Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Hey peeps my name is Sikisa and I’m a stand up comedian, writer, producer and lawyer alongside many other things as well but I give too much away. Let’s just say I have a lot of energy.
How would you describe your show?
The show is a party vibe. It really is about feeling uplifted and happy with who you are as a person, even though people may have views and have stereotypes about you despite not knowing you.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
I think it’s a massive achievement to be able to do the Edinburgh Festival during your career. For me, it’s a good test of being able to show myself that I can create a show that I love and that represents me as a comic.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
It’s a whole month isn’t it. Normally at other festivals you end up doing 1-4 days of work in progress/full shows but for the Fringe it’s doing the show everyday. The audience are different all the time and because the Fringe Festival takes over Edinburgh you can literally feel the energy and excitement everyday.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
I was first motivated by The Cavendish Arms pub in Stockwell, London. I used to work behind the bar and my boss told me I was slightly funny and should give it a go. At the time, future stars like Dane Baptise, Harriet Kemsley, Sindu Vee, Tom Ward, etc. were starting out and it was so inspiring to see how they grew and developed. I am inspired by my life and interactions that I have with people day-to-day. Also I’m inspired by life in general and how I grow as a person.
How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?
I am an only child, so I always wanted to make my parents proud, especially my mother but I had a passion for dance when I was a child and would always dance. I grew up on a council estate in South London and despite some of the negatives that I witnessed I always wanted to see the positives, but being torn between getting a good education and job versus my passion for dance. In the end I’ve managed to do both.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
My earliest art memory would be watching Smash Hits Poll Winners Party and learning a Janet Jackson routine – for me dance was art and a great way of expression.
If you didn’t have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
Well if I didn’t have either of my current jobs I would probably be teaching dance I think – or even being a psychologist.
Did Covid-19 change the way you create work? Do you approach shows with a
different mentality now?
Covid-19 made me appreciate sleep. But also made me realise that it’s ok to take a break and get re-energise. I work a lot and as a result don’t get to do things like normal people do cause I work day and night, like see friends, go on dates, even watch TV sometimes. But I hope the sacrifices pay off.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
What the hell was that?
Do you subscribe to the idea that art should be exempt from ‘cancel culture’?
I think freedom of speech is important but at the same time we should take into consideration the purpose of what someone is saying and whether it’s offensive or making a significant point. I always try and word whatever I want to say in a way that it’s not going to be offensive to anyone so people can understand the point I’ve made. I’ve been called racist before by white cis people and that has been triggering.
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick
and why?
It’s really random but I would love to work with Triple H from WWE. I think he has such a passion for wrestling and would love to understand the craft it takes to be a successful wrestler; from the trash talk,to the entrance music to the actually in ring craft. I love wrestling and I find the art of it fascinating.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the
fringe?
Have a few years’ experience performing and go and experience the Fringe before you do your show. This will not be my first year at the Fringe but it will be my debut. But I went up to watch shows and even perform because I wanted to understand the function of the Fringe and to scout venues and see how I as a performer can best fit into the Fringe. The Fringe will need stamina so people have to be prepared.
When and where can people see your show?
The Life of the Party will be at The Pleasance (Below) at 8.25pm
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
You can following me on Instagram @twix_choc87 or on twitter @sikisacomedy
Sikisa’s debut stand up show ‘Life Of The Party’ will be at the Pleasance Courtyard Below at 8.25pm for the month of August for tickets go towww.edfringe.com
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