Major Moves Comedy has announced that their starlet, Thapelo Malani, one of Botswana’s most inspiring and talented comedians, will be jetting off to Kampala, Uganda to perform at The Marabou LaughFestival 2025 in Kampala on Thursday 4th and Friday 5th September 2025.
born in Maitengwe, Malani has made an undeniable mark in the Botswana comedy industry since his debut at the 4th Annual Heavyweights International Comedy Festival. Despite being visually impaired, Malani has become one of the most fearlessly funny comics working today—blending sharp wit, self-deprecating humor, and bold takes on the absurdities of everyday life.
Malani is among Botswana’s most active young comedians, with an impressive track record across the regional comedy circuit. His international performances include stages in Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and headlining shows in Zambia.
A Stage for African Comedy
The Laughing Maraboustork is Uganda’s first fully-fledged and operational comedy club, founded by Timothy J. Nyanzi alongside top Ugandan comedians Hilary Okello, CotildaInapo (who has performed in Botswana with Anne Kansiime), and Okello Okello. Known for their weekly Tuesday and Thursday shows, they will now host the biggest comedy festival in Uganda, featuring acts from Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Celebrating the initiative, Joseph Opio, Ugandan Emmy Award-winning comedian and writer for The Daily Show, remarked: “I have scaled the Mount Everest of American comedy. But I dearly wish a groundbreaking performance space like Laughing Maraboustork existed when I was starting. Perhaps then, I would have won my first Emmy Award 10 years earlier. This is a great initiative and I am looking forward to the festival.”
Malani’s Return to Kampala
Reflecting on his upcoming trip, Malani shared: “I am so excited to be travelling to East Africa again after my well-received performance in Soroti (Uganda) and Nairobi (Kenya). I am really looking forward to sharing the stage with all the talented comedians on my travels. The world is ripe for Botswana comedy and I am ready to fly the flag high.”
To ensure his seamless participation, Malani will travel with a companion to assist with accessibility and safety throughout the journey. Their travel is proudly supported by the National Arts Council of Botswana, Major Moves Comedy, and his football club, Batanani Boys Social Club.
