Tell us about your show
The show is about being an outcast. All my life, I’ve always been other. It is an hour of hilarious exploration about pivotal moments in my life that could have completely quashed me. But somehow I am still standing.
When I sang, I sounded like Disney movies. Well in my head. What I thought was the delightful chirping of early morning birds came out as grinding metal. My music teacher Mr Job was so angry at my ruining the harmonies, he banished me from the choir. I was eight.
Being a middle child meant being invisible with two older sisters and two younger brothers. As a child I was a billy no mate. Boarding school was a cold institution, yes I know what it’s like to be Prince Harry. I was awkward and a loner. If I was a white boy, I’d have a high school massacre under my belt but in Africa we don’t have second amendment so I became a bookworm. My only other companion was a dog so was always destined to live in the UK, a nation of dog lovers.
Why should we go and see it?
My perspective is unique and rare. Having been born to parents who spent ten years in the Kenyan British run concentration camps means I see the world differently. I have lived through the whole life cycle of colonialism. I am literally a colonial project, brainwashed and ready!
What are your hopes and dreams for the Fringe?.
My dream is to sell out the entire run. I want everyone to be whispering my name. I want to be that next big act discovered at the fringe festival!
What makes you laugh?
I particularly love dark, peculiar, silly humor. I am one of those idiots howling with laughter at Borat the movie. I love classics like Life of Brian and Blackadder.
What three words best describe your performance style – and why.
Funny, thought provoking and interesting. I am talking about the impact of colonialism on my family and I. People think colonialism ended a long time ago. My parents were freed from concentration camps in Kenya in 1960. They were still traumatised and suffering from PTSD. Africa bears the scars of colonialism and slavery. People want us to move on but how can we?
How will your audience think/feel differently after an hour in your company?
I hope they will appreciate that there’s two sides to every story. Many people in the UK never hear about life from an African perspective because our narrative was hijacked to rinse the conscience of the Europeans and all they’ve done to Africa.
What kind of shows – apart from your own – are you looking forward to seeing at the Edinburgh Fringe?
I’m looking for theatrical performances, especially the feel good ones. I’m interested in seeing anything with a different perspective. Last year I watched a one woman play performed by a young woman in a patriarchal role which I thought was amazing.
The cost of living is a big issue this year – will it make this Fringe more challenging?
Definitely. Everything is that much more expensive and it’s squeezed out a lot of people. I thought previous years were expensive but this is extremely difficult.
What do you predict will emerge as the big themes of this year.
Politics of course, we’ve been royally screwed by the currently government. I feel gender will play a role as well as the cost-of-living crisis.
Who is your showbiz idol and why.
Too many but for razor sharp humour. George Carlin, Joan Rivers, Early Dave Chapelle and Chris Rock
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe moment?
Where I make money and win awards!!!
