Njambi McGrath, is a multi-faceted Kenyan born writer-comedian who has achieved critical acclaim for her sharp wit on BBC Radio 4 and electrifying performances at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Now, she unveils her debut novel ‘Rinsing Mũkami’s Soul,’ a poignant tale set against Kenya’s backdrop. Through the eyes of Mũkami, McGrath explores themes of resilience and identity, inviting readers on a journey filled with laughter, tears, and profound introspection …
Please introduce yourself …
Njambi McGrath is a stand-up comedian, author and political commentator.
Describe your life right now in a word or a sentence …
I am doing everything I love.
You discovered you were funny when?
I didn’t know I could be a comedian until someone suggested it.
Telling your parents you were going to be a comedienne was like …?
My parents didn’t understand it. They had no concept of what it was so they were puzzled.
Where the UK and Kenya collide – growing up in Kenya and evolving in the UK how has that shaped your perspective?
Kenya and the UK has a shared history. Britain colonised Kenya and the effects of that was my childhood. We were forced to speak English and punished if you didn’t, so I spoke English from a young age. Our curriculum was British, and our history and literature was all British. My evolution living in Britain has been in the last few years about discovering my culture and identity.
After a successful comedic career, why was now the time to write a book?
I had to write my first book, a memoir Through The Leopard’s Gaze. This was I guess to exorcise my demons of a traumatic childhood. Through that process, I learnt I could write and I felt I had stories to share of life in Kenya.
We have the synopsis, but what is Rinsing Mũkami’s Soul about from your perspective?
It’s about a young girl Mũkami, a conscientious student with big ambitions. Living in a compound in dysfunctional post-colonial Kenya, a country is still finding itself. She has an unfortunate meeting with a bad boy who turns her world upside down. She’s now expelled from two schools and is in search of a safe abortion in a country grappling with Victorian laws that forbids abortion. This is all against a backdrop of a community under threat. Land stolen of the people by British settlers was never returned but sold off to politicians and their cronies or to multinationals so few feel the benefits of independence. Communities like where Mũkami lives are under threat and always a looming homelessness.
Which came first, the character or the plot?
Actually, this book is a spin-off. During lockdown down, I wrote a yet to be published book about a dysfunctional compound called the Ministry of Works. Each of the characters are distinctive and Mũkami’s spoke to me with an urgency I couldn’t ignore, and so the book was born. I felt she deserved her own story. Her story is familiar, afflicting many girls in Kenya. Growing up, I heard of countless girls who had died or permanently injured by unsafe abortions so it felt right to have Mũkami go through this.
The book tackles potential rape, abortion consideration, prostitution – quite intense themes is this a ‘serious’ book or do you weave your comedy through the narrative?
Even in the grimmest scenarios, there’s humour to be found. The book deals with serious themes but there are quite a few laugh out loud moments. Mũkami has a way of seeing the world and just because something bad is happening doesn’t take away humorous scenarios. The comedy in the book is not intended. It just presents itself and I go with it.
Highs, lows, solutions …
Writing is a big financial and time commitment. It requires self belief that someone will want to read the book and even better, publish it. One needs to have tunnel vision and not allow negativity or self-doubt to derail the whole project. The highest moment in this journey was when I walked out of my publisher’s office with a two book deal!
Without spoilers what’s your favourite moment in Rinsing Mũkami’s Soul?
When Mũkami decides to take revenge I’d say is a great part. It’s difficult to choose which part I’m most proud of but I guess it was when I realised that the book came to a natural end and the loose ends were tied up.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
If not this, then what?
A singer. I love singing and my dream was to sing. There’s just one problem with that and that’s my voice. I can’t sing.
What’s made you Sad, Mad, Glad this week?
Sad and Mad, the news of innocent people suffering for ideological reasons or capitalist ideals. Glad I am writing this sat by the pool in Dubai.
What are you watching right now?
Grizelda on Netflix.
What are you reading right now?
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang.
The last thing you saw on stage?
Belly dancers and fire eaters.
What’s on your bucket list?
Visit Namibia and see the Milky Way.
Where’s your happy place?
In amazing gardens in hot places.
Celebrate someone else …
Sinead O’Connor. I never appreciated just powerful she was in advocating for those who were abused or oppressed.
Celebrate yourself …
At 13 years, I was the victim of a violent attack which left me for dead. I walked all night to flee from my tormentor; my father. My life was tough and I worked hard to get to a place where I am comfortable and living as a comedian and author.
Whose footsteps are you following in?
Every journey is unique so I guess it’s default to have just one person. I revere people who have the courage to speak up against oppression or exploitation.
What’s Next?
Working on my next book and writing a new comedy hour to take to the fringe.
Where can we find you?
TikTok/Facebook – Njambi McGrath Comedy. X and Instagram – Njambi McGrath.
Where can find your latest work?
You can see my solo show live at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. Watch my past comedy specials on Next Up.
Listen to my BBC Radio Series Becoming Njambi here, and Black Black here. Read my books Through The Leopard’s Gaze at Jacaranda Books and Rinsing Mũkami’s Soul also at Jacaranda Books.