Francis Nundwe (born April 2, 2000) is a Zambian actor, comedian, performer and former boxer[1] professionally known as Ba Matero.[2][3] He is best known for his distinctive comedy style that involves mimicking and acting out everyday suburban scenarios, particularly petty thieving in the Lusaka suburb of Matero.[4] His skits often feature an accompanying song, Nalitumpa Ine by 4 na 5 featuring Slap Dee, which has helped contribute to his unique appeal and growing popularity.[2] He is also the Zamtel Social Media Awards Content Creator of the Year for 2025.[4][5]
Ba Matero | |
|---|---|
| Francis Nundwe | |
| Born | April 2, 2000 Matero, Zambia |
| Comedy career | |
| Years active | 2021 ― Present |
| Medium | Facebook and TikTok |
Early life, Education and Career
editFrancis Nundwe was born and raised in Matero, Lusaka.[6] He attended primary school in Matero, continued to New Matero Secondary School for grades 10 and 11, and completed grade 12 at Libala Secondary School in 2019. He is the fourth child of Bishop John General, a well-known Lusaka preacher. Ba Matero's interest in comedy dates back to his school days but only gained significant traction after posting comedy skits on social media over the course of four months, leading to a rapid rise in popularity with thousands of followers.[7] His comedy style is non-verbal and heavily inspired by British comedian Rowan Atkinson, best known as Mr. Bean, focusing on physical expressions rather than stand-up or musical performances common in Zambia. Ba Matero jokingly refers to his character as coming from "Matero University of Thieving," playfully highlighting his focus on petty theft themes in his comedy. Apart from comedy, Ba Matero is also a boxer.[8][9][1] He won a gold medal representing the national team through Exodus Boxing Academy and is known in boxing circles as "Kappa." He manages his father's media team at Healing Center Television when not producing comedy content.
Personal life
editReferences
edit- 1 2 Katuta, Gift (2019-01-16). "HONEYWOOD'S VISIT UPLIFTS ZAMBIAN BOXING". Lusaka Star. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
- 1 2 Siandizya, Muzamba. "Comedian 'thief' narrates how he got arrested 'shoplifting' in Shoprite". Zambia: News Diggers!. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
- ↑ "Man arrested for stealing items worth K23 – Zambian Eye". Zambian Eye – Breaking News and Current Affairs. 2023-09-02. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
- 1 2 Reporter, Entertainment (2025-09-28). "Ba Matero Scoops 6 Awards & Drives Away in a Brand-New Toyota Hilux at the Zamtel Social Media Awards". Zambian Music Blog. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
- ↑ zamobserver (2025-09-28). ""I can't believe this," Ba Matero weeps over awards, drives off in brand new Hillux – The Zambian Observer". Retrieved 2025-09-30.
- ↑ admin (2025-09-28). ""I can't believe this," Ba Matero weeps over awards, drives off in brand new Hillux –". Retrieved 2025-09-30.
- 1 2 "Ba Matero – Chalo Chatu, Zambia online encyclopedia". www.chalochatu.org. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ↑ "Boxers fitness worries federation". diggers.news.
- ↑ Chanda, Davies M. M. "Times of Zambia | Bloody noses at Punch out Early Marriages tourney". Retrieved 2025-09-30.
- ↑ GOSSIP, ZED (2024-02-19). "UP CLOSE WITH COMEDIAN FRANCIS NUNDWE ALIAS 'BA MATERO". ZED GOSSIP. Retrieved 2025-09-30.