Njambi McGrath: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019
Who? Njambi McGrath
What? Accidental Coconut
Where? Just The Tonic at Marlin’s Wynd – Just The Wyndy Room (Venue 296)
When? 16:05
What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?
It’s always exciting when I hear the thud at the door and the directory lands on my welcome mat because that signals that Edinburgh is nigh. This is my annual ritual. I wait for a sunny day because there is nothing I love more than sitting in my garden with a cup of tea looking through all the shows. It’s always the same every year as I get halfway slowly panic sets in, that my show needs polishing, and that I need more previews. This year is no exception. I am excited, and nervous at the same time.
What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?
My show is about identity hence the title Accidental Coconut. It bothered me that someone took the trouble to find a racial slur that describes a brown person who thinks white and my show questions the notion whether a black person can truly be of independent mind given the hijacking of the black narrative from slavery and colonialism. This is in juxtaposition with Brexit as the British people wrestle with identity and how our two worlds collide having being born in an ex-colony.
What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?
Getting enough previews to do the whole show is always problematic.
Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?
The issues still remain the same, every year for rentals get even more expensive and every year affordability becomes even more questionable. I guess this is still my view.
Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?
I do. There are a few Africans at the Fringe this year so go see Daliso Chaponda and Loyiso Gola.
Where would you like to be in a year’s time?
Doing a Netflix special.
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR NJAMBI MCGRATH: ‘ACCIDENTAL COCONUT’ HERE
