Langalakhe MabenaIT’S not just gags and punchlines this time. It’s jokes with a journey. Seasoned South African comedian and actress Khanyisa Bhunu is making a grand return to Bulawayo after six years.This time, she’s bringing along Siyanda Maphumulo, the sharp-tongued rising star from Mandeni in KwaZulu-Natal, for the Cross-Border Comedy Night slated for 23 August at the Large City Hall.The comedic firepower increases exponentially with the two sharing the stage with the South African duo will be local favourites: award-winning spoken word maestro ZWE, the ever-hilarious Ble Mutandwa, Mbongeni Ignitious, D’Juni and General Lesley.The man behind the madness, Ntando Van Moyo of Umahlekisa Comedy Club, confirmed the line-up is locked and ready to deliver a night of rib-cracking fun.
He proudly declared that the comedy gig is a cultural exchange with a twist — a fusion of laughter and local tourism.Ntando Van MoyoBefore Bhunu and Maphumulo drop the mic, they will first pick up the chalk. The two will run a workshop on the morning of show day, 23 August, engaging with up-and-coming comedians and those curious about the business side of comedy.Van Moyo’s mission, however, goes beyond laughter. “We didn’t want the usual boring routine of landing at the airport, straight to the hotel, then to the venue.
That’s not us,” he said.Instead, on 22 August, the comedians will explore Bulawayo’s hidden gems. From the historic Old Bulawayo museum and the iconic Khami Ruins to the vibrant streets of Makokoba and the hustle of Emkambo market, it’s a city tour with a Kasi flavour.And for those following from afar, fear not — the entire experience will be streamed live on social media for global audiences to see the charm of the City of Kings.Siyanda MaphumuloAfter delivering the laughs on the 23rd, the crew will head to Matopo Hills on 24 August for a final slice of Zimbabwe’s majestic landscapes.“This is how we sell Bulawayo. By mixing humour with heritage.
We’re inviting all tourism players to come on board. Let’s build something bigger,” said Van Moyo.Umahlekisa Comedy Club has made a name for itself by combining comedy with tourism. From gigs at Isilwane Nature Reserve and Blue Hills to hosting Carl Joshua Ncube and staging Jazz songbird Thandy Dhlana at Khami Ruins, they’ve turned shows into showcases.This Cross-Border Comedy edition promises to leave more than laughs.
It’s a cultural stamp, a reminder that Zimbabwean comedy is going places, literally.Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave
Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald
Source: Herald
