Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
LOCAL comedian Frank Chirisa, will launch Comedy at Hillside Walk: New Faces, a stand-up showcase aimed at ushering emerging comedians into the national spotlight.
Scheduled for July 19 at The Roasted Bean, Hillside Walk, the event will feature 10 new comedians, most of whom cut their teeth earlier this year during the Burg Comedy Club’s open mic sessions.
The winner, voted by the audience, will earn a slot on Chirisa’s upcoming national tour of, “Frankly Speaking.”
“This show is about launching and amplifying 10 careers in one night. They’ve worked hard, and now it’s time to give them a real stage and an audience that can help shape their future,” said Chirisa, founder of Burg Comedy.
Among the performers is Brendon Mbofana (29), who describes comedy as his therapy after heartbreak.
“After all the broken hearts, I thought it’s time to make others happy. Laughter is therapeutic for you and me,” he said.
At just 19, Christian Ndlovu echoes that sentiment too, “Laughter has always come naturally to me, it’s how I’ve coped with life. This isn’t just a show; it’s a step into growth and exposure.”
Also bringing unique flavour to the line-up is Kudhuz Tha Bishop, a self-described expert in general knowledge, who said he joined comedy to, “save people from stress, depression and anxiety.”
Then there’s OminiS, a chemist by profession and comedian by passion.
“I’m Bulawayo’s Batman by night. This will only be my second performance, but I’m confident the line-up will crack some ribs,” he joked.
Alex Shumba, performing for the very first time, is feeling the pressure but is excited to give his all.
“Comedy is a remedy — I’m ready to show what I can do.”
Other talents include Munashe, Tumi The Ntwana, high school trainee, Mekayla, and Sekuru VaBheka — a visiting comic from Masvingo.
The night will be hosted by MC Musavadha, also from Masvingo and a seasoned performer in the national arts scene.
With this platform, Chirisa isn’t just spotlighting young comics, he’s also mentoring them in behind-the-scenes essentials like event planning, marketing and production.
“These comedians are learning how to organise and run a show. We’re guiding them, but the tasks are theirs.
“Comedy has to be sustainable, even if I leave or something happens to me, the system must remain,” said Chirisa.
He believes true legacy is measured by impact.
“The way we struggle for venues and exposure shouldn’t happen to the next generation. Every industry needs a feeder system, comedy included. My success will be measured by how many comedians I groom.”
This year alone, Chirisa has already performed over 100 sets, celebrating the milestone on July 4, at a sold-out show at Middy’s Café in Bulawayo.
“I aim for three to five performances a week. You need stage time to grow in comedy,” he said.
His journey, though, hasn’t been without setbacks.
“I’ve always believed the hardest falls give room for the highest bounce. Diamonds are made under pressure.
“I’m glad those setbacks came early because they taught me what not to do, and now I can pass that on,” he said.
Chirisa’s lowest has been his botched suicide attempt, which led him to be a mental health advocate, helping other creatives deal with depression.
He recently celebrated five years in the comedy business and has performed beyond Zimbabwe’s borders where he has met his comic idol, South African celebrity and award-winning comedian, Tsitsi Chiumye. — @MbuleloMpofu
derick.khumalo