Kemah Bob: “Men who’ve never done comedy give me bad advice”

‘So many weird thoughts we have are relatable’ … Kemah Bob. Photograph: Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images for UK Black Pride

The comedian and podcaster discusses the appeal of British sitcoms, launching her own club night, and the hottest up-and-coming performers on the scene

What drew you to British comedy?

Probably The Inbetweeners or Skins. I watched a good amount of BBC America when I was growing up in Texas; those programs introduced me to the UK and the term “minge.” Now that I’m here, I’m bummed out that my life doesn’t seem like I spend every day at a secondary school where the students are all insane.

What’s your process for writing new material?

I used to go on stage with only an idea or a single bullet point and try it out. To see whether it progresses. Oh wow, I’ve seen this technique hurt a lot of audience members! These days, I make an effort to be more deliberate and avoid taking anything up there unless I know where it’s going.

Can you remember a gig so bad, it’s now funny?

I was a Los Angeles resident when I began doing stand-up. Before my second ever work, I had three terrible interviews to be a bikini bartender since I was unemployed, lost, and learning comedy with the little money I had. Back then, I didn’t know any jokes, so I simply told the audience about my day. Which I found humorous, but their expressions and stillness made me realize how depressing my day had been.

Best heckle?

I once overheard two white guys conversing as I was performing at a Black History Month event. Since I was already standing on a soapbox, I took advantage of it to declare that they could not talk over a Black lady who was hosting her own program. I don’t mean during Black History Month! never ever! It turns out that one of them was interpreting while the other spoke just Spanish. I requested them to hush since I was startled by how apathetic I had been acting and couldn’t think of a remedy right away. No, they didn’t. It completely distracted me, to be honest. However, they divided.

You created, curate and host the FOC IT UP! Comedy Club. What was the vision of the club?

Creating a platform where comedians of color who aren’t cis males wouldn’t be tokenized and providing spectators with a comedy show where they could receive a heaping spoonful of viewpoints that are often barely sprinkled on lineups were all that was in mind when I began in 2018.

A joy to watch … Fathiya Saleh. Photograph: BBC

Who are some up-and-coming acts audiences should look out for?

Too many to list, but Fathiya Saleh is one that springs to mind. She is hilarious to watch and her sense of humor makes me want to follow her path. Another one is Aisha Amanduri, whose humor is sharp, cutting, and surprising. Krishna Istha, a performance artist turned comic with some genuinely funny things to say, really excites me.

Any bugbears from the world of comedy?

I hate having to de-pedestal all the humorous heroes due of their offensive words or actions. Just like, I’m trying to look up to you, so please stop flashing people your dick!

What’s an important lesson you’ve learned from being a standup?

When we converse, we feel less alone. There are so many strange ideas we have or actions we do that are comparable. Sharing something that seems unique to you and learning that many other people share your perspective may be quite satisfying.

Best advice you’ve ever been given?

To embody who I really am rather than what I believe other people want me to. Additionally, writing the supplied letters out in a circle while playing Countdown will make it simpler for your brain to come up with words than if you write them down in a line. Shoutout to Louise, the kind lady who provided me with that useful suggestion.

Worst advice you’ve ever been given?

Because I get so much awful advice as a woman in comedy, this issue is particularly challenging. mostly from males who have never performed comedy. And I accept it, you know. I accept it all, and see where it has led me. I can only express gratitude to my uninvited advisors. The genuine Kemah Bob, they are.

What are you excited for right now?

I can’t wait to develop and grow! The return of the Femmes of Color Comedy Club, which will be even better than before, excites me. The FOC IT UP! podcast, which is nearing the conclusion of its first season, excites me. I’m enthusiastic about things that I can’t yet talk about due to superstition. But pay attention so you can experience my excitement.

Listen to the FOC IT UP! podcast. Black History Month events run throughout October.

Thanks to Liam Pape at The Guardian whose reporting provided the original basis for this story.