Njambi McGrath is a Kenyan-born, UK-based comedian and author. She was the winner of New Acts of the Year 2019, and has appeared on BBC's New Year International Comedy Show as well as Saturday Live by BBC Radio 4. She is now bringing Accidental Coconut to the Fringe 2019, and her aspiration is to perform on every continent. Her show is running as part of the Free Fringe.
What or who inspires your work most?
Inspirational people are like stepping stones in a world full of chaos and dysfunction. Amongst them are rare gemstones that stand out, and my all-time favourites are Robin Williams, Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and Trevor Noah. There are also great unsung heroines like Winnie Mandela and Wangari Maathai, who are both inspirational and visionary. My quest for knowledge and explanations for happenings around me continues to inspire my work.
Who is your main audience?
I find that my audiences are generally fairly well-educated, people interested in politics, and people who see the world from different perspectives. My material is for people who like their pre-existing ideas to be challenged.
How would you describe your professional journey thus far, and where do you expect your career to go?
My journey has been the biggest experiment. I never dreamed that entertainment would be something I would pursue. It has been difficult, exhilarating, amazing, and sometimes soul destroying, like anything that’s worth having. It has taken me to places I never thought I would go and made me feel depths I never knew existed.
What excites you most?
I love travel, meeting new people, and seeing new things. I love learning about different people of the world and above all, I love discovering new audiences.
What excites you most about the Fringe 2019?
I am looking forward to bringing a thrilling new show to the fringe and reconnecting with people who have been to see me previously. It’s great seeing comedians who live across different continents converging into one place.
Has your cultural background influenced your comedy?
Yes! Being an immigrant living in Britain from an ex-British colony, I can’t help but see things from a different perspective.
What’s the main message you wish to portray?
Sulman Rushdie once said that "Some of what matters most in our lives takes place in our absence." This is the exact definition of my story.
Please describe your Fringe show in five words:
Powerful, educational, funny, sad, and enlightening.
