Njambi McGrath is a Kenyan woman who’s had enough of charity. She’s got words for teenagers on gap years, and I wouldn’t mess with her about Bill Gates.
Her set is singular and clear in its mockery of the West’s patronising vision of Africa. Poverty porn commercials and self-congratulating ‘philanthropists’ find themselves dead in the eye of her set’s verbal sniper.
It’s not a perspective heard often enough in British comedy. African voices, though very much present in our society, are less often heard on comedy stages and Njambi’s stand-up really stood out to me for this reason.
Her point of view is fresh and very relevant and any comedy fan with a side interest in global politics would be particularly suited to the show. She breaks down many of the issues and events affecting Africa into digestible and funny morsels no matter their original dryness or severity.
She’s a warm host and remains undaunted throughout her performance, despite the clinging awkwardness I know many British people still feel when colonialism is brought up. Her cheeky and enthusiastic presence on stage makes you immediately relax and feel at home as you watch her. Even when she stumbled a bit. I never felt particularly worried.
I appreciate her show most for making a change from the barrage of comedy shows at the Fringe covering more well-trodden subjects(mental health, sexuality, childhood issues etc.), important though those subjects are.
Njambi McGrath, 15.00. Gilded Balloon: Patter Hoose, until August 26
Tickets are available at https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/njambi-mcgrath.
