Frank Chirisa back on Bulawayo’s comedy scene

ON Saturday night, Bulawayo’s comedy scene was alive with laughter and triumph as Frank Chirisa made his long-awaited return to the stage at the “Comedy Night koBulawayo” event held at the Bulawayo Theatre.

Chirisa, who had taken a break from comedy earlier this year following the death of his grandfather, opened up to Chronicle Showbiz about his journey back to the spotlight.

“Earlier this year, I faced a big setback. I lost my grandfather, Frank Chirisa Sr, with whom I shared a name and birthday. I was so broken that I lost the urge to keep going and took a break from the spotlight,” he shared.

However, Chirisa’s love for comedy and his community never wavered. During his hiatus, he dedicated himself to serving through the Rotaract Club of Matopos, where he and his fellow members travelled around helping those in need.

From the Rotary Family Health Day to polio vaccinations and clothing donations, Chirisa immersed himself in uplifting his birthplace.
Rejuvenated and re-invigorated, Chirisa slowly made his return to the comedy stage, first performing in smaller, lesser-known venues before finding a home with the Comedy Crack collective in Harare.

“I’m now a regular performer in Harare and it’s so different. I’m loving it there; the comedians bring out the best in me. They help me with my material, my self-esteem and my comfort. I hope to take more comedians from Bulawayo over there,” he expressed.

Chirisa is set to make an even bigger splash in Bulawayo as he plans to be the first comedian to fill up the Bulawayo Theatre, where he will record a one-hour comedy special titled Funny Stories That Heal in August. He aims to have two consecutive sold-out nights for the special, before taking the show to Harare, Masvingo and Mutare in September and then exporting it to South Africa.

As he prepares to share his Frankly Speaking memoir, which delves into his struggles with mental health, past mistakes and his new-found Christian faith, Chirisa’s story is one that is sure to inspire audiences across Zimbabwe and beyond.— @MbuleloMpofu