It is festival season and that means that in the next month there is so many great comedy festivals to look forward to! This month we are looking at some of the great shows that you can see at the Edinburgh Fringe. So take note because we are going to give you all the information you need for just a handful of some of the great shows happening this year! We have also been able to interview some of the acts that are heading up to the Fringe as well.

Njambi McGrath: Black Black

Location:  Pleasance Courtyard – Baby Grand (Venue 33 )

Dates: Aug 3rd-14th, 16th-28th

Time: 17:50

Price: £13 Concession £12

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/njambi-mcgrath-black-black

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Njambi McGrath a stand up comedian and author of Through The Leopard’s Gaze.

How did you come up with the name of your show that your taking to the fringe?

The night before I got married my English mother in law whispered in my ear ‘when I heard our David was marrying a woman from Africa, I was horrified,’ then she thought she’d offended me and said ‘at least you are not black black’ what a great name for a show.

Tell us all about your show!

Comedian grannies, mud floor comedy clubs, white face audiences, broke aristocrat orgies with angry Afrikaans, soldiers in search of stiffies, African matriarchs objectifying themselves and civil disobedience are the perfect ingredients for mirth. I’m hot on the heels of my comedian grandmother in colonial Kenya.

This is satire with a zing. The ying and yang of historical humour. Mention Kenya, one thinks of tranquil savannas, Attenborough stalking exotic animals and the rest is a fog. Fear not Njambi is to the rescue! This is an hour of political comedy with the connoisseur of Kenyan history.

Have you done the fringe before? What are the key pieces of advice you have been given or would give to new groups or people performing at the fringe. 

Yes, several times. New comics can be excited about being in a space with loads of other comics. One can easily forget the main purpose of being at the fringe is to perform and horn your skill. Remember to take it easy. It’s a marathon and not a sprint. Be focused, disciplined and enjoy yourself. I am sorry to sound like your mother but don’t drink too much.

Favourite one liner you have done in a show and why?

I dated a somali boy, it didn’t work, he was always at sea. It’s simple and cheesy and I love it.

What three items are essential for a successful Fringe? 

Taking a show to the fringe is very expensive. Make sure you spend time writing decent material to make it worth your while and you never know who might be in the audience. Be sure to eat good food because one can be tempted to eat junk all the time. Get some where quiet to sleep.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

The fringe is a hub for global artists. You get to meet and hang out with performers from all round the world. It’s a place to nurture contacts with global promoters. It also grants a comedian plenty of stage time to develop as a comic and such a discipline to captivate people for an hour.

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

Being constantly on adrenaline rush, always wondering whether there will be reviewers in your show. The reviews too. It’s great if they are good and soul destroying if they ravage your show. It feels very personal and can erode your self confidence, but you can’t afford to let negative review hamper your performance

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

When you are flyering, those are the same people who’ll be your audience. Be pleasant and persevere. Remember that if people are not interested in your flyer, don’t be a d***.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Repeat and new audiences who understand my perspective, or those open minded enough to see the world through my lenses.

If people want to find out more about you where can they follow you on social media?

Insta: TheHotAfrica Twitter: Njambi McGrath FB: Njambi McGrath Comedy

And Finally in three words – Why should people come and see the show? 

Fun, funny and thought provoking.