Christian Dude’s rise to comedy stardom
By Siphesihle Dlamini
Christian Dude is rapidly becoming a household name in Eswatini’s comedy scene, blending traditional wit with modern humour to captivate audiences nationwide.
From humble beginnings in school drama groups to commanding stages at major events, his journey reflects the vibrant evolution of Eswatini comedy.
Through respectful yet sharp social commentary, Christian Dude uses laughter not only to entertain but also to inspire positive change, positioning himself as a leading voice in the country’s growing cultural landscape.
Eswatini Sunday (ESN): How did you first get into comedy, and what inspired you to pursue it professionally?
Christian Dude (CD): I got into comedy back in my school days when I was part of the drama group. I was always the one who could lighten up a room with jokes, especially during tough times. It started to pass the time and lift the spirits of my classmates.
I would poke fun at how teachers treated us or make light of everyday struggles. Over time, I realised that making people laugh wasn’t just a hobby but something I was genuinely passionate about.
It felt natural to me, and I enjoyed the way humour could bring people together and ease tension. That’s when I decided to pursue it professionally, to use comedy as a tool not just for entertainment but for positive impact.
ESN: Can you describe the comedic scene in Eswatini? How has it evolved over the years?
CD: The comedic scene in Eswatini has grown tremendously and shows so much promise. Traditionally, comedy was deeply rooted in our culture through storytelling, where our grandparents used wit and satire to teach moral lessons.
These stories were rich with clever wordplay and observational humour about everyday life, social norms, and even politics. Back then, comedy was more about sharing our customs and values as emaSwati.
With the rise of global media, TV, the internet, and social media, the scene has transformed. Comedians started incorporating styles like stand-up and skits, which are now widely shared online.
Social media has been a game-changer because it allows for quick and broad dissemination of comedic content, reaching audiences far beyond traditional platforms.
We’ve also seen a rise in comedy festivals and events, which provide vital platforms for both established and upcoming comedians to showcase their talents.
These events have increased community engagement and brought more diversity to the voices in comedy. Companies now recognise the power of humour in marketing and often collaborate with comedians for promotions on radio, TV, and social media, which helps amplify comedy’s reach.
Overall, the scene is vibrant and diverse, blending traditional storytelling with modern influences. Comedians are not just entertainers but agents of social change, using humour to spark dialogue and reflection. The foundation laid by those before us has created a platform for us to reach new heights.
ESN: Who are your comedic idols, both locally and internationally, and why?
CD: Locally, my biggest idol was the late Smallz The Comedian. He was a pioneer who treated comedy as a serious art form deserving professional respect.
Smallz broke the stereotype that comedians were just people telling jokes for fun without a real career path. He showed us that comedy could be a viable profession, he was a go-getter who even performed in South Africa, proving that opportunities exist beyond our borders.
I also have deep respect for comedy legends like Gedlembane B83, Gogo Eswatini NM, and Angisati Ngitsin, who paved the way for us. I learn from their craft every day, what to do and what to avoid.
Internationally, I admire Mr Bean for his universal physical comedy, Dr Hillay Okello for his storytelling, and Trevor Noah for his sharp social commentary and authenticity.
They’ve mastered the art of connecting with audiences through genuine, relatable humour, and that’s what I aspire to achieve.
ESN: What do you think makes Swazi humour unique compared to other African comedic traditions?
CD: EmaSwati are naturally funny people. We love to laugh and find humour even in difficult situations. What makes our humour unique is our culture, which is deeply rooted in respect and peace.
Unlike some other African comedic traditions that might be more confrontational or provocative, our comedy tends to be less offensive and more subtle. We tell the truth but do so in a way that doesn’t hurt or alienate people.
This balance allows us to be authentic without stepping on too many toes. It’s a kind of humour that invites reflection and laughter without creating conflict. I believe this respectful approach makes Swazi comedy stand out as both genuine and inclusive.
ESN: Was there ever a moment when you doubted your career choice, or others doubting it, and how did you overcome it?
CD: Honestly, I have never doubted my career choice. I believe that where God leads, He provides. However, many people doubted me. They told me comedy was a tough career path in Eswatini, given the economy and the limited platforms for comedians.
Some said my content wasn’t funny or relevant. That was hard to hear. What kept me going was my team, they constantly encouraged me to push forward. We’re not here to chase trends; we want to make a lasting impact both nationally and internationally.
My faith has been a cornerstone. Knowing I am a child of God and loved by Him gives me confidence and strength. That belief makes everything possible, and it keeps me grounded even when others doubt me.
ESN: How do you balance humour with social or political commentary in your comedy?
CD: That’s one of the trickiest aspects of comedy, especially in a place like Eswatini, where respect is highly valued. I always start with respect, that’s the foundation. My jokes, whether social or political, are crafted to be clean and considerate of different perspectives.
I believe there’s a right way to address every issue. Comedy can highlight social ills without being disrespectful or offensive. It’s about using humour to open dialogue rather than create division.
When done well, comedy can shine a light on problems in a way that encourages reflection and change without alienating anyone.
ESN: What is your creative process when developing new material?
CD: My process is quite structured. I dedicate specific days to scripting and reviewing my content, followed by days set aside for shooting or performing. I spend a lot of quiet time reflecting, often listening to gospel music, which helps me focus and inspires creativity.
I like to prepare well in advance so that when it’s time to perform or shoot, I’m confident and relaxed. This preparation allows me to be more spontaneous and creative during the actual performance without the pressure of last-minute ideas.
ESN: Do you draw inspiration from your personal experiences, or do you prefer to observe the world around you?
CD: Both, really. My personal experiences are the core of much of my content because they are authentic and relatable. But I also observe the world around me closely, the everyday lives of people, social dynamics, and cultural nuances.
This combination helps me create material that resonates with a wide audience because it humorously reflects real life.
ESN: How do you handle writer’s block or creative slumps?
CD: I avoid chasing trends and focus on creating timeless content. Preparing material well before shooting or performing helps me avoid unnecessary pressure. When I’m well-prepared, creativity flows more naturally.
If I ever hit a block, I take a step back, spend time reflecting, and listen to gospel music to reset my mind. Preparation and execution are key: like our teachers used to say before exams, “Preparation is the master of success.”
ESN: Do you collaborate with other comedians, or do you prefer to work solo?
CD: I do collaborate with other artists in the entertainment industry, which is great for growth and learning. However, working solo allows me to maintain my originality and voice.
Collaboration is important, but I believe you must first work hard on your own craft before collaborating. There’s a saying, “You cannot live off the food from parties every day; you need to eat at home first.” In other words, be yourself and build your foundation before seeking partnerships.
ESN: How do you ensure that your comedy remains relevant to the changing dynamics of Eswatini society?
CD: I treat comedy like running a CEO’s office. I understand that what made people laugh last year might not be relevant today. So, I constantly create new characters and update my content to reflect current social changes and trends.
This approach keeps my comedy fresh and aligned with the evolving experiences of my audience.
ESN: What role do you think comedy plays in shaping public discourse or challenging societal norms?
CD: Comedy plays a pivotal role by addressing serious issues in a lighthearted way.
It allows people who might be responsible for social ills to see their faults without feeling attacked, which can encourage change. Comedy also gives victims of injustice a platform to share their stories in a more relaxed and approachable manner.
It teaches important lessons without hostility, making it easier for people to receive and reflect on the message.
ESN: What’s the funniest thing that has ever happened to you on stage?
CD: Early in my career, at one event, no one laughed at my first joke. The funny part was my thought: “If you don’t laugh at your own jokes, no one will.” That became my next joke, and it cracked the crowd up.
From that moment, I won them over, and it remains one of my most memorable experiences.
ESN: Do you ever find it difficult to switch from your comedic persona to your personal life?
CD: Not at all. Early on, I learned to separate Andile Nkambule, the person, from Christian Dude, the comedian. When I’m home, I’m just Andile. When I go out to perform, I switch to Christian Dude.
This clear boundary helps me maintain balance and keeps both sides authentic.
ESN: How do you gauge whether a joke will resonate with the audience before performing it?
CD: I tailor my jokes based on the event and the audience. I don’t repeat jokes just because they’re funny; they must be relevant to the people present. This helps avoid embarrassment and prevents offending anyone.
Understanding your audience is key to successful comedy.
ESN: What’s the most memorable reaction you’ve had from an audience?
CD: Two moments stand out. First, at the EEC Earth Hour event at House On Fire, the crowd was so interactive and excited that it almost brought me to tears.
Their energy was incredible. Second, at the Mount Zion Experience, the audience greeted me with “Yini Lengiyiphetse Esandleni” even before I started performing. That created a powerful and uplifting atmosphere.
ESN: How do you deal with a tough crowd or an unresponsive audience?
CD: It’s every comedian’s nightmare. When I sense a tough crowd, I look for the “sheep herd,” someone or a small group who’s less tight and more open. I engage with them interactively. If they laugh, it usually breaks the ice for the rest.
If not, well, I pray and hope for the best!
ESN: How do you see the future of comedy in Eswatini evolving, particularly with digital platforms like social media?
CD: The future is incredibly bright.
Social media has made it easier than ever to reach wider audiences, and Eswatini comedy is going international. There is so much untapped talent and potential, and digital platforms will be key in showcasing that to the world. The sky is truly the limit.