BY NOSIPHO MABUZA
MBABANE- The comedy night promises healing through laughter, good vibes, and unforgettable moments.
For comedian and host Cedric Simelane, the stage isn’t just about punchlines, it’s about therapy through laughter. As he gears up for another edition of Last Friday Gags on October 24, 2025 at Molly’s House of Grills in Mbabane, Cedric says the goal remains simple: to leave people lighter, happier, and free from their everyday worries.
“I want people to walk out of Molly’s House of Grills lighter than they came in,” he said. “If they came carrying stress, I want them to leave it behind as tears of laughter during the show. That’s the whole point, to give people a good time and a real break.”
Since its launch in May, Last Friday Gags has fast become a staple in Eswatini’s comedy calendar, offering consistent laughs and a stage for both established and rising comedians. The event’s success, Cedric notes, comes largely from the energy of the audience.
“It’s everything,” he emphasized. “As a comedian, you feed off the audience’s energy. Their attention and reactions keep you going, they shape how you deliver your set. So yes, I need them 100%. It’s a team effort.”
The show’s growing popularity has been proof of that connection.
“The response has been amazing! We now have familiar faces who come every month, and people even ask, ‘When’s the next one?’ Since we started in May, the support has grown, and we’ve built a loyal community around the Last Friday Gags brand.”
Reflecting on the local comedy scene, Cedric acknowledges the massive growth since he first started performing.
“When I started, we had maybe four or five active comedians in the whole country. Now, there are so many content creators and comedians, it’s really grown. Big shoutout to pioneers like Mdura and Dr Shakes who’ve been holding it down from the beginning. They inspired a lot of us.”
Despite the growth, Cedric admits the journey isn’t without challenges.
“The biggest challenge for me is balancing my work, content creation, and stand-up comedy. It’s not easy, but I’m pushing because I love it. I can proudly say we’re now heading into the 5th edition of Last Friday Gags, and that’s already a big win.”
The comedian has his eyes set on taking laughter across the country, and beyond.
“Definitely! I want to host a big show in my hometown, Hlatikulu. It might not be branded as Last Friday Gags, but it’ll be a proper homecoming. And from there, who knows? Maybe we take it to other towns and even across borders.”
Cedric’s motivation behind the event came from a simple but powerful observation.
“People go through a lot, and laughter has a way of healing. I wanted to create a space where people can just laugh and forget about their problems for a night. It’s also been a great platform for me to grow my material and for upcoming comedians to shine.”
Even the event’s catchy name has an easy charm.
“Simple, it happens every last Friday of the month, and by then, most people have been paid. So it’s the perfect time to relax, laugh, and enjoy good vibes.”
Looking ahead to the next show, Cedric couldn’t hide his excitement.
“This edition is on another level. The lineup is, honestly, it’s crazy! The show has grown so much; we’ve got sponsors on board, tickets are now on Mojatickets, and the energy keeps getting bigger each time. It’s not just a show anymore, it’s a movement.”
With performers like Mdura, Ntsetselelo, and Dr Shakes joining Cedric on stage, the Last Friday Gags promises an evening filled with laughter, good energy, and unforgettable moments, the perfect way to close out the month.
(Courtesy Pics)
