Harare 5/08/2026
HARARE – Zimbabwe’s longest-running urban culture festival, Shoko Festival, is pleased to announce the return of Shoko Comedy Night, set to take place on Thursday, 24 September 2026 at Harare Gardens.
The highly anticipated comedy night, which has become one of the most sought-after events during the Shoko Festival, with this year’s edition being headlined by Nigel Maritinyu, popularly known as Nigel Tha Slick Pastor.
In line with this year’s Shoko Festival’s theme, Unmuted, a celebration of artistic creativity and free expression, Nigel Tha Slick Pastor is expected to light up the Comedy Night, bringing laughter and humour. Riding on his recent exploits, which have taken him from local to international stages with sold-out events, Nigel Tha Slick Pastor has established himself as one of the most respected stand-up comedians in Zimbabwe.
Off stage, Nigel Tha Slick Pastor has built a reputation, commanding a strong following on digital platforms, where he delivers rib-cracking comedy renderring his scheduled performance at the Shoko Comedy Night one to look out for.
Interestingly, Nigel Tha Slick Pastor’s performance at the Shoko Comedy Night will come after his comedy tour in the United Kingdom, presenting a perfect homecoming for the comedian.
Nigel Tha Slick Pastor says he is looking forward to his performance at Shoko Comedy Night, which will be his first in Harare this year, “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. There is absolutely no reason to miss out on this, I urge everyone to come through and have a good time.”
Glad Syre Chipenzi, known as Chipenzi, who is steadily cementing his status on the comedy scene, will also bring his talent to the Shoko Comedy Night. Neville Farai Nyoni, known by his stage name Neville Bird, will bring his acoustic guitar strings and humour, his unique comedy style blending music and jest. The Shoko Comedy Night will be hosted by actress and comedian Sharon Chideu known as Magi, who, to her credit, features on Bustop TV & recently on Magamba TV programme The Week, a satirical weekly show that challenges topics ranging from politics and climate change.
Festival Co-ordinator 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.”
Shoko Festival is Zimbabwe’s longest-running urban culture festival, now in its 16th edition celebrating alternative youth culture and free expression. It is a project of Magamba Network, Africa’s trailblazing creative and digital media organisation.
Tickets are priced at US$15 for early bird (US$20 at the gate) and can be purchased online at www.shokofestival.co.zw , or alternatively at the Moto Republik’s offices, situated at 3 Allan Wilson Avenue, Harare.
