“I’m Kurdish, one of the biggest ethnic communities in the world without an independent country,” Kae Kurd, a rising stand-up comedian, currently touring with his new sharp show, Kurd your Enthusiasm, proudly asserted: “as you can imagine, that provides a very rich repository for anecdotal material! Also being a Muslim, I am a minority within a minority, and never simply identify where I come from on a map. The Kurdistan region is spread across a few international boundaries within the Middle- East including Iran – my country of origin- and Iraq. As a result, to Asians you’re not quite Asian, and though I’ve got lighter skin I’m not quite white, and I’m not an Arab either!” Ultimately of course, Kae’s incredibly niche insights work together with his naturally humorous demeanour to deliver the experience of being an ethnic minority – both the satisfaction and the trappings – in a way that's wonderfully wise and relatable to all.
***
“Humour is definitely a universal salve. Add that to the fact that I do have a very outspoken personality and I can tap into a very diverse audience. I resonate with white audience members because my stories are made accessible, and I’m welcomed by those of ethnic minorities, should I go in for that particular reference, because they understand that I understand!” Indeed, Kae has enjoyed wide success with his own 4oD series, Know your Rights, which discussed “laws surrounding topics such as Drink and Drugs, Stop and Search, Sex, harassment and others” and earned a nomination for the Royal Television Society Awards. But as the young, cultural crusader also added, “the core substance always comes from a very poignant, political place.”Much of his comedy is influenced by his highly unique back-story, where both his parents were refugees who fled the violence of Saddam Hussein’s regime, coming into the UK when baby Kae was only 6 months old. His father was actually a fighter in the opposition. Having then grown up in working-class Brixton, his underrepresented narrative only gained new social layers: “as a comedian I relish the laughter, but what really grabs me is that people are really listening to your viewpoint. That, to me, is comforting. I love to be able to genuinely connect to people of different ethnicities and backgrounds drawing from one, single personal truth. Kurd your Enthusiasm is all very topical. I talk about my origins as well as local developments such as the increasing gentrification of my home-ground, Brixton. It’s important that the grittiness shines through in a positive way. I will always need to talk about current affairs so what better way than to start within my own, uncensored self?” Thus Kae not only embraces his highly influential profession, but conscionably crafts a social platform to affect change in the more verbal fighting ground of the west: “I do compare my life to that of my parents who by my age were powerful activists,” the comedian aptly emphasised.
What are the main themes of Kurd Your Enthusiasm?
Immigration, integration and racism.
Do you have a unique style of humour?
I’m able to play to a lot of different audiences. A lot of comedians are scared of branching out into unexplored topic areas- that’ll never be me.
What insights elicit the best responses as a Kurd?
A lot of our struggles, especially for people of minority backgrounds, are similar. So it’s communicating just that. If you can tap into a sensibility where everyone finds you funny, that’s an accomplishment. I do find that doing voices and impersonations help audiences relax into it too.
Do you have a favourite comedian?
In terms of my style, Chris Rock is very similar and a very big influence. There are always messages to his shows; he makes good points while jazzing it up. I make outlandish statements in my show too. I relate to those who really enjoy challenging their audiences. Dave Chappelle is another favourite.
And Do you straddle the line between the controversial and what people are expecting?
My first few jokes really set the tone, so if you’re easily offended you’ll soon find out! I couldn’t play it safe. I do have opinions, and for me to repress myself in such a free art form would be ridiculous. And I do think stand up comedy is one of the few expressional mediums where you can say whatever you want. It is changing as people become more sensitive; the media filters performances, but live shows allow for that unfiltered personality to come through.
Can you tell us a bit more about your personal journey into comedy?
When I was growing up, I was always very much into comic speaking, but it’s not really a career path you immediately follow. I remember watching the Canadian Indian comedian Russell Peters talking about when he was younger - his dad told him ‘you’ll never make it because there’s no one like you on television,’ and he replied: ‘no, dad that’s exactly why I will.’ That really resonated with me. It wasn’t until I graduated that I really got into comedy nights, now transitioning into broader rooms across the country.
What are some of your proudest moments?
Being able to perform at the Hackney Empire to 1,500 people, and at so many prestigious venues: Royal Festival Hall, Bloomsbury Theatre. I’ll also never forget the first time I got paid to do stand up. It was surreal– I was finally getting paid to tell a joke.
What’s been the Hardest part?
It is a lonely industry; only those who really love it will succeed. You’ve got to have tough skin – there’ll be times when people don’t like your jokes and you’re just playing to silence. A lot of young people nowadays see you Tubers putting up their stuff and think it’s so easy.
Are there Political figures you like poking fun at?
Not necessarily with malice, but Nelson Mandela and Nigel Farage. For me, it’s more about playing with voices and accents. I like creating a character using my voice.
For young comedians starting out, do you have advice for sensing that you’re doing well?
Generally, if strangers say you’re doing well that’s a good. When you’re new, half your job is to make people like you and identify your fans. So be funny and original, and be prepared and write a lot! Be resilient too. If you’re using this to get rich quick – forget it.
Finally, do have a personal motto?
Before I go on stage, I repeat to myself: I’m funnier than Eddie Murphy.