London-born comedian Ayoade Bamgboye's explosive rise to fame in Edinburgh has left her awestruck. Her debut at the festival last summer marked a turning point in her career, earning her the prestigious Best Newcomer award – a distinction previously won by Harry Hill, Sarah Millican and Tim Minchin. Not only was it a significant milestone for Bamgboye but also made history as she became the first Black woman to claim the title.
The 31-year-old's journey to the top has been anything but straightforward. Growing up in Lagos before moving to a Lake District boarding school, Bamgboye's unique upbringing has influenced her comedy style. Her show, Swings and Roundabouts, is a captivating reflection of this hybrid identity – effortlessly shifting between English and Nigerian accents. The comedian's irreverent humor tackles topics such as British phrases that connote misery and her own experiences with grief.
Bamgboye's comedic voice is unmistakable, marked by a sharp wit and a knack for storytelling. When discussing her creative process, she describes it as a "controlled chaos" – an approach that has allowed her to connect with audiences in new and innovative ways. Her response to traditional comedy influences like Jack Black, Maya Rudolph and Chris Morris only adds to this impression of a bold and innovative comedian.
However, it's Bamgboye's humility and willingness to learn that set her apart from more established comedians. Despite having "never really told the same joke twice" before Edinburgh, she remains open to feedback and mentorship from peers like Jamali Maddix and Lara Ricote. Her dedication to honing her craft is evident in her recent forays into education – cooking up a new set about small talk and crash-coursing comedy.
As Bamgboye embarks on this next chapter of her career, one thing becomes clear: she's only just beginning to explore the possibilities of comedy. With her unique voice, infectious energy and an insatiable appetite for learning, Ayoade Bamgboye is poised to leave a lasting impact on the world of comedy – and we can't wait to see what's next for this exciting new talent.
The 31-year-old's journey to the top has been anything but straightforward. Growing up in Lagos before moving to a Lake District boarding school, Bamgboye's unique upbringing has influenced her comedy style. Her show, Swings and Roundabouts, is a captivating reflection of this hybrid identity – effortlessly shifting between English and Nigerian accents. The comedian's irreverent humor tackles topics such as British phrases that connote misery and her own experiences with grief.
Bamgboye's comedic voice is unmistakable, marked by a sharp wit and a knack for storytelling. When discussing her creative process, she describes it as a "controlled chaos" – an approach that has allowed her to connect with audiences in new and innovative ways. Her response to traditional comedy influences like Jack Black, Maya Rudolph and Chris Morris only adds to this impression of a bold and innovative comedian.
However, it's Bamgboye's humility and willingness to learn that set her apart from more established comedians. Despite having "never really told the same joke twice" before Edinburgh, she remains open to feedback and mentorship from peers like Jamali Maddix and Lara Ricote. Her dedication to honing her craft is evident in her recent forays into education – cooking up a new set about small talk and crash-coursing comedy.
As Bamgboye embarks on this next chapter of her career, one thing becomes clear: she's only just beginning to explore the possibilities of comedy. With her unique voice, infectious energy and an insatiable appetite for learning, Ayoade Bamgboye is poised to leave a lasting impact on the world of comedy – and we can't wait to see what's next for this exciting new talent.