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Dr. Shakes, real name Bonginkosi Dlamini, is a Swazi born stand up comedian, event host, brand ambassador and an advocate of the growth of the artist industry in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

He was raised in the Mbabane suburbs and completed his high school education at the esteemed Ka-Boyce High School.

He kicked off his comedy career in humble fashion as he would perform in both bars and churches serving jokes and humor to these diverse needs, something that would enhance his versatility and multi-functionality in his career. Dr. Shakes’ comedic work shot into prominence in 2015 when he competed in a LOL comedy competition. This elevated him above the surface to get recognized for other comedy events such as the Eswatini Comedy Festival and the Heavyweights International Comedy Festival, which occurred in Botswana.

In 2017, Dr. Shakes broke new ground as he hosted his now infamous, goose bump and suspense intrigued show called “Shots Fired” and like a mini devil, history would record that all his jokes on that night were never repeated.

He continued to work on his craft as he explored the South African scene in which he performed at The Box in Maboneng and at Shakers comedy club. He has been hosted with fellow comedians such as: Khanyisa Bunu (SA), Tolasssmo (SA), Loyiso Madinga (SA), Chik Aljoy (SA), Kedibone Mulaudzi (SA), Skhumba (SA),  Fredrik Lilius (Finland) and Rich Lyon (USA).

In 2017, Dr Shakes became synonymous with the tag ‘meme king’ as he adapted to a funny way of expressing his funniest thoughts. These moves made him secure TV appearances in major TV programs such as Throwback Thursday (SABC 1), Trending SA and Real Talk (SABC 3).

His progression, positive and interactive lifestyle and presentation has rewarded Dr. Shakes with brand ambassador roles for various entities such as IRDM College & University, Eswatini Mobile, while he is also the MC/host of Megasound Events. He is the most active Eswatini artist on social media with a reliable and rich following.

Dr. Shakes has already raised eyebrows in the entertainment scene in 2019, having hosted another show, conceptualized as Bundle of Jokes, where he had Chik Aljoy as a guest. Shakes would cause the biggest mayhem as he made his entry into the venue on-board an emergency vehicle, strapped as if he had just survived a nasty accident. This show got his fans to accept that he is a limitless thinker and a dedicated entertainer.

He says didn't get into comedy. Comedy got into him a while back when he was still in high school as he used to be a chaotic student who would throw random jokes in class. It happened that he got his first show in church in which he did great for a start and he also had a couple of shows at Finesse pub, Mbabane and he never looked back after that. 

Shakes says that him becoming the meme king started on twitter as Twitter is where the world communicates using memes. He joined twitter in 2011 and he got to learn and understand how the world converse on that app. He posted an innocent picture of myself, and a fellow tweleb used it as a meme and it trended, then he saw a meme potential in himself, after. 

Covid-19

On the Corona virus pandemic we are facing right now, Dr. Shakes shares his views in that Covid-19 is affecting us in many ways as a country but what stands out for him is economically. Every business sector has taken a blow. Measures to contain the virus, including national lock downs, social distancing, factory closures and travel restrictions have crippled supply chains, reduced output, hit commodities and sent confidence on a downward spiral. Covid-19 is a health emergency that is fast becoming an economic crisis, with both a supply- and demand-side shock.

He further covers ground on the 20 days, national lock down that we are undertaking as The Kingdom of Eswatini and says that he does think the lock down will reduce the spread of the virus but what will happen after 20 days? Is the government fighting the spread of the virus or the virus? "I'd suggest we go on lock down until we are certain that we've fought the virus. It won't help us reducing the spread for 20 days and after the lock down we go out and spread it again. Countries such as the UK might be extending their lock down period. If first world countries are struggling to fight this virus where does that put us as Eswatini?" He strongly says. 

Dr. Shakes says that he won't lie, he is feeling the pinch of having to stay home because of the lock down but then again we need to respect the authorities. Business wise he is also suffering and breathing through the wound. He had a show planned for the 26th of March and had to postpone it due to the lock down while all cost were already paid.

He strongly advises that people should respect the authorities. Stay home and wash hands. If we corporate, then the lock down won't be longer.

 As we were all looking forward to The Roast of Dr. Shakes show, which was suppose to be on the 26th of March at Mega Lounge, he assures me that that's the first show he will do when the situation goes back to normal because they had already sold tickets and spent a lot of money on that production.

He concludes by saying we should definitely expect more shows and collaborations with international comedians from him and we will even forget we were once affected by the virus.