A moment of hesitation, a prayer for courage and a determined approach towards the king culminated in a memorable handshake for comedian Gogo Eswatini at the Royal Theatre Night.
The comedy duo Gogo Eswatini and Slwane performed at the event hosted at Ezulwini Palazzo, attended by His Majesty King Mswati III and visiting Azerbaijani businessman, musician and property developer Emin Agalarov.
A moment after the performance became memorable for Gogo Eswatini. As the king posed for a photograph with the comedians and Agalarov, Gogo managed to approach and greet the Monarch, despite a bodyguard initially attempting to stop him.
Reflecting on the encounter, Gogo described being overwhelmed by the moment and the honour of meeting the king.
“I froze for a second and said, ‘God, take the wheel’,” he said, explaining that he had to gather himself as events unfolded. The comedian said the handshake left him humbled and grateful.
He hoped the warm reception from the king, his guest of honour, members of the royal family and other guests was a sign that the duo’s work was making an impact. Gogo revealed that they held a preparation session on Friday to review their material, make changes and agree on how they wanted the show to come across.
The response they received afterwards suggested to them that the effort had paid off.
“We took it in our stride and trusted God to be at the wheel,” he said.
He described the reception as something they would remember for years. The experience had also strengthened their belief that humility was important to their growth as entertainers.
Although comedy comes naturally to them, Gogo said performing before the king pushed them to raise their standard.
“It leaves us inspired to work even harder and aim higher,” he said.
For the pair, the occasion added meaning because it was their first performance before the king and his distinguished guest. The duo now hope to carry that energy into their upcoming work.
Gogo pointed to their videos and a show scheduled for Ermelo on Saturday as the first opportunities for audiences to see what the experience has inspired.
A royal handshake is a blessing – Culture expert
Getting a handshake from His Majesty King Mswati III is more than just a memorable moment.
According to cultural expert Indvuna Lutfwacula Fakudze, it is also a sign of good luck and a special privilege.
Commenting on comedian Gogo Eswatini’s encounter with the king at Royal Theatre Night, Fakudze said receiving a handshake from the monarch was something people should appreciate.
“Getting a handshake from His Majesty brings good luck. It is not something that happens every day, so when one gets such an opportunity, it is a privilege,” he said.
He explained that not everyone gets the chance to stand before the king, making such encounters special and worth remembering. Fakudze said people who received this honour should value it because it was an opportunity that did not come around often.
For Gogo Eswatini, the handshake was particularly meaningful as it followed his first performance before the King and his distinguished guest, Emin Agalarov.
The comedian had earlier described the moment as overwhelming, saying he froze briefly before asking God to take the wheel.
