TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA
BULAWAYO – All is now set for Bulawayo-based stand-up comedian Frank Chirisa's comedy show 'Funny Stories That Heal', to be held on the 24th and 25th of August at Bulawayo Theatre. The Saturday show will start at 5PM while the Sunday show will start at 3PM.
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Frank Chirisa is a rising name in the industry, and his imprint in Zimbabwe's stand-up comedy scene is a solid one. To some, he may be a new face that needs introduction, but to others who have been following his journey, this upcoming show proves that Chirisa is unrelenting in pursuing his dreams to become one of the household names in Zimbabwean comedy.
He has headlined a number of shows, including Miss Super Globe Zimbabwe 2022, Funny Stories 2022, Miss Ecotourism 2023, and Your Choice 2023. Shows he has appeared as a featured artist include Long John's Homecoming in 2021, King Kandoro's Family Meeting in 2022, and Umahlekisa's tenth anniversary in 2023.
The 24-year-old's comedy style that blends satire, observational humour, and self-deprecation humour is definitely one to pay attention to.
Speaking with ZimSphere as regards his show on the weekend, Frank Chirisa said it's all about tapping into his potential, revealing plans to fill up Bulawayo Theatre.
"With the Funny Stories That Heal' comedy show, I'm tapping into my potential as this is my debut comedy special across two days. I'm attempting to be the first comedian to fill up Bulawayo Theatre," he told this author.
He said Funny Stories That Heal is about him scaling up his career, expressing hopes that this show may open new doors for him.
"It's something that's never been done before and I intend to be the first. I want this to be a turnaround for my family, career and for other comedians too. I hope for endorsements, more work, more bookings. I hope to get platforms," Chirisa said.
To him, comedy is a way of life, and his raison d'etre. It represents a safe avenue to express himself, and that which he sees everyday in life.
"Comedy to me is my life – I eat, breathe, and live comedy. Everything and everyone around me is content. Wherever I am; I'm working on a certain bit.
"It's my first love. I love comedy with all my heart "
With his inspiration and motivation being the renowned King Kandoro, Chirisa says his wish is for Zimbabweans to appreciate more of home-grown comedy talent.
"I want Zimbabweans to get to a point where they easily access the shows. Which means more open mics, more performances, and more bookings," he said. And with the upcoming show, it's all about people appreciating his stories.
"I want people to relate to my stories. I want people to see themselves in me. I talk about my fears. I talk about my mistakes. I talk about my past. I talk about my dreams."
For Chirisa, who was nominated in the Outstanding Comedian category for the 2022 Bulawayo Arts Awards, this show is definitely a watershed for his career, and one can only wait more he has in store for his audiences.
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