Watch Njambi McGrath: Breaking Black

Njambi McGrath: Breaking Black is a stand-up comedy documentary that dives into the life and experiences of Njambi McGrath, a Kenyan-born British comedian. Directed by Simon J. Riley, the documentary follows McGrath from her childhood in Kenya to her rise as a comedian in the UK. The film offers a look into the challenges McGrath has faced as an immigrant in the UK and the ways in which she has used humor to cope with social issues like racism, sexism, and cultural differences.

The documentary opens with a powerful, unfiltered monologue from McGrath who introduces herself as a comedian who uses humor as a tool to grapple with societal challenges. She shares her painful experiences of growing up in a patriarchal society in Kenya where women were not allowed to speak up or challenge powerful men. In her teens, she migrated to London in pursuit of a better life and freedom from the conservative culture of her homeland.

McGrath's journey in the UK was not without its challenges. As an immigrant and a black woman, she faced racial discrimination, xenophobia, and a cultural divide that compelled her to fit in a white-dominated society. Through humorous anecdotes, she narrates awkward situations she found herself in, such as mistakenly wearing a burka to her first job interview or being asked if she has pet lions in Kenya.

As the film progresses, viewers get a glimpse of McGrath's rise to comedic stardom after she decided to take up stand-up comedy in a bid to overcome her shyness. Covered in nostalgic animation as she recounts her first gig, it's clear that McGrath is a gifted storyteller with a knack for comic timing. Her comedy routines tackle a variety of societal issues, including the immigrant experience, mental health, and racism, and are laced with the personal anecdotes that have made her a unique phenomenon.

The documentary also delves into the ways in which McGrath's African upbringing has influenced her comedy style. She shares stories of her grandmother, who passed down stories and legends of African culture to her, which she uses as inspiration for her comedic skits. Still, even as she finds humor in African culture, she also confronts the stereotypes that come with it, including the condescending notion that Africa is a monolithic country with no diversity.

The documentary also features interviews with some of the UK's prominent comedians, such as Gina Yashere and Stephen K Amos, who attest to McGrath's comic talent and discuss the challenges of being a comedian today. From the cut-throat industry to the sensitive audience attitudes in a politically correct era, the comedians share their thoughts on the challenges that affect the industry and each comedian's individual experiences.

Overall, Njambi McGrath: Breaking Black is an inspiring and hilarious documentary that shines a light on a unique talent that has emerged out of the UK comedy scene. McGrath's journey is not only a story of personal triumph, but it's also a testament to the power of comedy as a tool for resistance and social commentary. It's a must-see film that will appeal to anyone interested in stand-up comedy, social justice, and African culture.

Njambi McGrath: Breaking Black is a 2018 art house & international movie with a runtime of 57 minutes.