KwaNtuthu Comedy Festival returns to Bulawayo this month with five years of experience behind it, but its latest edition also highlights the work involved in keeping a local arts event alive.

Running from 28 October to 1 November 2026 under the theme “Give Me 5 High 5”, the festival is marking its fifth edition with a programme that brings comedy into focus while making room for other creative disciplines.

One of the main attractions is Watch My Weight The Roast of MaForty, which will turn the attention towards festival director Dumisani “MaForty” Ndlovu.

The roast brings together people who know him in different ways, including musician Msiz’Kay, his friend Cruz, his younger sister MaTwenty, comedian Lyton and journalist Bongani Ndlovu.
They are expected to use their personal experiences with MaForty as material for an evening of jokes and entertainment.
For the festival director, it will be a change of roles. Having helped organise a platform where comedians entertain others, he will now have to take the jokes himself.
Beyond the roast, KwaNtuthu has continued to create space for young people interested in the performing arts. Previous editions have included school theatre productions and short films, giving emerging creatives an opportunity to present their work to audiences.

Such platforms are important in Bulawayo, where young performers need opportunities to develop their skills, build confidence and connect with people who can support their work.

However, keeping a festival running year after year requires more than attracting an audience.

For local comedians, theatre practitioners and filmmakers, the value of a festival also lies in what happens after the performances. Opportunities to earn from their work, reach new audiences and participate in other productions can help them build careers in the creative industry.

This year’s programme also introduces an outdoor experience, adding another element to the festival as it celebrates five editions.
As KwaNtuthu prepares to welcome audiences from 28 October, its fifth edition provides an opportunity to recognise the people who have helped sustain the event and the performers who have contributed to its programme.

The festival’s continued presence gives Bulawayo’s comedy scene a platform to work with. The next challenge is ensuring that the opportunities created on its stages can continue beyond the five-day event.

To MaForty the founder of the festival, the immediate task will be a little different. After years of helping put comedy together, he is preparing to become the main subject of the jokes.