Edinburgh Fringe 2025
Tadiwa Mahlunge – Hakuna Ma Tad Tad
Tadiwa Mahlunge
Genre: Stand-Up
Venue: Monkey Barrel, The Tron
Festival: Edinburgh Fringe
Low Down
Tadiwa Mahlunge is a rising star comic who brings humour to a difficult situation as he manages his journey from refugee to boardroom, confronting racism and family challenges.
Review
Tadiwa Mahlunge is an up and coming comic who brings humour to a difficult situation as he manages his journey from refugee to boardroom, confronting racism and family challenges.
Mahlunge grew up in Zimbabwe to a wealthy family with status. His mother was a politician who tried to improve her nation. They lived in a big house and were very comfortable. All of that changed when Robert Mugabe came to power as President. For many, he was considered an evil dictator. There was violent repression of his political opponents, one of whom was Mahlunge’s mother. When it was clear that her life was in danger, she moved the family to Wales. They lost their home and their money but they were safe. Instead of living well, they were in a council flat as political refugees.
Mahlunge never fit in at school. He described his speech as sounding like a dictator’s son at a posh school. He was bullied because of his voice. The stage was the first place where he felt he belonged. He played various parts in plays, including a Black Jesus and a key role in Hairspray. He comically describes that experience.
He went on to craft a career as a software engineer working in finance. But when his company was taken over by a private equity firm, he turned to comedy.
Mahlunge draws on his experiences and his family relationships to craft his show. We learn about his grandmother, who revels in sending long voice messages over her cell phone. His sister had an easier journey, as she was born in the UK.
Some of his stories of loss and relocation are heartbreaking, but he is not looking for sympathy, only for laughs. He confronts racism in an accessible way, with funny stories, bringing humour to a difficult situation. It is a show about belonging. He says that the only limitations you have are the ones that you accept. Clearly he has met his challenges, using his quick wit and his smarts to help him hone responses and actions.
Mahlunge speaks very rapidly. His show is very fast paced but could be moderated at bit for the jokes to settle in for the audience. There is lot of repetitive material, which makes the performance a bit too long. However, audience was very responsive, laughing throughout the program.
Follow this rising star. He has a compelling story to tell, and will charm you with his humour and his resilience.
