Meet Farai Gotora | Writer & Stand Up Comedian

We had the good fortune of connecting with Farai Gotora and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Farai, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think of risk as outcomes. There is a “scale” on which I weigh pros and cons when deciding on a course of action to take. I think risk is present everywhere. Every decision I make has a set of outcomes it can bring and whatever decision I make I must live with, along with its future outcomes. So whether I do or don’t, there is risk. In terms of my career, I had to decide if I wanted to be a legitimate stand up comedian, writer and producer or if not. The risks of pursuing these avenues are many and varied. Yet, the risks of not pursuing these creative avenues that bring me and yes, other people joy were also great. I had to decide which path I was going to take and also acknowledge the risk associated with my decision. Thankfully, risk can be mitigated and I do my best to do so where it is in my power to do so.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Writing has always been a big part of my life. For a long time it was (and still is) a way to get the thoughts in my head out in some cohesive way. Over time,I shared things I’d written with friends and others and some pieces were well received. Still I didn’t consider myself a writer nor author. It wasn’t until college when after grading a paper that my professor pointed out I had a unique and sometimes witty writing style. That stuck with me. Years later, I found myself trying to merge my apparently witty writing style with stand up comedy, also something I never envisioned for myself. I went to the sole comedy club in my area one Tuesday evening and tried my jokes I’d written in front of a crowd at an open mic. That was the start of my career in comedy and 7 years on, I’m still joke slinging and writing. I’ve learned that building and keeping relationships will get you far. How you are matters, besides the jokes you tell. I want the world to know my voice on stage and in print.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I just moved to a new city and I’m still just getting MY bearings here! There is no shortage of things to do, however. On a nice, warm day, I’d probably go to a beachside bar, where live music plays.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am very fortunate to have had the love, help and support of so many through this part of my journey. My parents, George and Rosie Gotora who put me in places where my creativity could emerge. To my brother Tapiwa and my dear cousin Tutu who were by virtue of our ages and living together, my first audience for my wild imagination, thanks! The teachers and friends that read my stories and told me there was something there, you were instrumental in showing me I had ability. Thank you to Heather O’Laughlin, Dean Jernigan, DIY Comedy, Jeff Webb, Charlie Burkley, My Best Friend is Black, The Lesbian Lodge and everyone that’s put me on a stage, let’s keep going.
There are times where I’ve been extremely lucky and the recipient of goodwill from out of the blue. A huge shout out to the benevolent forces in and around us, whatever you happen to call them.

Instagram: Faraigotora

Facebook: Farai Gotora Comedy

Image Credits
1 Photosbykatiaxsentry 2 ofsoulke