Comedy king hits platinum with 100k followers

Lesotho’s comedic sensation Lehlohonolo ‘Matli, widely known as Da Mahlonza or Mannopi, has reached a major milestone by surpassing 100,000 followers on Facebook.

Calling this achievement his ‘platinum status’, the Maseru-based comedian and content creator sees it as a defining moment in his career, solidifying his influence in the country’s evolving entertainment landscape.

In an interview with theReporter, Da Mahlonza expressed his gratitude for the recognition and reflected on the significance of this milestone within Lesotho’s developing creative industry.

“My name is Lehlohonolo ‘Matli, but most people know me as Da Mahlonza or Mannopi,” he began. “I’m a comedian and content creator based in Ha Abia, Maseru. I’m known for my unique take on everyday life, social commentary, and for putting a smile on people’s faces through laughter.”

Da Mahlonza began his comedy journey in 2017, transitioning from casual social media humour into a full-time creative pursuit. He describes reaching 100,000 followers as validation that his content resonates with a broad audience.

Given Lesotho’s size and limited entertainment infrastructure, he believes this achievement proves the power of comedy to influence culture, provoke thought, and open doors to international opportunities.

A breakthrough moment came in 2023 when he began incorporating real-life issues and socially relevant humour into his skits. Themes such as relationships, poverty, politics, and Basotho culture became central to his work, enabling him to both entertain and create a shared experience with his audience. A viral video from that year significantly boosted his visibility and cemented his status as a household name.

Reflecting on his evolution, Da Mahlonza notes that his comedy has matured — from spontaneous jokes to structured, purposeful storytelling.

Initially hindered by limited access to quality equipment, he has shifted his focus to refining narratives and using humour as a mirror to society.

“I’ve moved from just being funny to being funny with purpose,” he explained.

Operating within Lesotho’s fledgling entertainment industry hasn’t been without its challenges. Da Mahlonza has navigated a lack of funding, limited venues, and minimal production resources.

He has also faced societal pushback for tackling sensitive issues through comedy. Still, he remains undeterred.

“Every great journey comes with resistance,” he noted.

The key to his sustained popularity lies in his connection with fans. Da Mahlonza actively engages with his audience through comments, live sessions, and feedback polls, often inviting content suggestions. This interaction, he says, builds community and keeps his work grounded in everyday experiences.

His ambitions stretch beyond laughter. He hopes his work can heal, unite, and inspire – especially in trying times. He wants young creatives to know that success is possible, even from modest beginnings. His content aims to bring joy while prompting reflection.

Social issues, youth challenges, relationships, and the ironies of African life remain recurring themes in Da Mahlonza’s comedy. By making people laugh at difficult topics, he believes he is helping them process and understand those realities.

Reaching 100,000 followers, however, is just the beginning.

Looking ahead, Da Mahlonza plans to expand into stand-up tours, collaborate with other African comedians, and put Basotho comedy on global platforms. His creative process includes observing real-life situations, scripting, rehearsing, and constantly honing his craft by learning from peers in the comedy world.