No politicians at this year’s Shoko Festival Comedy Roast

By Lloyd Rabaya

Comedy lovers are up for a treat at this year’s Shoko Festival Comedy Roast which has taken a break from politicians to make room for Zimbabwean Hip Hop acts.

The roast will be on Friday 29 September at Reps Theatre from 6 to 8pm.

Since its inception in 2021, politicians have headlined the roasts, with Linda Masarira being the first and, former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa being roast last year.

This year, the Shoko Festival has said no one should be left behind as Kuda Musasiwa alias Begotten Sun will be grilled in the hot seat.

In a press release dated yesterday, the roast master, who is also a comedian, Simuka Comedy Creative Director Doc Vikela promised fireworks at this year’s edition of the lung-breaking exposition.

“The Comedy Roast this year comes with a difference. We have taken a break from politicians who really need the break after the bruising 2023 polls
Zim Hip Hop has been growing in leaps and bounds. What better person to roast than Kuda, who is a Hip Hop head, a political commentator, and many other things,” he said.

In 2021, the Roast of Temba Mliswa featured acts like Hip Hop icon Noble Stylz, renowned comedians Bhutisi, Munya Guramatunhu and Kaydem the comic, and filmmaker Joe Njagu.

Last year’s “Roast of Temba Mliswa” featured acts like Vimbai Zimuto, Carl Joshua Ncube, Kikky Badass, and Vimbai Zimuto amongst others.

This year’s edition will as well be star-studded with people like Blacpearl, Candice Mwakalele, Ba Shupi, Ricky Fire and Skhonjwa.
“Early birds will also be treated to a 30-minute pre-roast act by the hilarious Tinaye, Ckanyiso Dat Guy, Kadem the Comic along with upcoming performers who have been under the Mitambo International Theater Festival. This is a effort to incubate new talented comedians and introduce them to bigger platforms,” read part of the statement.

Tickets are already being sold at Reps Theatre, Simuka Comedy and Moto Republik, US$10 each. This year’s roast is presented in collaboration with Mitambo International Theatre Festival.