Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
DAVID Chimusoro, a talented comedian, has shared his inspiring journey of how life in the United States of America transformed not only his career but also his perspective on life.
Through his experiences, he highlighted the challenges and opportunities that shaped him into the performer he is today.
The 31-year-old, who returned home late last year, told the Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub that he was determined to work with locals.
“We moved to the United States of America in 2006 and stayed in Cincinnati, Ohio, only returning home on December 26 last year. My experience was interesting. I learnt skills that allowed me to see a lot, but part of the history of race in America is that there was always this ceiling that I felt was put on me.”
“My desire to go as far as I could always made me feel a lot of tension about what I could truly offer. Luckily, I had people in my corner, both here and there, who always saw my potential and did all they could to make sure I thrived,” he said.
David, who has been in the industry for 10 years, also shared his experiences about the people he worked with.
“I got to work with people who tour with some of the biggest names, including Dave Chappelle’s mentor, Tony Woodz, a couple of times, and a guy named Geoff Tate, who goes on the road with Tom Segura.
“The biggest name I have gotten to know in comedy is a guy named Emil Wakim, who is now a cast member on Saturday Night Live and is doing incredible things. In August 2019, I won ‘Funniest Person in Cincinnati’ in the amateur division, and there was momentum to go on the road, but then the Covid-19 pandemic happened, and I decided to focus more on film,” he said.
He also revealed some of the things he missed a lot back home.“There are obvious things like family and close friends that I hadn’t seen in a while, but it’s also really simple things like maputi and Mazowe. I missed the weather and how green it is here,” he said.
David, who dropped out of university to work after his father was allegedly accused of defrauding the police of US$19 2000 in a musical instrument procurement deal, said, “It was a tough time, but I genuinely believe that God has a plan. If that hadn’t happened, I am sure I wouldn’t have doubled down on film and picked up stand-up comedy along the way.
“Going to law school was the plan, and I would be somewhere litigating contracts.”
Following his return to Zimbabwe, David has been pursuing comedy along with the new school of comedians, including Josh Mukahanana, Mike Chipere, Munya Guramatunhu, and Tinotenda Kurwaisimba.
As he reconnects with his cultural heritage and the people who have shaped him, David is not only entertaining but also forging stronger ties with his community.
“I feel good to be back home doing comedy shows for my people here in Zimbabwe,” David said.
“Of course, it wasn’t easy for someone who has been away for so long to come back and fit in easily.”
David, who boasts a distinct American accent, can also speak fluent Shona, which has made his job easier.
“I might have stayed in America for years, but I can speak my mother language. I was only away studying, but I have always maintained and loved my roots. Home is always best, and it feels good being embraced by my own people.”
Reflecting on his journey in comedy, David said, “I started this 10 years ago, but my main area is filmmaking. I love filmmaking since I am well-versed in this area.
“In fact, it was my role in film that made me realise I had another talent as a stand-up comedian. It’s something that I love the most because it allows me to express myself and interact with my fans.”
He also praised veteran theatre practitioners, including Daniel Maposa, Jasen Mphepo, and O’Brian Mudyiwenyama, for believing in new talent. His return to Zimbabwe is not just about comedy; it’s about reconnecting with his roots and fostering a sense of belonging.
As David looks to the future, he is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
“I want to explore more avenues in comedy and film,” he said.
