King Kandoro Launches Monthly Comedy Series in Zimbabwe to Nurture Emerging Talent

United Kingdom-based comedian and National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) double winner, King Kandoro, is giving back to Zimbabwe’s comedy scene by launching a monthly comedy series aimed at nurturing and exposing up-and-coming comedians. After gaining recognition for his remarkable comedy career, Kandoro—whose real name is Mukudzei Kandoro Majoni—has made it his mission to create a platform for emerging talent to hone their craft and find their place in the industry.

Dubbed “New School,” the series will kick off tomorrow at the Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre in Harare, where a fresh wave of comedians will have the opportunity to perform. The inaugural show will feature rising stars such as Josh Mukahanana, Mike Chipere, Munya Guramatunhu, David Chimusoro, and Tinotenda Kurwaisimba. While Kandoro, who founded the initiative, won’t be performing at the first event, he has expressed immense faith in the new generation of comedians and predicts a bright future for them.

“There are so many young and exciting comics that just need a space to show and hone their talents, which is where the New School Comedy Club comes in,” Kandoro explained. “We’re providing a platform where these young guys can focus on their performances without worrying about paying for venues and hiring equipment. They can just focus on bringing a great set.”

The series is set to take place every last Friday of the month at Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre, with a new line-up of comedians for each show. The initiative will always feature at least one female comedian to ensure diversity and inclusivity within the comedy scene.

Kandoro emphasized that this initiative is about more than just providing a stage for emerging comics; it’s about creating a sustainable comedy ecosystem in Zimbabwe. “Comedy lovers can expect to see stars in the making, raw talent on display. We want Zimbabweans to get used to the idea of regular, monthly comedy shows,” he said, urging comedy enthusiasts to attend in large numbers to support local talent.

Reflecting on the journey of empowering young comedians, Kandoro shared that his passion for nurturing talent drives him. “I reached out to some young comics to see if they would be interested, and some reached out when they saw that there was a platform for them. It’s very promising; there’s a lot of potential. I am very optimistic about the future of comedy in Zimbabwe,” he said.

Kandoro also pointed out that social media has played a pivotal role in elevating the careers of comedians, allowing them to reach wider audiences. “Social media makes it easier to stay connected with our fans, which helps them understand us more and want to come to the shows,” he noted.

Veteran comedian and actor Jasen Mphepo, who has provided the venue for Kandoro’s initiative, praised the new generation of comedians for their creativity and innovation. “They are doing well, every generation has its own, but there’s a need to hone their performance skills. They are innovative and make use of technology, more than the old school generally would have,” Mphepo said.

Mphepo, who has also been a significant mentor in Zimbabwe’s comedy industry, emphasized the importance of consistency and mastering the art of performance. “To succeed in stand-up comedy, you need to be consistent, find new narratives, be innovative, and put time into honing your craft,” he advised the emerging comics.

As a seasoned actor and producer, Mphepo is also working on new productions, including a comedy show for the 2025 season. He assured fans that exciting new projects are in the pipeline.

Through initiatives like “New School,” King Kandoro is shaping the future of Zimbabwean comedy by fostering new talent, supporting diversity, and ensuring that comedy remains a vibrant part of the nation’s cultural landscape. The monthly comedy series promises to be an exciting new chapter for Zimbabwe’s entertainment scene, bringing fresh voices to the forefront and inspiring the next generation of comedians to take their place in the industry.