Kenyan comic Njambi McGrath is on a mission to get us to think differently about Africa. Her thought provoking and funny shows challenge perceptions and bring a radically different view of the continent.
Tell us about your show.
Hardly a day goes by without seeing adverts for Africa. Charities are a multibillion-dollar industry and what’s their commodity – my grandmother’s poverty. African poverty is an actual business model, I should be the one capitalising on it my grandmother’s dirty laundry. Charities for Africa are obsessed with digging toilets and wells. Why are you digging so much. There’s only one reason anyone should be digging you’re either finding something, hiding something or planting something. That’s literally the police’s job? The West is obsessed with giving Africa. There are over 4,000 charities for Africa, plus NGO’s, volunteers, white saviours, kids on a gap year. Maybe combine it all and call it what it is, reparations. We’ve gone from slave trade, colonialism and now it’s obsessive giving. Guys maybe you should see someone.
Why should we go and see it?
Rarely do you get a different perspective on matters regarding Africa. Our narrative has always been condescending Eurocentric perspective and is often portraying Africans in derogatory, often racist manner. Africans are portrayed as hungry, poor, disease ridden pathetic voiceless people that can only be saved by the West. I am literally telling it from the horses mouth. Come hear how Africans see things from the other side of the empire.
What makes you laugh?
I love pranks that are silly, dark humour- particularly videos of dogs doing silly things.
What three words best describe your performance style – and why?
Funny, thought provoking and unconventional. There are not many comics doing shows from the perspective of Africans. I use my voice to say what many Africans would like to say and lack the means to do.
Do you have nerves about going on stage and how do you cope with them.
I do. I go to the toilet for a wee, drink water, look at my notes constantly. At the point of going on stage I block any negative thoughts as if I was diving into a pool.
What’s your idea of a perfect Fringe feast and where will you eat it?
There are two eateries I love, Ting Thai Teviot place and the Civerinos Forrest Rd/Meadows, they do amazing pizza slices. Of course Tony Macoroni too off the royal mile.
How will your audience think/feel differently after an hour in your company?
I hope they will begin to be more analytical of the images they are shown of Africa and understand a lot of what they see is born of the same ideology that has plagued Africa for 400 years.
When did you first realise you were born to be on stage?
Stood in front of people in an antenatal class, I was at ease and people thought I was engaging and funny. Someone actually suggested that I should become a comedian. I’ve never looked back since.
Why do you think Edinburgh Fringe is so important to performers and artists around the world?
It’s the only place where everyone from round the globe comes to talent spot. There’s a chance you could be seen by the right people and before you know it, you are where you want to be. Either that or you get to hang out with other dejected comics drowning their sorrows in bitterness and whisky.
How do you plan to relax and enjoy the city when you’re not performing.
I love hanging out in the meadows, when it’s not raining. I will spend some time in the gym too.
Who is your showbiz idol and why.
I don’t really worship people in showbiz perse but there are elements of different qualities I see in people. Being an author too, I love people who tell stories of the underdog whoever they are.
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe moment?
Sitting in the meadows watching sea gulls play the game of grab and go. 5 star performance.
Njambi McGrath: Benevolence, 15.00 Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose, until August 26
