The comic speaks to DIVA ahead of her highly anticipated Edinburgh Fringe debut
BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGE BY SARAH HARRY-ISAACS
Edinburgh Fringe is right around the corner and this year’s line-up features the incredible Kemah Bob. The comedian is a self-described “pansexual bottom who falls for the worst people” and is sure to provide ab-building laughter every time she takes to the stage. Kemah has a bold and sharp voice with a captivating delivery. Her debut show Miss Fortunate is a certified must-see at this year’s Fringe.
We got the chance to speak with the comic ahead of her highly anticipated Fringe debut, here’s what she had to say…
DIVA: How are you feeling in the lead-up to your Edinburgh Fringe debut?
Kemah: I’m excited to be creating a show I’m really proud of. This process has allowed me to explore my voice as a comedian, my agenda as an artist and my purpose as a person. Sounds kind of wanky but I think our stories and experiences can be our most valuable possessions. I’m looking forward to sharing mine.
What kind of people is your show Miss Fortunate for?
This show is for everyone who’s ever fucked up, but especially my fellow neuro-spicy weirdos and people who’ve had it hard in pursuit of a softer life.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I really enjoyed hosting the aftershow for It’s A Sin on Channel 4. For those who may not recall, It’s A Sin followed a queer group of friends as they navigated the HIV/AIDS epidemic of the 1980s.
It was so long ago, but it’s still the job that feels most representative of what I think my comedic gifts are meant to be used for. To shed light into darkness and bring levity to complicated subjects without trivializing them. Which is what I hope my show does too.
I see a lot of UK comedians trying to migrate to the US, what has it been like for you doing it the other way around?
Well I didn’t move to the UK for comedy. I moved to London to get a Masters’s degree in TV production, find myself and figure out what I wanted to do with my life – and I definitely found it. It’s been a beautiful eight years and I’m so grateful to UK audiences for embracing me. Still not a fan of the climate, weather wise or politically, but I’m having a great time. I wish everyone who’s brave enough to leave everything they’ve ever known for new shores the absolute best of luck.
I loved getting to see you perform at Bi Pride UK. Does the energy of the crowd differ at all when you perform at LGBTQIA events and spaces?
There’s always an inherent kinship, familiarity and sense of safety that comes from being in community, especially with other people of color and queer people. There are more inside jokes to be shared and less explaining to do. Some of my greatest joys on stage come from performing at queer events.
Kemah Bob will be making her Edinburgh Fringe debut with Miss Fortunate from 31 July – 26 August. Tickets available: tickets.edfringe.com.
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