Tell us about your show.
In my new stand up hour, ‘Black Black’, I explore striking similarities of identity politics amid growing emboldened racism alongside the special relationship I had with my grandmother.
Populist leaders, mass deportations of blacks and deforestation as well as rampant spread of virulent diseases, one would be forgiven in thinking my grandmother lived in 2022’s Britain instead of 1940’s colonial Kenya.
Why should we go and see it?
This is a historical political show with a zing. You’ll laugh your way into history. It will engage your brain and your ribs. My show is informative, witty and funny. It’s the kind of show that makes you laugh and then you go ‘Did she just say that?’ It’s a show with substance.
Are you flying solo or are you part of a team?
It’s a solo show. I am that vain. It’s all about me.
What are your hopes and dreams for the Fringe?
That there’s a big Holywood shot craving to replace Kevin Hart and Amy Schumer. They have been desperate for a woman from Africa and couldn’t believe their luck when they heard I was in town.
What makes you laugh?
Stupid dark humour. I like slightly bizzare humor but also a sucker for good political comedy
What is it that made you a performer?
Like sleeping beauty, my talent lay domant until one expectant father attending my childbirth class stayed behind and said ‘behold you belong to the big stage, go forth and outshine Kevin Hart.
How will your audience think/feel differently after an hour in your company?
They will, I hope reflect on the role British history has played in the dysfuction witnessed in places round the world. I hope they will understand even a tiny little bit why Africans are the way they are and why the seek greener pastures in Great Britain. It’s after all what colonialism was about.
Whose show – apart from your own – are you looking forward to seeing at the Edinburgh Fringe?
Too many to mention. I am looking for something unique, underrepresented and unheard voices.
What’s the most useful piece of advice you’ve been given?
A comedy promoter told me as I got off the stage after my first ever gig that I should really talk about what I know. That was better than any course I could have attended. It opened my comedy horizons.
Do you have a favourite Fringe memory?
Yes. My first ever review was horrendous. I cried myself to sleep. It was also the moment I knew just how much I wanted to do comedy because I rebound from that and came back with more shows.
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/njambi-mcgrath-black-black
Njambi McGrath: Black, Black, 17.50pm, Pleasance Courtyard
