Slick Pastor (Nigel Maritinyu)'s Rise: From Viral Skits to Sold-Out Theatres, Zimbabwe’s Comedy Star is on the Rise
Nigel Maritinyu, professionally known as 'Slick Pastor', is redefining the art of comedy in Zimbabwe. No longer just a side hustle, his unique blend of humour, personal storytelling, and inspiration is filling theatres, topping bestseller lists, and proving that laughter is a serious and thriving career.
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| Slick Pastor (Nigel Maritinyu) |
The Rise of a Comedy Powerhouse
Slick Pastor’s recent double bill, “Stories Never Told” Part 1 and Part 2, sent a clear message: Zimbabwe is ready for professional comedy. In an astonishing feat, nearly 900 tickets were snapped up within 48 hours, leaving fans scrambling and the comedian himself humbled.
The shows offered a deeply personal yet hilarious glimpse into his life, transforming real pain into roaring laughter. "This time, I wanted to dig deeper," he explained. "I made fun of my personal tragedies, my failures, and my fears — because sometimes that’s where the best humour hides."
"I felt humbled and overwhelmed. It showed me how far people are willing to go to support what they believe in. That’s when I realised Zimbabwe is ready for professional comedy.”
For Slick, comedy is far from just a string of jokes. "People often think comedy is just about jokes," he said. "But there’s serious work behind every punchline. It’s a craft and if we take it seriously, it can feed families and change lives."
He draws inspiration from global icons like Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, and Ali Wong, who have built empires from their craft. "Kevin Hart started performing in tiny clubs, and now he fills stadiums. That’s proof that this art form can be a lifetime career. If they can do it, so can we," he stated, highlighting his ambition for the local industry.
More Than Just a Comedian
In March 2025, Nigel launched his debut book, "Seeds of Greatness," at a grand event at the Rainbow Towers Hotel. The book is described as a transformational guide packed with lessons on overcoming fear, building healthy relationships, and cultivating a mindset for success.
The launch was a star-studded affair, with guest of honour Apostle B Java commending Nigel for being an inspiration and life-changer. Fellow creative Feli Nandi shared her personal journey with him, while publisher Marshall Shonhai hailed him as a "game-changer" for inspiring others.
Beyond his stand-up and writing, Nigel is a sought-after motivational speaker and professional event Master of Ceremonies. His brand, "Tha Slick Pastor," has become synonymous with "light, love, and laughter."
His influence has crossed borders, with successful tours in South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia, proving that his message and humour have universal appeal.
Looking ahead, he plans more big shows across Zimbabwe, further film projects, and a second book, solidifying his status as a multi-talented entertainer.
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| Slick Pastor is fast becoming one of Zimbabwe’s most promising stand-up comedians. |
The Man Behind the Mic
Born Nigel Maritinyu, the man who would become Slick Pastor holds a degree in Electronic Engineering. He first gained public recognition around 2016 when he and a group of friends started creating viral comic and inspirational videos on Facebook and YouTube.
He is a key member of the popular online skit group that includes fellow actors Comic Pastor, Patricia Putsai, and Gamuchirai Duve, whose videos have become staples on social media platforms like WhatsApp.
Nigel is a husband and father. He married his wife, Makarina Mutasa, on April 10, 2021, after getting engaged in November 2019.
Above all his titles, he identifies first as a "child of God," believing that every human is created for a special purpose. This faith is a cornerstone of his inspirational work, infusing his comedy and public speaking with a message of hope and positivity.
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