BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE- The Eswatini International Comedy Festival (ECOFEST) is set to make waves this year with the incredible comedic talents of Shanray Van Wyk from South Africa and Sir Matee from Lesotho.
Scheduled for September 26, 2025, at the SibaneSami Hotel, this festival promises an unforgettable evening of laughter, showcasing both local and international comedic stars.
Shanray Van Wyk is a comedic virtuoso who effortlessly blends humor in both Afrikaans and English. With his sharp wit and engaging storytelling, Shanray captivates audiences nationwide. His performances reflect a unique mix of cultural insights and everyday observations, making him a relatable figure in the comedy scene. His innovative approach ensures that every show is filled with laughter and thought-provoking commentary.
Sir Matee, a multi-talented entertainer and educator, has made a significant impact through his comedy and community initiatives. Since he began his stand-up journey in 2018, he has transformed his love for storytelling into a platform for social change. Notably, Sir Matee invested his comedy earnings into building Millicent Academy, an educational institution that opened its doors in January 2022, showcasing his commitment to uplifting his community through education and humor.
ECOFEST was founded by the charismatic Bonginkosi Dlamini, affectionately known as Dr. Shakes. His vision for the festival is clear: to elevate local and emerging artists while showcasing the rich tapestry of humor from across Southern Africa. “This year, 2025 marks the second edition of ECOFEST, and we’re determined to make it even bigger and better than before,” he passionately expressed.
A thrilling addition to this year’s lineup is a comedy search aimed at unearthing local talent from universities in the country. This initiative will grant a selected student comedian the incredible opportunity to share the stage with internationally acclaimed acts. Dlamini emphasizes, “We want to give our local comedians a platform to shine alongside established performers. It’s all about creating opportunities and fostering growth in our comedy scene.”
ECOFEST 2025 will feature an exciting array of comedic acts from various countries, including:
– Siya Seya
– Bongiswa and Darren
– Bizeey the Comedian
– Aiden Ho
– Frank Chirisa
– Ndosh Webenguni
– Boldwin Bals
Dlamini promises that this year’s festival will be “bigger, better, and bolder than ever,” ensuring a comedy extravaganza filled with humor, stand-up brilliance, and a lively atmosphere.
Comedy enthusiasts, take note! Tickets for ECOFEST 2025 are on sale, with early bird tickets priced at just E120—available exclusively through Delta Pay. As excitement builds, pre-sale tickets will be available for E150, while tickets purchased at the gate will be E200. The festival will unfold at the stunning Sibane Sami Hotel in Ezulwini, providing the perfect setting for an evening of hilarity.
Don’t miss out on what promises to be a landmark evening in Eswatini’s entertainment calendar!
(Courtesy Pics)
