to travel on to Botswana and Uganda for further performances.

“The comedy industry is growing, as after the event, two comedians go to Botswana and Uganda,” he said.

Running under the theme “Africa is Coming to Eswatini: One Stage, One Continent, I Endless Laughter,” the festival gives audiences the chance to experience a range of comedic styles from across the region in a single setting.

The lineup features Simphiwe Shambe, Masapo, Darren, Smowkey, OD Brooks, Q Dube, Inspector Pamela and Courage, representing the participating countries and giving the festival a strong regional identity.

For Eswatini’s tourism and hospitality sector, events like this add to the experiences available to visitors beyond the country’s traditional attractions, while placing Ezulwini in the spotlight as a destination where entertainment and hospitality meet. Hosting performers from neighbouring countries also lends the festival cross-border appeal, opening the door to cultural and creative exchange among artists from different backgrounds.

The festival will be hosted at SibaneSami Hotel, adding to the entertainment offering already on hand in Ezulwini. Tickets are priced at E150, keeping the event accessible to audiences eager to experience live comedy from performers representing several Southern African nations.

With its blend of local and regional talent, the third edition of the Eswatini International Comedy Festival is set to bring Africa together on one stage, showcasing Eswatini once again as a destination for regional entertainment and tourism.