BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE– Eswatini’s celebrated comedian Mdura has been officially confirmed to represent the Kingdom at the inaugural 4360 International Comedy Festival, set to take place in Durban on 16–17 April 2026.
Selected from a highly competitive pool of over 100 entries, Mdura’s inclusion highlights the growing regional recognition of his distinctive comedic voice.
Founded by renowned South African comedian and producer Thenjiwe Moseley, the festival aims to celebrate comedy as both a powerful art form and a viable industry. The event will bring together a diverse lineup of voices from across Africa and Europe, including representatives from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho, Botswana, Uganda, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Beyond the performances, the festival features a series of workshops at the BAT Centre focused on the economics of comedy, brand building, and the role of humour in fostering social cohesion.
In a major development for participating artists, the festival has secured an international collaboration with London’s iconic Big Belly Comedy Club. This partnership creates a direct pathway for African comedians to access global stages, offering paid performance spots at one of the UK’s most respected stand-up venues. The two-day programme also includes the “Battle of the Funniest,” a multilingual competition where comedians will vie for the title of Durban’s funniest comic in front of a panel of judges and the public.
Speaking on his selection, Mdura expressed great enthusiasm about returning to the Durban stage. “Being selected for the 4360 International Comedy Festival is an incredible opportunity, and I truly believe it has come at the right time,” he noted. “This year I’m focused on expanding my international reach, and this festival is the perfect platform for that. It’s an honour to represent Eswatini on such a platform.”
The festival, supported by the National Arts Council, seeks to ignite a strong festival culture in Durban while nurturing emerging talent. Tickets for the evening showcases at the BAT Centre will be released soon, while registration is required for those wishing to attend the industry workshops. For further updates and information, the public is encouraged to visit the official website at www.4360comedyfestival.com.
#EPN #Mdura #4360ComedyFestival #DurbanEvents #EswatiniComedy #StandUpComedy #AfricanCreatives #BigBellyComedy
(Courtesy Pic)
