Zambezi News

Outspoken, Cde Fatso and Michael Kudakwashe

Zambezi News is one of Zimbabwe's leading comedy series. The series is a satirical news show created by renowned stand up comedians, Comrade Fatso and Outspoken. Sponsored by Magamba Network, the series features comical news presenters who delve into everyday issues ranging from politics to sport. In 2014, the comedy got a boost when the series premiered in South Africa and Swaziland’s premier international arts festival — the BushFire Festival in May.

Launch and Motive

The comedy was launched in 2011 and had its first season being screened on First TV as well as being distributed around the country and online. The first season alone was viewed by an estimated 6 million viewers.^[1] The motive behind Zambezi News is to look at the lighter side of broadcasting through bringing real issues that affects the day to day lives of the majority. These hilariously dealt with issues ranges from from race to sex, from politics to sport, from land reform to hip-hop. The comedy became a huge success as the comics were invited to perform at live shows at festivals in Zimbabwe, Sweden and South Africa at the renowned SA Comic’s Choice Awards. The cats of the series includes Mandape Mandape(Tongai Makawa aka Outspoken), Jerome Weathers (Samm Monro aka Comrade Fatso) and Kudzaishe Mushayahembe (Michael Kudakwashe).

2014 Tour

The comics mad their maiden Swaziland tour where they were invited to perform at the country's international arts festival — the BushFire Festival. The cats did four shows from May 30 to June 2.^[2] At the arts fiesta, the comedians shared the stage with superstar Oliver Mtukudzi and Mokoomba, Uhuru, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Bongo Maffin. Their tour began in South Africa where they performed at the popular Awednesday Comedy Jam in Johannesburg on May 28. The following the cast will feature as Zimbabwean correspondents on Late Night News (LNN) hosted by top South African comedian Loyiso Gola on DStv , eNCA.