Mbongeni Ignatius Set to light up Bulawayo theatre

One of Bulawayo's most beloved comedians, Mbongeni Ignatius, is poised to make a grand return to the stage this Friday with his one-man show, Lei It Out, set to take place at the Bulawayo Theatre. Far from being just another comedy gig, the show is a bold statement of resilience, passion, and the power of local humour.

Having narrowly missed out on the Outstanding Stand-Up Comedian award at this year's National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA), Mbongeni is turning the setback into fuel. The comedian, known for his fearless delivery and razor-sharp punchlines, says the near-win has only strengthened his resolve. "It was a near miss, sure - but it made me hungrier than ever. I'm coming back bigger, funnier and realer than you've ever seen before," he declared.

Although the night centres on Mbongeni's solo act, he will be joined by an ensemble of some of Bulawayo's finest comedic talent. The show will be hosted by the ever-popular MaForty, with supporting performances from Zwe Hlabangana, Brandon and D'Juni. The performers promise an evening overflowing with punchlines, wild stories, and gut-busting laughter.

While Mbongeni is tight-lipped about the full content of his set, he gave fans a glimpse of what to expect. "Expect funny. Real funny. It's about life - yours, mine, all of ours. Relatable stuff, but spicy," he said.

From the streets of Bulawayo to stages in Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini, Mbongeni has crafted a comedy career that transcends borders. Despite his growing regional recognition, he remains deeply committed to his roots. "When I perform outside Zimbabwe, I see just how far my voice can travel. My stories are rooted in home - but the laughter? That's global. My roots are in Zim, no doubt, but the message? It hits globally," he explained.

In addition to his excitement about the upcoming performance, Mbongeni didn't shy away from addressing the challenges faced by comedians in Zimbabwe. He pointed to the inconsistent support for local comedy as a key obstacle to the growth of the industry. "The only thing holding us back here? Support. In other countries, comedy gets love every week. It's constant - and that keeps the scene alive," he said.

As anticipation builds ahead of Lei It Out, Mbongeni's return to the Bulawayo stage is being hailed as a landmark moment for local comedy. For fans and newcomers alike, Friday night promises not only laughter but also a celebration of Zimbabwean talent and storytelling at its finest.