MBABANE – Eswatini comedian Mdura will represent the Kingdom at the inaugural 4360 International Comedy Festival scheduled to take place in Durban, South Africa on April 16 and 17, 2026.
The festival is expected to bring together comedians from across Africa, Europe and other parts of the world, positioning Durban as a growing centre for international comedy performances. Mdura secured his place at the festival after being selected through an open call for submissions that attracted more than 100 entries from comedians across the region.
The event was founded by South African comedian and producer Thenjiwe Moseley and aims to celebrate comedy not only as entertainment but also as a creative industry with economic and social value.
Activities will begin on April 16 with a series of workshops at the BAT Centre. The sessions will bring together comedians, industry professionals and emerging performers to discuss the cultural and commercial aspects of stand up comedy.
Topics to be discussed during the workshops include the economics of comedy, building personal brands for comedians and the role humour plays in encouraging dialogue and unity among diverse communities.
“Comedy is more than entertainment,” said festival founder Thenjiwe Moseley. “It contributes to human capital development, the creative economy, and social cohesion. Through the festival, we want to nurture a deeper understanding of comedy as both a powerful art form and a viable business.”
Comedians from several countries are expected to perform at the festival including Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho, Botswana, Uganda, Eswatini, South Africa and the United Kingdom.
“We’re thrilled to bring together such a diverse group of voices,” Moseley added. “This is the first edition of the festival, and we hope it will help ignite a strong festival culture in Durban and beyond. The support from the National Arts Council has been instrumental in helping us create a platform where both established and emerging comedians can shine.”
Beyond the stage performances and workshops, the festival has secured an international collaboration with Big Belly Comedy Club. Through this partnership, selected comedians performing at the festival will receive paid performance opportunities at the London venue, which is regarded as one of the United Kingdom’s well known stand up comedy stages.
The initiative is intended to create opportunities for African comedians to access international platforms and broaden their global exposure.
The two day programme will feature industry workshops exploring comedy, business and creative entrepreneurship, an international comedy showcase with English language performances from comedians representing several countries and a competition known as Battle of the Funniest.
During the Battle of the Funniest competition, comedians will perform in any South African language before a panel of judges and the public while competing for the title of Durban’s funniest comedian. The winner will receive a festival award and the opportunity to open the evening showcase with a five-minute set.
Speaking about his selection, Mdura welcomed the opportunity to perform on the international stage.
“Being selected for the 4360 International Comedy Festival is an incredible opportunity, and I truly believe it has come at the right time. This year I’m focused on expanding my international reach, and this festival is the perfect platform for that.
I performed at Thenjiwe Unplugged in Durban previously, so returning to the city gives me another chance to challenge myself and perform alongside amazing comedians from across the continent. It’s an honour to represent Eswatini on such a platform.”
The 4360 International Comedy Festival is named after the KwaMashu postcode 4360, which organisers say symbolises culture, resilience and creative excellence rooted in township storytelling and Durban humour.
In addition to stage performances, the festival programme will include street comedy activations designed to take live comedy into public spaces as well as workshops focusing on empowerment, skills development and access to opportunities within the comedy and creative industries.
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