Interview with Njambi McGrath, comedian &amp; author

How would you describe your show?

My show is an hour of stand-up. It’s a hilarious exploration about pivotal moments in my life that could have completely quashed me. But somehow I am still standing. The audiences are on a journey of my childhood dreams, of my childhood growing up outcast in post-colonial Kenya and young adulthood in Britain. I explore broken dreams, disappointments and pain of rejection. All my life, I’ve always been other, perfect recipe for stand-up comedy

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 8.

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 2^nd 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.

What is your favourite part of your show?

All of it. But I mainly love the nostalgia because it’s bitter sweet. This is a difficult question because that’s like asking which of my children I love most. All my joke are laboured and birth with great care and tenderness. Unless they bomb in which case they get booted out like out trash.

If your show had a theme song, what would it be and why?

All I could do is cry – Eta Jones

Everybody hurts – R.E.M

What is one thing you hope audiences will take away from your show?

People don’t understand or know the impact colonialism had on Africans. People think colonialism was long time ago. But it’s like Japanese knotweed. Once in the ground, it’s impossible to get rid of. I would like the audience to know that nothing happens in isolation. I’d like the audience to live a day in the shoes of a British subject. History has consequences, and those consequences are me telling colonial jokes.

If you could add a surprise celebrity cameo to your show, who would it be and why?

Ella Fitzgerald. From when I can remember, I have been a great fun of Jazz. I love Ella and never tire of listening to her music. When I am down it cheers me up. Some songs are silly and in the world that we live in today with major problems, silly is good.

Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

Edinburgh fringe is the biggest arts festival in the world. It’s the one place people from round the world can see me.

What differentiates it from other festivals?

It’s literally the biggest and most famous of the festivals. Edinburgh is beautiful and wet. That’s unique.

What is one thing you would change about the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

The cost. It is seriously expensive to go to the fringe. I could have two luxury holiday a year for half the money I spend there.

How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?

The pain of growing in Kenya in a system set up in the colonial era that is aimed at eroding one’s customs in boarding schools that are harsh and unforgiving. Being a black African woman is difficult to beat the stereotype.

What is your favourite thing about performing for a live audience?

It’s like a dance. I lead, they follow, and when it works it’s intricate and beautiful. When the audience is on your side, the camaraderie is real. They feel like they are in your team.

What's the most challenging or unconventional venue you've ever performed in, and how did it impact the overall experience?

I once performed at the England rugby ground. It was me on a pitch surrounded by mainly suited men. Me, an African woman surrounded by rich well-dressed white men in suits looked like an auction. Lol.

What is your favourite thing to do in Edinburgh when you're not performing? How do you relax and look after your mental health?

Edinburgh is brilliant for weight loss. I love walking up and down all the steps and hills. I also love hunging out with other comics. I love the quest of trying to eat healthy.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone thinking about taking a show up to Edinburgh? If you’ve never been before, what would you say has been (potentially) the most useful?

Be you best. You are showcasing yourself to the world. Remember no one cares about the reviews out of the fringe.

When and where can people see your show?