By Siphesihle Dlamini
The atmosphere was electric, the air thick with romance and joy, and the sounds of laughter echoed through the night! Lovers, friends, and families gathered at the picturesque Mantenga Cultural Village on Saturday for the highly anticipated Love & Laughter Fest.
This annual event, which fuses the best of comedy, poetry, and romance, proved to be the perfect way to kick off the year with an explosion of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories.
Lovers had the time of their lives while others found themselves laughing uncontrollably at a delightful blend of humour and romance.
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With the stage set, the performers quickly became the heart of the evening, as they brought a magical mix of lightheartedness and deep emotions that had the crowd completely immersed in the night’s festivities.
The event kicked off right at 7 pm, with a stellar lineup of renowned comedians and poets ready to light up the stage.
The night was emceed by the dynamic duo Gogo Eswatini and S’lwane, both of whom brought their trademark energy and charm, alongside Hembe, who stepped in as the Master of Ceremonies with an exuberant flair.
Together, they created a warm and inviting atmosphere that had the audience immediately at ease and ready for a fun-filled evening.
The Mantenga Cultural Village Arena was the perfect setting for an event that celebrates the two things that make life sweeter—love and laughter.
The blend of rich cultural heritage with the essence of romance created an inviting space where both the heart and soul could feel at home.
Nestled in the heart of the Kingdom of Eswatini, the arena, with its lush greenery and tranquil surroundings, provided an intimate and welcoming ambience that complemented the romantic theme of the evening.
As patrons made their way to the event, they were greeted by a variety of delicious food and drink options, offering everything from light snacks to indulgent treats.
The tempting aromas of grilled meats, local delicacies, and fresh drinks swirled through the air, heightening the excitement for what was to come.
The first performer to take the stage was the hilarious Dr Shakes, whose wit and humour effortlessly broke the ice.
The audience erupted in laughter as he delivered his clever jokes and humorous anecdotes, setting the tone for the night to come.
His playful, relatable humour was the perfect way to get the crowd warmed up for what was sure to be an unforgettable show.
Next up was the Poet Thabani, who brought an unexpected twist to the evening by offering a beautiful and thought-provoking poetry set.
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His lyrical words took the audience on a deep emotional journey, inviting them to reflect on love, loss, and the intricacies of human experience.
The atmosphere shifted from laughter to introspection, and Thabani’s performance was a gentle reminder that poetry has the power to stir the heart as much as comedy can stir the soul.
Christian Maz, a multi-award-winning poet, continued the poetic trend with his stellar performance.
Known for his deeply passionate and evocative poetry, Maz delivered a set that left the audience mesmerized.
His words, accompanied by the rhythm of his delivery, created an intimate connection between the poet and the audience.
His performance not only showcased his talent but also underscored the role of poetry in shaping the emotions and hearts of those who listen.
But the surprise of the night came when MoCats, the legendary poetess, graced the stage. With a unique fusion of poetry and music, MoCats brought fresh energy to the festival.
Her set was an amalgamation of soulful rhythms and poetic brilliance that had the crowd swaying and clapping along in perfect harmony.
Her ability to blend words and melodies captivated everyone in the arena, making her performance one of the most memorable of the night.
The evening wouldn’t have been complete without the comedic genius of Bongiswa & Darren, whose performance added yet another layer of laughter to the event.
Their chemistry on stage and quick-witted humour kept the crowd on their toes, eagerly awaiting each punchline. The duo’s playful banter and sharp timing had the audience laughing from start to finish.
Mdura, a seasoned comedian, took the stage and delivered what many considered to be the best set of the evening.
His performance, filled with witty observations and hilarious insights into everyday life, had the crowd roaring with laughter.
Monkey Man, the talented South African comedian, closed the show with a bang. His well-timed jokes and infectious personality were the perfect end to an evening that celebrated comedy in all its forms.
In an exclusive interview with Gogo Eswatini, one of the event hosts, we got an inside look into the inspiration behind the Love & Laughter Fest and what it means to the organizers and the audience.
“This is an annual show we host to celebrate love,” Gogo Eswatini shared.
He explained that the festival has become a staple event, marking the first major show of the year and setting the tone for all the laughter and joy that would follow.
“We are happy to see emaSwati pulling up in numbers. We love seeing the comedy audience growing,” he added.
The sense of community and togetherness that was evident throughout the evening made the event feel even more special.
Gogo Eswatini spoke about how much it means to host an event that brings both locals and visitors together. “It’s about more than just comedy and poetry,” he explained.
“It’s about creating an experience where people can feel joy, connect with others, and celebrate the love that exists in the world.”
The Love & Laughter Fest at Mantenga Cultural Village was not just an event, it was a statement—Eswatini knows how to throw a celebration filled with laughter, love, and culture.
The success of the festival, which brought together a vibrant mix of comedy, poetry, and music, showcased the Kingdom’s rich artistic heritage while creating a fun, inclusive space for everyone to share in the joy.
The night ended, and the audience left with wide smiles and hearts full of warmth. It was clear that this was an event that would continue to grow, becoming a staple in Eswatini’s entertainment calendar.
And as Gogo Eswatini said, this is just the beginning—there are many more festivals to come, each one a unique celebration of love and laughter.
The Love & Laughter Fest has once again proven that the power of comedy, poetry, and music can bring people together, creating memories that last a lifetime.
