By MKHOKHELI ZIBENGWA
HubForty Entertainment (PBC), trading as LOL Entertainment Zimbabwe, has officially announced the fifth edition of the KwaNtuthu Comedy Festival, set to take place from 28 October to 1 November 2026.
This milestone edition unfolds under the dynamic theme “Give Me 5 – High 5” — a bold celebration of five years of laughter, creativity and community impact.
Now in its fifth year, the KwaNtuthu Comedy Festival has grown from a daring concept into a nationally recognised cultural platform. What began as an ambitious idea has evolved into a fixture on Zimbabwe’s arts calendar, attracting comedians, theatre practitioners, filmmakers and audiences from across the country and beyond.
According to organisers, the theme “Give Me 5 – High 5” is more than a celebratory slogan. It serves as the blueprint for delivery — promising high-energy programming, peak-quality comedy and hands-on audience participation. This year’s edition will feature interactive formats, youth-driven digital engagement and inclusive content designed to welcome families, corporate audiences and regional partners alike.
The five-day structure of the festival directly mirrors the theme. Each day is intentionally curated to reflect both the journey and the future of KwaNtuthu — honouring pioneers and long-standing partners, delivering standout comedy showcases, spotlighting theatre and short film productions, and engaging emerging young creators. Organisers describe the structure as a reflection of the festival’s dual identity as both an entertainment spectacle and an educational platform.
Presented by HubForty Entertainment under its trading name LOL Entertainment Zimbabwe, the festival maintains a clear mission: to celebrate the power of laughter and creativity by bringing people together and delivering memorable experiences that uplift and inspire. Its long-term vision is to position KwaNtuthu as Zimbabwe’s premier comedy event, while empowering local comedians and showcasing African comedy talent on the global stage.
A defining hallmark of the festival is its investment in youth development and education. Through theatre and short film platforms, KwaNtuthu has become a fixture on participating schools’ calendars, offering students access to professional stages, live audiences and tangible pathways into the creative industries. The fifth edition deepens this commitment, placing edutainment at the heart of the programme.
