The Shoko Festival, Zimbabwe’s longest-running urban culture festival, has unveiled the lineup for its highly anticipated Comedy Night, scheduled for Thursday, 24 September 2026, at Harare Gardens.
Popular stand-up comedian Nigel Maritinyu, known professionally as Nigel Tha Slick Pastor, has been announced as the headline act for this year’s edition. His performance will mark his first live show in Harare this year, following a recently completed comedy tour in the United Kingdom.
The 2026 edition of the festival will be held under the theme “Unmuted,” which organisers say is a celebration of artistic creativity, free expression, and emerging talent.
Nigel Tha Slick Pastor has established himself as one of Zimbabwe’s most respected stand-up comedians, building a following both locally and internationally through sold-out performances and popular digital content.
Speaking about his upcoming performance, Maritinyu said, “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”.
Joining the headliner are rising comedian Glad Syre Chipenzi, known as Chipenzi, and Neville Farai Nyoni, who performs as Neville Bird. Neville Bird is known for his unique style that blends acoustic guitar music with humour.
The evening will be hosted by actress and comedian Sharon Chideu, popularly known as Magi, who features on Bustop TV and Magamba TV’s satirical programme The Week.
Shoko Festival Coordinator Natasha Sipanera said, “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”.
Now in its 16th edition, Shoko Festival is a project of Magamba Network, Africa’s creative and digital media organisation.
The festival has grown into one of the country’s premier platforms for music, comedy, digital media, and the creative arts, promoting youth culture, innovation, and freedom of expression.
Pindula WhatsApp Channel
Facebook Page
Leave a Reply