© Dave McGrath
Njambi McGrath is an incredibly powerful stand up performer because her comedy comes from a deeply personal place and she is able to turn it into something creatively stimulating and, of course, funny. Having grown up in Kenya, Njambi presents an insight into a completely different and unknown culture for many a Britain-born audience member, and this, for me, is what makes stand up comedy refreshing and exciting. McGrath brings her latest show 1 Last Dance with My Father to this year’s Edinburgh Festival.
To find out more about Njambi, I asked her these seven questions…
1) What aspect of performing do you look forward to most each day?
Standing in front of the audience and actually hearing them and seeing them laugh. It’s a drug for my soul.
2) What makes you feel complete?
Seeing or hearing appreciation for my creating is the biggest validation in life. It gives life meaning.
3) Do you more often say ‘yes’ or ‘no’?
I generally tend to say yes unless it goes against my principles, in which case its a big no!
4) What is your most annoying habit?
Eating. I am a creature of habit. I have to eat porridge every morning and drink earl grey even when I am home in Kenya. I usually carry them in my bag.
5) Do you find the Edinburgh Festival more welcoming or intimidating?
I love Edinburgh festival and the craziness of it all. Anything goes; drama students dressed as trees or an African acrobat being paraded around in a bucket and no one bats an eyelid.
6) If you could begin your life again, would you?
Yes I would, but i don’t think i would do anything differently.
7) Who has your undying respect?
Nelson Mandela, and black jazz musicians who made it in America.