The second edition of the New Faces of Comedy Showcase is set to take place on Friday, May 15th, at Alliance Française de Bulawayo, featuring emerging comedians vying for stardom.

Following the massive success of his sold-out special taping, NAMA nominee and media producer Frank Chirisa is shifting his focus toward the future of the industry. The showcase serves as a vital platform for emerging talent, and Chirisa is excited to announce the return of several original “New Faces,” as well as the emergence of a new breakout star.

Reflecting on the growth of the project, Chirisa noted that last year’s inaugural edition featured 10 comedians, including two from Masvingo.

“The goal has always been to build a circuit where everyone can eventually become a star of their own,” said Chirisa.

“I am here to mentor this new crop of talent whenever they need me. We are building something bigger than just one show; we are building a comedy culture.”

One of the most notable success stories from the first edition is Brendon Mbofana, who was the outstanding performer of the 2025 cohort. Since his debut, Mbofana has successfully soft-launched his solo career, delivering strong performances at various shows and proving he can command a stage on his own.

In a significant move for his career, Chirisa has confirmed that he will be taking Mbofana on the road to perform at his upcoming show in Masvingo on May 30th, with plans to include him in future African tour dates.

“It takes guts to hold the mic and make people laugh, so I hope the audience brings ribs that are as brave as these guys because they are coming with a lot of hunger to prove themselves,” said Mbofana who will be the host.

The 2026 showcase also features the return of Mekayla, Christian, and Archi Bishop. While other commitments have made it difficult for them to remain consistent over the past year, their return to the stage on May 15th signifies a renewed push for their comedic careers.

“I’m proud of the progress these guys are making,” Chirisa added.

“Seeing someone like Mbofana grow from a new face to a touring partner is exactly why I started this. I want to see the same for Mekayla, Christian, and everyone else on this bill.”

Participating comedians are buzzing with excitement.

With Panashe saying, ” It is going to be a memorable night. I think audiences should expect fresh and energetic performance filled with humor inspired by day-to-day Zimbabwean culture, youth experiences, relationships, and a lot of laughter.

“As one of my first major performances, I’m coming with confidence, passion, and a unique perspective that audiences will definitely enjoy.”

Christian, echoed this sentiment, saying.
“By attending the show,you are walking into a high energy atmosphere where people expect to laugh hard, drink something, and leave in a better mood than they came in.”

The event promises to be an unforgettable night of comedy, with tickets available for $5.