Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
NASCENT stand-up comedian, Frank Chirisa has expressed happiness at the experience of meeting South African celebrity couple, award-winning comedian Tsitsi Chiumye, and his wife, Galaletsanga Gina Koffman, an actress and voice-over artiste known for her roles as Beauty on The River and Lerato on Netflix’s Real Estate Sister, respectively.
Chiumye is one third of the popular, “People Need Comedy Podcast” alongside Mpho “Popps” Modikoane, and Farieda “Pharoahfi” Metsileng.
Chirisa, who recently participated in the ‘O Mokae? Comedy Festival’ in Gaborone, Botswana, described the encounter as a dream come true.
“I went to Gaborone on Friday for my first international festival. The show featured Tsitsi Chiumye from South Africa, Jonny Pula, Bambino, Boldwin Bals, and Triccs, all from Botswana. That Saturday morning we had an acting masterclass with Gina, which focused on preparing for auditions and understanding genres, offering valuable insights into South African agencies and opportunities,” he said.
Chirisa shared his excitement about performing in front of his idol.
“I was feeling very nervous because I am a big fan of Tsitsi and I knew I needed to make a great impression if I were to be considered for South African opportunities.”
After his performance, he received encouraging words from Gina, who praised his work in comedy and mental health as beautiful and inspiring.
According to Chirisa, his relationship with Chiumye developed rapidly.
“I watched our relationship develop from me being a fan to him being a friend to him being a big brother in less than 30 minutes. He’s such a cool, humble superstar. They both are,” Chirisa added.
He then received an invitation to Johannesburg to explore the local comedy scene and further his career.
The night culminated in a memorable gathering where Chirisa and the Botswana comedians spent time with Chiumye, exchanging jokes and stories about stand-up comedy.
“We ended up spending the rest of the night talking more about stand-up comedy, jokes, and just fellowshipping,” he said.
His trip to Botswana also saw him being a guest on Botswana’s comedy podcast, “Jonny Pula & Triccs Show” which was filmed on Monday, where he sat and told hilarious Zimbabwean stories.
Chirisa’s journey in comedy has been filled with ups and downs, but he appears to be finding his footing. In 2023, he co-established Burg Comedy Club with fellow comedian Brandon Masuku, attracting audiences to their newly-found home in the “Hillside Walk” suburb of Bulawayo. The club has even drawn talent from Harare, signalling Chirisa’s growing influence in the comedy scene.
Last year, he made headlines with his flagship show, “Funny Stories That Heal”, where he nearly filled the Bulawayo Theatre, showcasing his potential as a rising star in the comedy landscape. With newfound connections and encouragement from established artists like Chiumye and Koffman, the future looks bright for Chirisa. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
