Mdura shines at Zed Laugh Festival in Zambia

By Siphesihle Dlamini

Renowned Eswatini comedian Mdura delivered a standout performance at Zambia’s prestigious Zed Laugh Festival, elevating the Kingdom’s presence on the regional comedy stage.

The event, held at M’kango Golf View on Friday, was a celebration of humour that brought together top comedic talents from across Africa, including Uganda, South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, and the host nation, Zambia.

The lineup featured an impressive roster of comedians such as Chingliz, Ba Emma, Smoke, Juss, Rhema, Bob Nkosha, Thenjiwe, Thapelo, Napoleon, and Mdura himself.

The festival was a sell-out, drawing a lively and enthusiastic crowd eager to enjoy an evening of laughter and cultural exchange.

Mdura, speaking exclusively to Eswatini Daily News, described the experience as both exhilarating and rewarding. He praised the audience’s energy and the excellent weather, which combined to create an ideal atmosphere for comedy.

“It was an incredible show, we had a really amazing comedy audience, perfect weather for comedy, and all the comedians brought their A game,” he said.

Mdura acknowledged the challenge of performing after such a strong lineup but noted that it pushed him to elevate his craft to new heights.

Having performed at the Zed Laugh Festival for the second time, Mdura emphasised the significance of the event for his personal and professional growth. “For me, it’s growth not only as a brand but as a comedian.

This kind of exposure opens a whole different world of experiences and opportunities,” he explained. He cited a previous performance at the festival that was recorded and aired on Zambezi Magic, a popular regional TV channel, as a concrete example of how the festival can serve as a springboard for wider recognition.

Beyond the stage, Mdura highlighted the valuable networking opportunities the festival provided. “As we speak, I am shooting something for TV now for an international audience, and we already have plans for other projects here in Zambia and other countries.

Some of these networks extend beyond comedy,” he revealed, underscoring the festival’s role as a platform for cross-border collaboration and career advancement.

Mdura extended his gratitude to South African comedian Thenjiwe, whose acclaimed show “Thenjiwe Unplugged” played a pivotal role in connecting him with the Zed Laugh Festival opportunity.

He also thanked the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (South Africa) and Mzansi Golden Economy for their support in facilitating his participation.