The Intwasa Arts Festival is set to shine brighter than ever this year, with an impressive lineup of talented artists and performers. One of the most highly anticipated acts is comedian Frank Chirisa, who will be headlining the festival alongside fellow legend Mbongeni.

With his unique brand of humor and vulnerability, Frank has built a reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s most beloved comedians. As he prepares to take the stage at Intwasa, we caught up with him to talk about his upcoming world tour, #FranklySpeaking, and what fans can expect from his performances. From his inspirations to his preparation process, Frank opens up about what makes him tick and what audiences can look forward to in the coming months.

TR: What inspired the title #FranklySpeaking for your world tour?
FC: The title #FranklySpeaking simply means I want to be honestly vulnerable. I want people to know me as they listen to my jokes.

TR: How does it feel to be headlining this year’s Intwasa Arts Festival alongside Mbongeni?
FC: It feels great. I have always wanted to do a show with Mbongeni. Two guys doing good, who started out together, in their peak, it’s going to be a great show in terms of quality.

TR: Why Intwasa Festival out of all festivals in Africa?
FC: Raisedon Baya invited us. He said he liked our work ethic.

TR: Your tour, #FranklySpeaking, started in Masvingo; what was the highlight of that opening show?
FC: I have never had a bad show in Masvingo. It’s my favorite place to perform. Starting there meant starting on a good note. Everything was great from start to finish.

TR: You’re performing in 49 cities worldwide – which city are you most looking forward to?
FC: I’m looking forward to everything really. This tour has given me the chance to travel the world all at once in the next two years. The tour is ending in 2027.

TR: How do you prepare for your stand-up comedy shows to ensure each performance is unique?
FC: I spend a minimum of 6 hours a day on my jokes. I’m obsessed. I’m always performing too, so the combination of all these.

TR: What can audiences in Eswatini expect from your performance?
FC: In Eswatini, I am going to kill. That show has to open doors for me and a lot of Bulawayo comedians.

TR: Your comedy often touches on everyday life; what’s the most relatable topic you’ve addressed?
FC: I talk about my experiences as a youth in Zimbabwe. Everything in general, unemployment, heartbreaks, typical young people problems.

TR: How do you balance humor with sensitivity in your performances?
FC: I have figured out ways of saying the worst things in a funny way, although sometimes it doesn’t work. We’re still figuring it out, I guess.

TR: What’s next for you after this world tour?
FC: Honestly, I don’t know what to do next. I will tape a comedy special, though.
I’m no longer scared. I’m intentional and I’m no longer green. I think I can compete with everyone in Zimbabwe now for that number one spot in terms of skill.