Kenyan comedian & author Njambi McGrath returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with her brand-new stand-up show ‘Benevolence’. This follows the critically acclaimed shows ‘Black Black’ and ‘Outkast’.
People give for different reasons – sympathy, compassion, tax relief. A lot of what is given ends up in Africa. There are close to 4000 charities for Africa, this combined with international development, foreign aid, NGO’s, missionaries, volunteers, kids on a gap year, that’s a lot of people trying to say sorry for slavery. There are charities for every aspect of an African, water, food, vision, sanitary, people want to give Africans everything except visas. Visas and reparations. We need a charity for Africans to get visas, they are bloody difficult to get…!
‘Benevolence’ sees Njambi explore the concept of giving and the West’s obsession with unsolicited charity to Africa.
Njambi McGrath is an award-winning comedian, author, presenter, and political commentator. Her accolades include, two hit BBC Radio 4 series, a Soho theatre run and eight Edinburgh Fringe shows. She has released comedy specials with Just For Laughs, Comedy Dynamics, NextUp and Amazon Prime. She’s the winner of the coveted Hackney Empire New Act Of The Year (NATYS) Award. Njambi has performed all over Europe and Africa and Middle East.
She has also appeared on Channel 4, BBC One, BBC Two, as well as guesting on numerous radio programs like Front Row, Saturday Live, Broadcasting House and LBC. Njambi is the author of the critically acclaimed memoir Through The Leopards Gaze. She has just signed a two-book deal with her debut fiction Rising Mūkami’s Soul released this February.
Njambi McGrath’s ‘‘Benevolence’ is at the Gilded Balloon Patter House @ 3pm for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies and/or check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt and check for spinach between your teeth)
I have a thing about doing a wee before going on stage. I guess it’s the same as going on long journey except I’m on stage and can’t just dash to the toilet if I need to. I also simultaneously feel thirsty and sleepy at the same time which means I sometimes yawn and drink the water to wake myself up. Blowing my nose is the final ritual before looking at my notes and the watch so I don’t forget to set the time. Yap that’s how much I cram into those 30 seconds before I go on stage.
What irritates you?
This is a can of worms. How long do you have? When the mc says that they are bringing me on stage and my heart starts thumping and I’m sipping my water and looking at my watch to set the timer and then they start chatting with the audience.
The other thing that winds me up is the way Africa is portrayed. Especially the commercials for Africa. Nothing positive about Africa ever makes the news and have to listen grimly as they denigrate the continent Europeans have raided for centuries for people and resources. They do all these then sweet talk African leaders in order to keep their people ignorant. This is why Africa needs a spin doctor. Maybe we could train our witchdoctors to do spin as well.
What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
Given how much I fear animals, yes Africans are terrified of wild animals. I once crossed the crocodile infested Mara River wearing sling backs and carrying an attaché case. It was very long story. We were on our honeymoon and going to Maasai Mara on a very small plane. The pilot pointed to clouds and said, ‘unfortunately we have to land here because of that storm over there and that’s where your camp is. We’ll help you cross the river. I never thought a day would come when I’d look at crocodiles and hippos who were eyeing me but not with envy.
What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
Like a typical tourist, I went of trail in Arizona to take pictures of desert flowers. On the tour coach the guide had warned us to stay close to the bus and I’d forgotten. The guide scolded me saying the place was riddled with rattle snakes. I lie awake sometimes wondering about the irony is leaving African snakes only to be killed by American snakes.
What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
I always imagined that the only people who would ever listen to me would be in a church congregation and that’s if I ever managed to get a following. Certainly not to listen to me talking about my beef with my mother-in-law. That fact people sit and listen to me talk about myself and not a single mention of God is a miracle. I never ever thought I would have something to say and that people would be interested in it.
Interview continues here
