Umahlekisa Entertainment axe Chirisa

RELATIONS between comedy merchants, Umahlekisa Entertainment and nascent comedian, Frank Chirisa have turned sour leading to the former axing Chirisa for disorderly conduct.

According to Umahlekisa Entertainment, Chirisa has not been entirely frank in his dealings and that has put the organisation’s name into disrepute.

“Umahlekisa Entertainment would like to inform all stakeholders that we have discontinued our working relationship with comedian Frank Chirisa.

This has been necessitated by a series of misconduct by the comedian that put the brand, stakeholders and sponsors’ reputations at risk. We, therefore, advise the general public and fans alike that Frank no longer represents the brand and any dealings concerning him are his personal projects with zero endorsement from Umahlekisa Entertainment or Comedy Club. We wish Frank all the best in his future endeavours,” read the statement.

Among some of the charges levelled against Chirisa include defrauding people of their money, lying to clients and partners and also failing to get his act together.

In a follow-up interview with Chronicle Showbiz, Umahlekisa Entertainment director, Ntando Van Moyo said they had tried resolving the issues internally to no avail.

“We did try (to resolve the issues internally) but failed hence it has now come to this,” Moyo said.

A repentant Chirisa admitted his wrongdoings and thinks he has been treated fairly.

“I admit being in the wrong. I’ve been in debt since last year and this has been haunting me. Ntando gave me time to sort things out in January but things just haven’t been working out. But yeah, he did give me time. My actions have led me to this position,” Chirisa said.

Moyo said he was fed up with Chirisa’s antics.

“After our experiences with him, it’s tricky, his word has lost its value. As I mentioned, we have tried to salvage his situation internally without making his troubles public. It would take really strong overtures and actions for us to deal with him again, albeit very carefully,” he said.

Moyo said they could not allow a brand that they sacrificed a lot to build, to be damaged by the actions of one individual.

“If we do feel at some point that he is someone we can work with again, then obviously we will. It’s the nature of business,” Moyo said.

While many would think that Chirisa’s jokes, which were seemingly out-of-tune over the weekend were the turning point in the relationship between him and Umahlekisa Entertainment, Moyo quickly dismissed that.

“This has got nothing to do with what he said on Saturday. This has been brewing for a while now. His misbehaviour has led us to this point,” he said.

Barely a year after his suicide attempt and Umahlekisa Entertainment rescuing him from the jaws of obscurity, Chirisa has been a letdown to himself and this brings him a perfect opportunity to reboot and go at it again. – @MbuleloMpofu