LAUGHTER is about to take centre stage as the Shoko Festival returns with its electrifying Comedy Night, headlined by none other than Zimbabwe’s comedy kingpin, King Kandoro.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Harare Gardens on September 25, the 15th edition of the Shoko Festival promises a night of sharp wit, cultural commentary and unapologetic humour.
Joining Kandoro are the razor-sharp Justin Wanda from Kenya, the ever-versatile Mike and the theatrically explosive Mbongeni Ndlovu, all ready to deliver punchlines that will leave the crowd gasping for breath.
With award-winning DJ and entertainment personality DJ Iroq spinning in between sets and tickets already flying off the shelves, this year’s Shoko Comedy Night is shaping up to be the comedic event of the year.
The 2025 Shoko Festival is taking place from September 25 to 27 at Harare Gardens and Chitungwiza, respectively.
Word has it that this year’s Shoko Comedy Night has been predicted to supplant last year’s showcase as this year’s edition has unleashed above standard comedic talent, led by internationally acclaimed record-breaking comedian King Kandoro.
Keep Reading
- When local is lekker at Shoko Fest
- Shoko Festival on the roll
- Shoko Fest: A platform to uplift talents
- Shoko Festival expands horizons, adds more genres
King Kandoro set the record as he became the first comedian to fill up the Reps Theatre in 2019, the 7 Arts Theatre and the Celebration Centre in Harare with his Prodigal Son Tour.
His appearance at Shoko Festival 2025 marks a highly anticipated homecoming that fans won’t want to miss as he brings his internationally acclaimed tour back to Zimbabwe during his birthday month.
Scramble for online ticket purchase has already began on www.flippintickets.co.zw and at the Moto Republik Box Office.
Comedy Night advance tickets are priced at US$15 (versus US$20 at the gate), while Mash Up Nights is set at US$10 (compared to US$15 at the door).
Festival director Sam Monroe, AKA Comrade Fatso, finds the 15th edition of the Shoko Festival as harvest time for his efforts on capacitating creative talent in various forms through his Magamba Network.
“Our Comedy Night line-up is a reflection of the legacy we have been building over 15 years as Shoko Festival,” he said.
“King Kandoro is an example of that legacy as he grew his comedy career through platforms created by Magamba TV and Shoko and is now one of Zimbabwe’s biggest comedians.
“He returns triumphantly to Shoko as a headliner and this shows our commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists in Zimbabwe who speak truth to power. Kandoro will be joined on stage by an amazing group of comedians. It’s gonna be a hilarious night!”
In a world grappling with economic strain, social tension and digital overload, comedy has become more than just entertainment and has undeniably become therapy, release and rebellion all rolled into one.
Festivals like Shoko are crucial not only for giving artists a platform to challenge power through satire but also for creating vital spaces where communities can laugh, connect, and momentarily escape their daily realities.
Adding international flair to the line up is Kenya’s Justine Wanda, the Nairobi-based satirist and creator of Fake Woke With Justine, a satirical show that combines humour and critical discourse.
With an impressive touring history across Africa, including performances in South Africa, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Uganda, Justine brings a continental perspective to Shoko's Comedy Night.
Multi-award-winner Munyaradzi Mike Chipere, popularly known as Mike, brings his unique blend of sharp wit and relatable storytelling to the Shoko stage with a distinctive style that seamlessly blends Shona, English and street lingo.
Mike has performed in Eswatini, Kenya, Malaysia and Vietnam.
Mbongeni Ignatius Ndlovu is set to bring his rib-cracking theatrical style to Shoko Comedy Night.
Indeed, comedy lovers are in for a treat.