Meka Mo is a stand-up and podcast host with a growing reputation on the international comedy scene. Named a Comic to Watch by the New York Comedy Festival, she has earned acclaim for her fearless stage presence, sharp storytelling, and culturally attuned perspective. She won Best of Fest at the Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest and the Sandy Gunar Award at the Jersey City Comedy Festival. She has opened for Michael Che and appeared on HBO’s Game Theory with Bomani Jones.
Meka has performed at top New York clubs including Gotham Comedy Club and The Stand, and internationally at venues such as Top Secret Comedy Club (London), Tokyo Comedy Bar, and the Barcelona Fringe Festival.
In a moment defined by political Chaos and identity, her show ‘New York City Dreams’ uses the world’s loudest city as a lens on everything from ambition and hustle culture to race, belonging and the contradictions of modern life. She unpacks dating across cultures, navigating global expectations, and surviving a 24-hour news cycle with your sanity intact.
New York doesn’t teach you to fall apart, it teaches you to keep moving. And Meka is laughing all the way – daring the world to keep up.
Meka Mo, ‘New York City Dreams’, 18:40, 20th - 30th August. Just The Tonic, Out of the Box. Tickets here.
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)
Honestly, nothing. I just kind of doze off into space and think about what I'm going to eat after. Most comedy venues aren't exactly known for good food, and I'm a bit of a foodie, so I'll be sat there Googling some fancy restaurant trying to get a reservation. I started comedy as an adult — I'm not sacrificing good eats for this.
What irritates you?
Stupid people. There are so many of them. I genuinely think the internet is making us dumber, and it's hard trying to write something funny and complex when half the population stopped reading books. My favourite comic, Yamanika Sanders, always says: it's not my fault you're too dumb to understand my jokes.
What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
Hanging out with my friends' kids. Those little germ monsters carry the worst colds. One time I came out of it with what can only be described as anomia — I was legitimately on my deathbed from hanging out with children. Never again.
What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
Starting Stand up comedy. That was stupid. I had a lucrative career before this.
What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
That I get paid. I was told when I started this that you never get paid. Lies. We don't get paid well, but it's something — and every year I somehow make more money than the last, which I still can't believe. The weird part is you never know where it's coming from. This year alone I've done work for a fitness company — I'm not fit — a cancer research campaign that has nothing to do with me, and OnlyFans paid me to tell jokes. I didn't even show my feet. It's cool.
What do your parents/children (delete as applicable) think of your job?
My mom thinks I'm not as funny as her, and my dad thinks I now make funny videos online. My mom's also always saying some people are naturally funny — she means herself — and some people have to plan to be funny — she means me. Little does she know I'm naturally funny too (I think), I just also plan.
What’s the worst thing about being a comedian?
Hearing other people's thoughts on comedy. No, I’m not interested in taking this joke you think is funny, but actually sucks.
I think you are very good at what you do (that’s why I’m asking these questions). What do you think of you?
I think I’m brutally honest and for some odd reason that’s funny. I also think I love to complain and that’s also funny. In short, I get paid to air my grievances, which is cool.
How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn?
My mom thinks I'm not as funny as her, and my dad thinks I now make funny videos online. My mom's also always saying some people are naturally funny — she means herself — and some people have to plan to be funny — she means me. Little does she know I'm naturally funny too (I think), I just also plan.
How important is luck in terms of career success – have you had lucky breaks?
It's all luck and nepotism. Meaning, some people are born lucky. But if you're not born lucky, it's about luck meeting opportunity. Some people just get more opportunities than others, and honestly, you never know when something's going to turn into one. So you basically just need to keep on trucking.
Alan Davies has said that comedians fall into two categories - golfers and self-harmers. The former just get on with life, the latter are tortured artists. Which are you – or do you think you fit into a third category?
Honestly, most comedians are autistic, ADHD, or have some kind of neurological wiring going on — at least the good ones. You also get the depressed, bipolar folks, and they're even more creative and unpredictable, though sometimes we lose them too soon. Basically anyone who does stand-up is slightly off in the best way
Who is your favourite person ever and why – not including family or friends or other comedians?
Oprah — I watched her every day for half my life, and she's the reason millennials and Gen X have self-care and books-of-the-month and all that. Remember when she gave everyone a car? Legit Goddess
Do you keep your drawers tidy and if not why not? (please think long and hard about this question, it's to settle an argument with my girlfriend. The future of our relationship could depend on your response).
No. Life it too short to be folding clothes
AND NOW THE OPTIONAL BONUS BALL QUESTION...I've asked you 13 questions, now you get to choose a question you can ask about yourself and then answer. It could be "Why do you comedy?" it could be "Do you have any pension advice?" Or it can be anything in between. Seriously. Anything at all. I look forward to all of your answers.
Don't let anyone stop you from your dreams. Matter of fact, drop anyone that has ever doubted you or not let you shine. Especially women. That’s what Oprah would say.
