MBABANE - Eswatini’s celebrated comedian Mdura will be hoisting the country’s flag at the inaugural 4360 International Comedy Festival, taking place in Durban on April 16-17, 2026.
The festival will bring together a diverse line-up of comedians from across Africa, Europe and beyond, positioning Durban as a new hub for international comedy. Mdura was selected following an open call for submissions that attracted more than 100 entries.
Founded by South African comedian and producer Thenjiwe Moseley, the 4360 International Comedy Festival aims to celebrate comedy as both an art form and an industry. The festival will open on April 16 with a series of workshops at the BAT Centre in Durban, bringing together comedians, industry professionals and emerging talent to explore the business and cultural impact of stand-up comedy.
The workshops will focus on topics such as the economics of comedy, brand building for comedians and the role humour plays in fostering dialogue and unity across diverse communities. “Comedy is more than entertainment. It contributes to human capital development. Through the festival, we want to nurture a deeper understanding of comedy as both a powerful art form and a viable business,” said the festival founder.
Countries to be represented include:Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho, Botswana, Uganda, Eswatini, South Africa and the United Kingdom. “We’re thrilled to bring together such a diverse group of voices. 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,” added Thenjiwe.
In addition to the festival performances and workshops, the event has also secured an international collaboration with London’s iconic Big Belly Comedy Club.
Through this partnership, comedians performing at the festival will have the opportunity to receive paid performance spots at Big Belly Comedy Club in London, one of the UK’s most respected stand-up venues.
The initiative aims to create pathways for African comedians to access international stages and expand their global reach. Participants in the Battle of the Funniest will perform in front of both judges and the public, with the winner receiving a festival award and the opportunity to open the evening showcase with a five-minute set.
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Award-winning comedian Mdura.